Yoga practice is different from other kinds of fitness modalities. It’s not about the competition. It’s not about opinions and beauty standards. Yoga is a process of getting to know oneself and a way of living. Anyone can learn and benefit from yoga. No one is too old or stiff or out-of-shape to start, although you do want to find a class that suits your level of experience. There are many styles of yoga.
Due to COVID-19 pandemic, all gatherings as of March 2020 are cancelled. Should we resume activity, they will be conducted outdoors and observe current guidelines established by the World Health Organization and the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Q: What is yoga?
Yoga is a general term that encompasses many practices or techniques that when applied have profound effects on both the physical body and the mind. You move your body through a series of stretches along with using your breath in a specific way.
Q: What are the benefits of yoga?
Many! Read more by clicking here.
- Relaxation and stress relief
- Improves energy and overall emotional and physical health
- Development of concentration and mental clarity
- Self-awareness
- Helps neck strain, back strain, insomnia, and high blood pressure
Q: What do I wear?
You are invited to wear whatever makes you feel comfortable. Think loose or stretchy clothing that also protects you from the elements, example: white long sleeve shirt to prevent sunburn when practicing outside.
Q: What do I need to bring?
Water, your mat, and a sweat towel. Read Yoga Hike below for items specific to outdoor excursions.
Q: What if I’ve never taken yoga before, how do I prepare?
- All you need is your body and your breath.
- Avoid eating heavily 2-3 hours before class.
- Hydrate before, during, and after practicing.
- Arrive early and mention any injuries or conditions that you are currently experiencing. If you feel you are unsure, call 860-323-3560 to discuss your participation before signing up.
- Silence your phone.
- Avoid wearing perfume.
- Abandon the competitive mindset. Start where you are and be kind and loving to yourself. Even though some classes may have a variety of levels in them, you should work at a pace that is appropriate for you.
Q: How do I sign up?
Click here for virtual classes sponsored by Yoga From the Heart in West Hartford, Connecticut or here for yoga hike meet-ups/private yoga.
How do I prepare for a yoga hike?
No yoga, meditation, or hiking experience is needed but you should be in shape to walk at a moderate pace. Trails have ranges of difficulty and length, please don’t hesitate to call and ask questions to decide if a particular outdoor experience is suited to your current state of health.
Hiking poles or walking stick are required due to COVID-19 pandemic. All participants must use them on social distance yoga hikes to determine how far to stand and hike apart from others who do not reside in their residence. Should you not own one, you must notify Nicole upon registration so that one can be sanitized and provided for you to borrow.
Please be aware that state, federal and World Health Organization public health safety guidelines will be strictly followed, should you not wish to comply, you will be asked to leave and not permitted to participate in any future yoga hikes.
Eat a good meal, bring a backpack with water to stay hydrated, a snack, camera/cell phone to capture the moment, and whatever else you need to be comfortable on the trail (ex. gloves, walking poles, sunscreen, hat; Winter Hiking Tip: Keep water lukewarm or hot by storing it in a thermos, warming you from the inside out on cold hikes; reverse applies for Summer Hikes -> freeze 1/2 of your reusable bottle with water the night before so it makes a solid block then fill the rest in the morning with cool water).
Winter hiking meet ups do not use yoga mats, please leave yours at home as we’ll be doing standing yoga and remaining layered for the elements.
Remember to…
Take a screenshot of driving directions and fill up your car with fuel. You could lose cell / GPS reception in some areas. Parking instructions for trail head meet up locations are emailed 48 hours prior to a yoga hike for all registered participants.
Practice the principles of leave no trace. Nothing can be taken from our hiking adventures. No breaking or stealing from nature y’all! Nicole will bring an 11th essential to collect pollution so we leave the trail better than we found it.
What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing that you can easily move around in and layers for changing weather conditions. Sturdy waterproof footwear and with good ankle support for traversing over exposed tree roots, icy patches and slick rocks.
Not sure how to dress for seasonal transitions? Please read this thorough link of advice from REI
What about weather?
