Best Outdoor Yoga Classes In Chicago

There's a lot to love about the city of Chicago — and this time around, we're not talking about the food. From the skyline to the lake, this city is beautiful, no matter what the season. But come the fall months, Chicago comes alive, and nowhere is that more apparent than in the plethora of outdoor fitness classes. Yoga in particular is well-suited to Chicago; take a break from the crazy hubbub of the city by stretching and practicing your yoga even in the thick of the city. These five outdoor classes will inspire and reinvigorate you.

Sun And Moon Beach Yoga
North Ave. Beach
1600 N. Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 669-6422
www.sunandmoonbeachyoga.com

This yoga classroom is located on the North Avenue beach on the shores of Lake Michigan. While they do ask that you register before your first class, you can join any class you want — there's no limit when the beach is your classroom! All classes are focused on Vinyasa Flow, and all can be incredibly inspiring as the waves roll to shore, and as the sun rises or sets. Be sure to follow them on Facebook for any updates on classes.

Chicago S.U.P. Yoga
5800 N. Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60626
(312) 852-9258
www.chicagosupyoga.net

For a yoga class unlike any other, head to Lake Michigan. That's right, this class takes place IN the water, ON a paddleboard! Don't let the paddleboard — aka your new yoga mat — intimidate you, as classes are geared to all levels, from beginners to seasoned paddelboard yogis, with Mary Lou Cerami at the helm. The benefits to paddleboard yoga are many: not only will you reap the usual benefits of yoga, like increased flexibility, but it'll also help with your balance and overall fitness. The class is ACA (American Canoe Association) endorsed and Mary Lou offers classes throughout the summer on select days during the week. Each class lasts 1.5 hours.

Yoga at the Zoo
Nature Boardwalk Peoples Gas Education Pavilion
2001 N Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60614
(312) 742-2000
www.lpzoo.org

Connect with nature, all while enjoying the city skyline, during these yoga classes at Lincoln Park Zoo's nature boardwalk. The adult courses are perfect for both beginners and intermediate skill levels, focus on hatha and vinyasa practices, and with chirping birds and wind blowing through the tree leaves, it's the perfect place to find your zen. For a different kind of yoga experience — albeit just as fun — parents are welcome to bring their tots to the Yoga at the Zoo parent and tot classes; don't be surprised if you do some fun animal poses together! Classes are available through September.

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Yoga Now
742 N. La Salle Drive
Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 280-9642
www.yoganowchicago.com

The River North yoga studio offers a variety of yoga classes, but only one where you can hear the waves crashing onto the Lake Michigan shore while you strike a pose. The class is located on the flat part of Oak Street Beach, near where the beach meets the concrete, and it's the perfect place to catch your breath through the environment and classic teachings of yoga. Beach yoga is limited to nice weather and the summer months, but the rest of their classes are available year-round in their studio.

Millennium Park Summer Workouts
Millennium Park Great Lawn
201 E. Randolph St.
Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 744-5000
www.cityofchicago.org

The only thing better than a free yoga class? Taking part in that class in the beautiful Millennium Park, in the thick of the city but still surrounded by nature. Classes are available on the Great Lawn throughout the summer and into early September every Wednesday (7:30 a.m.) and Saturday (8 a.m.), and all last about 45 minutes.

Related: Best Yoga Classes In Chicago

Elizabeth SanFilippo is a freelance writer, who enjoys trying new foods from all over the world. But her favorite city for culinary treats will always be Chicago. When not blogging about food, she's working part-time at a culinary vacation company, The International Kitchen, based in the Windy City, as well as repping Younique cosmetics and skincare products. Some of her writing can be found at Examiner.com.