The best outdoor yoga in NYC

Whether you’re a die-hard yogi or a noob searching for vinyasa, folks of all fitness levels are welcome to find Zen beneath the trees at Bryant Park through the end of August. The outdoor hub is hosting its 17th season in partnership with Health magazine. Instructors from yoga studios all over the city teach you how to perfect the poses while you focus on deep breathing. Classes are held at Upper Terrace on Tuesdays morning and the on the Lawn every Thursday evening. Wellness brand Gaiam donates 1,200 mats for folks to use during the class in addition to fitness giveaways. bryantpark.org. Free. 

The green Park Slope yoga studio Bend & Bloom, known for its wind-generated electricity and gratis postclass organic tea, is back with its annual vinyasa series on the park’s expansive Long Meadow. The free event series takes place every Thursday from 7 to 8pm starting June 6 through August 29. bendandbloom.com. Free.

Instructor Yojaida Estrella relies on the meditation-heavy system Kripalu, a branch of hatha yoga, during these beginner-friendly classes. And the setting is apropos: Situated on a knoll between the waterfront and the park’s sculptures, it’s a perfect spot for contemplating the harmonious balance between nature and art. In addition to working with Estrella on Sundays at 10am, take a free class with Jennifer Batson at 9:30am or at 11am with Morgan Miller on Saturdays. One-hour classes begin May 18 and occur every weekend through September 15. socratessculpturepark.org. Free.

Bring your own mat and stake out a spot with waterfront veiws during this outdoor yoga event held at Randall's Island Park. Check the schedule for evening classes starting at 6:30pm at Sunken Meadow Picnic Area. randallsisland.org. Free. 

Work on your sun salutations while taking in the actual sunset at the rooftop farm's Monday evening yoga series at 6.30pm. Bring your own mat and head up to the open-air patio, where Sarah Schumann leads you through a 60-minute, all-levels asana practice. brooklyngrangefarm.com. $20. 

Central Park’s bucolic Sheep Meadow is an official park Quiet Zone, and as such the perfect place for yoga. Vinyasa is offered every Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 11:30am and Hatha Yoga (a.k.a. slower and less intense) is offered Monday and Thursday evening at 6pm. centralpark.com. Class $20, mat rental $2.

Want to perfect your lotus pose without wasting a beautiful day in the city? Head to this Midtown East studio where you can keep up your hatha or vinyasa practice in Yo Yoga!'s outdoor sessions on its private roof deck, whose slightly uneven surface creates an extra challenge for your planks and chaturungas. yoyoganyc.com. $25.