The International Day of Yoga, celebrated on June 21, saw millions of yogis converge for free classes in New York City's Times Square and throughout the world. Disappointed you didn't take advantage? Don't sweat it: Free and cheap classes across the country are taking yoga out of the studio and into the public square this summer.
For free yoga in St. Louis, head to Ballpark Village, near the Cardinals' Busch Stadium. One-hour classes taught by local instructors are offered on select Wednesday nights and Saturday mornings through October. If you're lucky, you might win a yoga tank from Lululemon.
This event at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre near Denver attracts up to 2,000 participants. They breathe in fresh mountain air and enjoy an awe-inspiring view from the tiers of the open-air venue. Classes happen on Saturdays for four weeks beginning July 25. Although they cost $12 each, a season pass is $38 (less than $10 a class).
Can't get enough sun and ocean waves? Practice beach yoga in Santa Monica on Saturday and Sunday mornings all year round. The classes cost $15, but it's a small price to pay compared with high-end studios. LA Weekly and Los Angeles magazine have named Beach Yoga with Brad among their "Best of LA."
Millennium Park in Chicago is the site of free yoga classes on Wednesday and Saturday mornings in the summer, through Sept. 5. In Austin, Texas, instructors from local studios conduct free outdoor classes at four area parks. The options include family yoga at Wooldridge Square Park on Sunday mornings, July 19 and August 16.
Lululemon offers more than just $90 yoga pants. Many stores across the U.S. and Canada host community yoga classes. To see if a location near you is participating, search on the retailer's site by ZIP code and click on community events. In New York, for example, there are weekly classes at the Union Square location on Sunday mornings.
If you live near West Hollywood, join a donation-based yoga class at Runyon Canyon. Yelp reviews rave about the peaceful atmosphere, friendly instructors, and challenging classes. There are three or four every day -- check the Runyon Canyon Yoga Facebook page for updates and a full schedule.
Moksha Yoga Center holds free candlelight yoga classes on Chicago's lakefront as part of full moon celebrations on July 1 and July 30. Mats are provided, although they're first come, first served. The classes are followed by a Full Moon Fire Jam with drumming and fire dancing.
YOGA AT SUNSET On Delray Beach in Florida, yoga enthusiasts of all levels and ages -- including kids -- gather on Sundays and select Wednesday evenings for sunset yoga. This is a gentle 75- to 90-minute practice, weather permitting. A $10 to $15 donation is suggested.
There's free yoga every day of the week at Race Street Pier in Philadelphia. Participants are welcome to practice their downward dogs with their pets or their kids on the Delaware River waterfront. Classes run through the end of October.
Outdoor store REI combines hiking and yoga in trail yoga classes on the Atlanta BeltLine. The classes are free and held on Monday and Wednesday evenings. Area yoga studios also offer free and donation-based classes, including yoga for families, in Atlanta Beltline parks.