The backyard is often a home’s private space for refuge and relaxation. Of course, this means something different for every homeowner. Some want an entertainment space where they can host barbecues and watch the kids play. Others desire a sanctuary for a quiet, private hideaway from the outside world.

For the yoga devotees of the world, you can design your backyard as a place to create positive energies, practice, meditate, and soak up the benefits of a regular yoga practice.

If you’re a yogi who envisions your yard as a space for tranquility and awareness, there are three steps you can take to create your very own backyard yoga oasis.

Step 1: Declutter

It will be impossible to relax if your outdoor space is full of clutter. Take the time to throw away or donate any unused items such as old flower pots, toys, and lawn tools. Use this opportunity to pull obnoxious weeds, clear dead leaves, and trim your bushes. 

Once you have a clean slate, it will be easier to envision your ideal outdoor yoga space.

Step 2: Select A Space For Your Yoga Practice

The best space in your backyard for your yoga-scape is one where you feel comfortable and can stretch out without bumping into any walls, plants, or outdoor furniture. Try to maneuver the items in your backyard to create as much empty space as possible. Then, you can start to decorate and mold the space into your personal zen garden. Consider adding plants to the surrounding area to feel more in tune with nature.

Some other things to consider when you are searching for the perfect place in your backyard include:

• Access to shade

• A flat space to practice

• No hanging lights or plants that would interrupt your flow

Step 3: Add Elements To Stimulate Your Senses And Create Comfort

Now comes the fun part—dressing up your space to create the perfect haven for your yoga practice. Here are some elements you can include to this outdoor setting:

Zen Garden

A Zen garden doesn’t have to be large to be effective. In fact, these gardens are supposed to be miniature, minimalist landscapes.¹ You’ll need white gravel, some larger rocks, and sand. Some also incorporate very small plants, but they aren’t necessary. 

The zen garden is meant to bring harmony to modern busy lives through nature. Adding a zen garden will help remind you of yoga’s primary focus—the relationship between your body and nature.

Plants

One of the benefits of outdoor yoga is that natural scenery can heighten awareness of your surroundings. Looking at something beautiful also releases endorphins. With time and patience, you’ll find you can focus and be more present during your outdoor yoga practice.² A few plants to consider for your outdoor yoga space include:

• Grass and moss – Having grass or moss under your feet is refreshing and comfortable. A built-in soft surface means you don’t need to drag your mat outside. It is also gentler on tired feet.³ 

• Ornamental trees and bushes – Enhance the peacefulness and tranquility of your alfresco yoga studio by incorporating potted bonsai, Japanese maples, and evergreen shrubbery. These will also help give you some privacy.

• Flowers – While you don’t want to go overboard with flowers as the scent can be overwhelming, a few colorful choices will beautify your space and attract beneficial pollinators to your backyard.

• Ivy and vines – If you have stone walls in your yoga-scape, ivy and creeping vines are a wonderful way to decorate them to create a serene, natural feeling setting.

Running Water

The sound of running water is soothing and can help you reflect and relax. A small, stone yard fountain or a large, complex water feature can both give you the comforting sound of a flowing stream. If you have the space to add a fountain, water is a perfect addition to your yoga practice.

If you can’t add a fountain or other water feature, you can still get a similar effect with a small speaker or even your cell phone. There are many applications that you can use to play soothing water sounds while you practice. 

Shade

You want to be comfortable in your yoga-scape so you’ll need shade to protect you from the sun. Trees are one way to create shade in your space. Try nestling your yoga-scape between taller trees to maximize the shade. 

You can also incorporate an awning, canopy, or pergola nestled among your plants and other yoga-scape elements. 

Stone Wall

Installing a natural stone wall creates seclusion for peace of mind and self-awareness during your practice. Not only will exterior stone walls provide privacy but the structures will also enhance your landscape with elegance and allure. 

There are a few things to consider when you select the type of stones you use for your wall, such as marble or granite. Reclaimed stones have an organic feel. If you want the wall to feel like it has always been a part of your garden, then using reclaimed stones might be a good choice.

You can also use uncut stones, like fieldstone, to build a stone wall. Their natural form will give you a wall with imperfections that blend with nature. Adding ivy or creeping vines will enhance the connection of nature to the built environment in your space.

Let Materials Marketing Help You Design The Yoga-Scape Of Your Dreams

When you’re ready to create the perfect backyard space for your yoga practice, a professional can help you ensure it’s crafted perfectly. Materials Marketing has high-quality natural stone products to meet all of your yoga-scape needs. They also have design specialists to bring your ideas to life.

Whether it’s flagstone for a wall, a breathtaking fountain, or other stone elements for your space, Materials Marketing can help. Contact them today to get started on your special outdoor yoga space. 

Why stop there? Continue your outdoor living renovation by upgrading your pool. Need assistance with how to pick pool tile? Perhaps you’re looking for a more unique look and are interested in dimensional tile. Regardless of your design needs, we’ve got you covered! 

Sources: 

1. S.F. Gate. What is the Purpose of a Japanese Zen Garden? https://homeguides.sfgate.com/purpose-japanese-zen-garden-84717.html

2. Yoga Journal. 4 Ways Practicing Yoga Outdoors Enhances It. https://www.yogajournal.com/lifestyle/4-reasons-science-suggests-practicing-yoga-outdoors-enhances/

3. Women’s Health Magazine. 6 Tips for Bringing Your Yoga Practice Outside. https://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/a19895411/outdoor-yoga/

4. WebMD. The Health Benefits of Yoga. https://www.webmd.com/balance/guide/the-health-benefits-of-yoga