The term walking yoga here describes a format combining walking and moments of yoga. Here is how to understand this combination and prepare an outing for the location, your experience and any directions from an instructor-led class.
What is walking yoga?
Walking yoga (or yoga walk) is a hybrid practice that combines:
- Mindful walking at a pace chosen for the route
- Yoga postures and stretches, integrated during the walk
- Attention to breathing while walking
The format can alternate, without a fixed prescribed duration:
- Phases of fluid walking with attention to breath
- Breaks with postures chosen for the class and your experience
- Resuming walking
The expression describes this combination; it does not name a single protocol or a class identical across instructors here.
Why choose this format?
Several preferences can inform this choice:
1. Choose another setting
You may prefer a walking route and outdoor breaks to a class entirely indoors.2. Give the outing an intention
Attention to your steps or the landscape can give the outing a focus. Choose a location you enjoy and arrange breaks with the instructor.3. Arrange time outdoors
An instructor-led class can explain the route, equipment and planned breaks. Ask about them before travelling.Five aspects of the experience
| Aspect | To observe |
|---|---|
| Walking | Chosen pace and route |
| The setting | Landscape, footfall and weather |
| Breaks | Planned postures and space available |
| Arrangements | Times, travel and belongings to take |
| Your experience | Ease and wish to repeat the outing |
Prepare an outing to adapt
1. Prepare to leave
Choose a route and clothing for the weather. For a class, check the meeting point and requested equipment.2. Begin walking
Start at a pace that suits you and adapt the route to your outing and any class directions.3. Prepare space for a break
Before postures, consider:- Available space
- Ground condition and slope
- How busy the location is
- Equipment specified by the instructor
- Class directions and adaptations
4. Resume the route
Resume walking according to the chosen route and directions. Adapt the duration to your outing.5. Review during a break
- Does the outfit still feel comfortable?
- Is the planned equipment sufficient?
- Does the route match your expectations?
6. Finish the outing
Arrange your return and note what you would keep or change for another outing.Where to practice?
Locations to consider :
- Urban parks (Buttes-Chaumont, Bois de Boulogne, Parc Borély…)
- A forest route with access and conditions you know
- Seaside / lakes if access and route are suitable
- Country paths with a route you know
To consider :
- Footfall and space for breaks
- Route condition and permitted access
- Times, weather and return
The ideal outfit for walking yoga
Specifics versus studio yoga:
Bottoms
- Full-length leggings or loose flowing high-waisted pants
- A layer chosen for the day's weather
- A colour you enjoy wearing
Top
- Long-sleeved top or cropped sweatshirt (covers arms at the start)
- Light support bra underneath
- Multi-layer system to manage temperature changes
Specific accessories
- Good shoes for the planned walking and route
- Light waterproof jacket that folds into a backpack
- Foldable travel mat if the class and ground call for it
Our advice for beginners
To begin, choose an outing with a route and arrangements that suit you. An instructor-led class lets you learn about planned postures and possible adaptations. Afterwards, note what you enjoyed and what you would change.
