This year I've been ‘lucky’ enough to secure a place in the London Marathon and will be running ( plodding ) 26.2 miles for Park Yoga Charity.

My mum and I were inspired to set up Park Yoga after experiencing an outdoor yoga session in Pittsburgh. We made it our mission to bring positive benefits for health, wellbeing and community to the UK through free, outdoor yoga sessions. Starting in Dorset (which is where Park Yoga HQ is) we set up the first Park Yoga sessions in the Summer of 2017. Fast forward to 2024, Park Yoga now operates in over 50 locations around the country.

Park Yoga is a charity that provides free community yoga sessions around the UK.

All are welcome; regardless of age, background or ability.

Park Yoga aims to connect people to the natural outdoors, through a relaxing, energising and breathtaking yoga session, improving wellbeing and creating a positive ripple effect throughout communities.

Want to hear what our participants have to say...

“Park yoga has literally changed my life. It has eased my anxiety and depression calmed my highs improved relationships and helped me lose 21lbs in 6 weeks. Got me out and gave me something to talk about”

“I have been joiningPark Yogs since it began . It’s now my favourite part of the summer . I have anxiety and ADHD . I’ve learned so much from coming to Park Yoga and all the benefits of yoga to keep my mental health in check“

“It is brilliant to connect with nature and focus on the sounds around us like the bird song and feel the sensations like wind, heat of the sun as we stretch and relax. It adds to the power of mindfulness and helps distract from other thoughts”

“I've started something that I've never done before. I have severe depression and going to park yoga helps with my recovery and feel better. My doctor has noticed improvements and it’s something I look forward to every week”

“I have anxiety and depression and it has given me the motivation to get out on a Sunday morning and to take some time to myself. It has made me feel calm”

“This programme has literally changed my life. I visit the park more with the kids. I do yoga at home. My arthritis has gotten better. I'm happier and more relaxed!”

“Last year I was 2 stone overweight, very unfit and depressed. I have lost my weight now as doing yoga inspired me to take better care of my body. This year I had my gall bladder removed and I believe my recovery was far quicker because my body is healthier now. My mind is much calmer and I suffer from less depression”

“It really makes me feel alive! Having all your senses stimulated by being outdoors, it really is very special”

“It's far more liberating than being in a hall, it feels amazing when the sun is shining on you or you can hear the breeze whistling in the trees. I have a hearing aid which means the acoustics in a hall environment make sound unpleasant but outdoors there are no such problems. Outdoor yoga seems far more special and relaxing”

“More calming, fresh air better for breathing, beautiful flowers and trees to look at, better sense of the world around you”

“Doing yoga outdoors is amazing, I am in touch with nature and it is unlike anything or being inside a gym where I feel pressurised and insecure”