Platte County Parks and Recreation is hosting another Free Pop-Up Yoga in the Park beginning today at 6 p.m. at Platte Ridge Park, 17130 MO Hwy 371 in Platte City. The 11-week events will be offered each Wednesday through Sept. 2.
A short series last summer proved to be so popular and picked up traction as it continued that Parks and Rec chose to bring it back as a longer series this year. Yoga in the park is done all over the Kansas City metro area and is popular with both experienced and new yoga practitioners alike.
The event on Sept. 2 will be held under a full moon so there will be a special full moon night yoga at the last session of the season.
Physical benefits of yoga include improved balance, flexibility, coordination, strength and endurance. Yoga has shown to increase strength, tone and flexibility and can improve respiration/breathing.
“Most people when they think of yoga they think ‘stretchy bendy people,’” Jackie Halloran, Recreation and Marketing Coordinator for Platte County Parks and Recreation said. “Yoga increases body awareness, relieves stress, reduces muscle tension and calms and centers the nervous system. Yoga has many positive benefits on your mental health.”
Halloran said yoga is for all, including kids to seniors and that yoga poses are to be taken at an individual’s own pace and not to be compared to others. “If you can only touch your knees as opposed to the ground, that is okay,” Halloran said.
The popularity of yoga continues to grow and more and more yoga pop-up events are springing up throughout the country. Yoga can be modified for all fitness levels making it a good activity to begin regular exercise.
“People are becoming more aware of the benefits of yoga,” Halloran said. “I do yoga. It helps with my personal well being mentally and physically. I practice yoga in the mornings. It helps me start the day more patient and relaxed. I am also more flexible from practicing.”
The events are also a good way for people to get out during the pandemic, safely distance from others while still feeling a sense of community and take in the benefits of yoga and fresh air while following the Platte County Health Department’s guidelines.
The yoga instructor will be Amy Vance. She has taught yoga on and off for six years and her interest in yoga grew out of her love for teaching nutrition.
“I am excited to meet new people and introduce them to the health benefits of yoga and reconnecting with nature,” Vance said. “Yoga focuses on the person as a whole, it’s not just exercise, it’s a lifestyle to be a kind, caring person and to give back to your community.
She said she is looking forward to teaching in the park because it will give the class the opportunity to reconnect with nature.
“I believe the most beneficial aspect of yoga is the mindfulness one experiences in the practice,” Vance said. “When you practice yoga you focus on breath, movement and being present in the moment. Flexibility, strength and relaxation are another benefit. You are never too old to exercise. I regularly teach older adults yoga and we focus on balance in those classes. Yoga is also a great way to connect with your children and teach them to listen to and respect their bodies.
The event will include all levels flow yoga on the lawn and attendees should bring their own mats or a beach towel if a mat is not available. There are no sign-ups or registrations, it’s just ‘show n’ go.’ Classes start at 6 p.m. and usually last about one hour.
For more information contact Halloran at 858-3419 or email jackie.halloran@co.platte.mo.us