Add some flexibility to your usual workout routine by attending a free outdoor yoga class. All are open to participants of any ability level, and some welcome kids, too. Bonus: Most take place in spots with nearby shopping and restaurants. And here’s another tip: In addition to these summer specials, check your nearest library’s event calendar. Many offer free yoga classes for all ages year-round.
FIT @ MET: Wednesday Sunrise Fitness Series
Check the schedule for details about the “class of the week” as this series presented by the DC Fray sports league and National Landing welcomes a new sweat-worthy workout each week through Sept. 27. Next up at 8 a.m. on July 19 is an hourlong class with an instructor from CorePower Yoga, a nationwide chain with six locations in Northern Virginia. Or try the high-intensity interval training class with Orangetheory Fitness Pentagon City on July 26. No experience necessary, but registration is recommended. // Metropolitan Park, 133 S. Fair St., Arlington (National Landing)
Sunset Yoga at Potomac Yard
More of a night owl? Arlington yoga studio Mind Your Body Oasis offers weekly classes in vinyasa sequencing, breath awareness and meditation on Sundays from 7 to 8 p.m. through Aug. 27. Each month brings a new theme. After bending and twisting your way through the class, enjoy a brief relaxation session. // National Gateway II Building, 3550 S. Clark St., Arlington (Potomac Yard)
Boot Camp Lunchtime Pop-Up
Victor Carcamo, senior operations director at the Rosslyn Business Improvement District, moonlights as a fitness coach during this 30-minute high-intensity interval training class July 27 at noon. Although it’s not a yoga class, attendees may want to bring a mat for comfort. // Gateway Park, 1300 Langston Blvd., Arlington (Rosslyn)
Yoga Series at The Boro
Taught by yogis from Honest Soul Yoga, which has studio locations in Falls Church and West Springfield, these 45-minute classes meet outdoors at 6 p.m. every other Wednesday through Sept. 27. Suitable to all abilities, the classes are a classic power flow. Registration is available on The Boro’s website. While you’re at it, maybe sign up to try a free barre class with Barre Unbound, a low-impact total body workout that’s part strength training, part ballet barre. Or try Outrun Gravity’s free weight boot camp, a high-energy class with modifications available for any exerciser. // Boro Park, 8350 Broad St., McLean (Tysons)
Yoga in the Park
Get your zen on with yoga classes in Mosaic District’s Strawberry Park. Led by local fitness pros in partnership with Lululemon, the sessions take place Sundays from 9 to 10 a.m. through Sept. 1 and Tuesdays 6 to 7:30 p.m. through Sept. 5. Bring the whole family, but be sure to keep kiddos close as you flow. Arrive 15 minutes early to sign a liability waiver and snag a spot on the turf. Remember to bring a mat, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, bug spray and anything else you need to stay comfortable outside. // 2905 District Avenue, Fairfax (Mosaic)
Free Outdoor Yoga at Caboose
Follow along with instructors from CorePower Yoga Merrifield as they guide you through classes at Caboose Commons, a coffee house and beer garden with a dog- (and apparently yoga-) friendly patio in the Mosaic District. The series of three classes takes place at 10 a.m. The next one is July 23 with a focus on vinyasa flow, followed by Yoga Sculpt Bodyweight on Sept. 17 and a vinyasa/meditation class on Oct. 1. // 2918 Eskridge Road, Fairfax (Mosaic)
Outdoor Yoga with Mind the Mat
Presented by George Mason University’s University Life Mason Square and led by instructors from Mind the Mat in Alexandria and Arlington, this hourlong class is available Mondays at 5 p.m. and Wednesdays at 6 p.m. through Aug. 9. According to the website, expect to experience “a sense of fluid physical motion” by moving energetically through yoga postures. Another option is the HAWT (Having a Wonderful Time) Pilates class, “a mix of the hottest moves and hottest music,” on Thursdays at 6 p.m. through Aug. 17. All levels and abilities are welcome to all of the classes. // Mason Square Plaza, 3351 Fairfax Drive, Arlington (Virginia Square)
Fit at the Farmers Market
In Falls Church, try free outdoor classes one Saturday a month at 9 a.m. through Oct. 21. Organized by the Falls Church Recreation and Parks Dept., the classes are offered in partnership with local fitness studios. The Aug. 19 class is still to be determined, but Sept. 16 features a flow class with Falls Church studio Karma Yoga. That session promises to give participants a taste of Karma’s variety of classes and yoga styles. // 300 Park Ave., Falls Church City
Cool Yoga
For the 10th year in a row, Cool Yoga founder Maureen Clyne and Jo Kwong, a local instructor, are offering weekly outdoor yoga classes at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays through Aug. 23. No previous yoga experience necessary. // 1900 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria (Del Ray)
Goat Yoga in Arlington
OK, this one costs $40 for a ticket, so it’s not free. But hey, it’s goats. Goats that climb on you as you move through your asanas (poses) and may even snuggle up afterward. Happening Aug. 6 from 12:30-1:30 p.m., the event is BYO mat, led by Arlington-based instructor Beth Wolfe and open to children 10 and older who are comfortable with animals. Wolfe will also lead two Yoga with Kittens sessions on Aug. 17 to benefit the Animal Welfare League of Arlington, which is currently at capacity. // Faith Lutheran Church, 3313 Arlington Blvd., Arlington (Ashton Heights)