Thank you for your interest in joining a meet-up! Here are answers to frequently asked questions. If you've registered for a meet-up, I will also email you information prior to the event with specific information about what to wear, where to meet, and what to expect.
What is PNW Outdoor Yoga?
PNW Outdoor Yoga is an outdoor meet-up group. We simply gather like-minded folks to hike, practice outdoor yoga, and build community. The meet-ups are open to all (pre-registration is required as space is limited), with an optional donation to support the yoga instruction/meet-up group coordination. I strongly believe the outdoors and yoga should be accessible to all -- so the suggested donation is just that - a suggestion!
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How Hard/Long are the Hikes?
The hikes are generally 2-6 miles round-trip, depending on the meet-up. Some hikes are very easy (short hike, with minimal vertical climb), some are harder hikes with quite a bit of climb/elevation. Many are in the middle.
On each meet-up listing, I describe the hike difficulty and distance/climb. Please read the hike description and decide if it's a good fit for your fitness level. And of course, reach out via email or Facebook if you have any questions about the type of hike, the terrain, or the difficulty.
Also, we are never in a big rush on the hike -- we hike and flow at the pace of the group so that everyone feels supported (and most importantly, have fun!).
What is the Yoga Like?
The yoga portion is generally a 60-minute slow-flow style classes, focusing on mindful movement, stretching, breathing, and connecting to nature. Practicing outdoors is a special experience - the surface isn't 100% flat, we literally salute the sun, we sometimes get a little dirty or sandy or wet, and the sounds and sensations are different than in a studio - it's a wonderful and refreshing experience!
Never done yoga before? No problem. A seasoned yogi? Sweet. The yoga practice is all-levels – designed for beginner and experienced yogis alike. To learn more about me (and my yoga teaching experience), click here.
Sometimes we do the yoga at the mid-way point of the hike, other times it is at the end of the hike. Check the calendar for specifics.
What Should I Bring?
Your own yoga mat, a towel (for under or over your mat, especially if it’s a little wet out), clothes and shoes comfortable for hiking and yoga (layers highly recommended), water, the hiking 10 essentials, and lunch or additional snacks. More tips on what to bring will be emailed out to participants prior to each meet-up.
What if it Rains?
We usually meet-up rain or shine -- it is a magical experience to connect with nature in both cases! However, if it is very stormy, windy, smokey, or other severe/unsafe weather, the meet-up may be rescheduled or cancelled. I do my best to make a decision at least a day (or a few hours) before the meet -up.
What do Donations Support?
The optional meet-up donation goes toward making these meet-ups happen (coordination, yoga instruction, etc). These are not ticketed or commercial events (I am not a hike guide and the fee/donation is not required to attend), rather I am coordinating simple gatherings of like-minded outdoor enthusiasts to hike and practice yoga outdoors together.
I strongly believe the outdoors and yoga should not be cost prohibitive for anyone!
Do I Need to Sign a Waiver?
Yes, please! All meet-up participants are required to sign a waiver to participate in the yoga portion of the meet-up. The hike meet-up and yoga experience are at your own risk. The hike is not a guided hike, we will simply meet-up and hike together. If you signed up online, you've already signed the waiver. I'll also have some printed waivers at the meet-up.
Who Can Come?
The meet-ups are geared for adults and open to all genders. I aim to make each meet-up a welcoming, non-judgmental "mini retreat" for everyone who joins. Mature kids/teens are welcome to attend if they can hike the distance at an adult pace and would enjoy the hour long yoga class.
If you have ANY questions about bringing youth, please reach out and I can help you determine if it's a good fit.
Can I Bring My Dog?
For these meet-ups, please leave your four-legged friends at home. (Service or support dogs are welcome.)
Additional Questions? Reach out directly and I am happy to help.