Check weather the morning of the hike to dress accordingly. In my opinion there is no such thing as “bad” weather, just inappropriate hiking clothes. We trek on if light rain/snow is a possibility – free rainbow and water refills! Cancellation would occur if thunderstorms are predicted at 40% or higher for our trailhead zipcode, or extreme wind chill/cold. If there is unsafe weather forecasted, the Yoga Hike’s Facebook Event Page will post a cancellation the day prior by 8 pm, recipients will also receive an email.
What if I get injured?
Hikes are kept small and trails vetted for groups but if there is an unexpected emergency, your trail guide and yoga teacher Nicole is certified in Wilderness First Aid, CPR and carries a First Aid Kit on all hikes.
Can I bring my dog?
Only service animals are welcome on yoga hikes as domesticated pets interrupt the ecology of wild spaces and the serene experience of connecting to the woods and all its creatures that reside therein.
Registration and Payment
Registration is on a first come, first served basis. You will receive an email confirmation with parking/meet up location details 48 hours prior to a yoga hike.
Cancellation and Refund Policy
- Donation-based events have a suggested amount based on the time dedicated to planning and leading this unique experience, simply pay what you can and soak up the beauty of the great outdoors.
- Cancellations will be issued a full refund to give your spot away to another participant or you can choose to use that donation towards a future yoga hike. It is your responsibility to email or text Nicole indicating how you wish to proceed as indicated in the email you received to confirm your spot.
- Full refund granted to all participants in the event of needing to cancel for unsafe hiking conditions or instructor illness.
All private experiences + yoga hikes are donation based. To schedule contact 860-323-3560 or nutmegyoga@gmail.com for suggested class rates and group discounts.
Donation-based does do not mean a lower quality experience, rather this is rooted in my public service values and social work background. Your donation compensates a Yoga Alliance certified instructor and 100% back to the nonprofit selected for your event. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Nicole is committing to giving back to the community through nonprofits that are focused on conservation, access to the outdoors, and alleviating hunger in our community. Recipients include:
The Connecticut Audubon Society manages 20 wildlife sanctuaries encompassing almost 3,300 acres of open space in Connecticut, and educates over 100,000 children and adults annually. Their work includes sanctuary management, advocacy, environmental education and activities at our centers, scientific studies, and our annual Connecticut State of the Birds report. Learn more: https://www.ctaudubon.org/
Connecticut Forest and Park Association (CFPA): is dedicated to connecting people to the land in order to protect forests, parks, walking trails, and open spaces in Connecticut for future generations. They provide year-round educational events. Learn more: https://www.ctwoodlands.org/
Farmington Land Trust whose mission is ‘to protect open space in perpetuity through acquisition, stewardship, education and advocacy.‘ Nicole also volunteers her time as a Board Member.
Hands on Hartford serving Hartford’s most economically challenged residents in the areas of food, housing, and health.
Hartford Food System whose mission is to fight hunger and improve nutrition in our community.
Liability Waiver
A liability waiver will be provided at the start of a yoga hike, event or class. A signed waiver is required for participation. Youth under 18 years of age must have a guardian’s signature to participate. Youth must have a guardian or adult present to participate. Email nutmegyoga@gmail.com if you need the liability waiver ahead of time.
Non-Discrimination and Safe-Space Policy
Nutmeg Yoga LLC is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment that will not discriminate in regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, or military status.
If you cannot abide by the below, Nutmeg Yoga LLC reserves the right to ask you to leave.
Every participant in a yoga class, yoga hike, or special event is asked to be aware of their language and behavior, and to think about whether it might be harmful to others. This is no space for violence, for touching people without their consent, for being intolerant of someone’s religious beliefs or lack thereof, for being creepy, sleazy, racist, ageist, sexist, hetero-sexist, trans-phobic, able-bodiest, classist, sizist, or for using any other behavior or language that may perpetuate oppression.
Please be aware that state, federal and World Health Organization public health safety guidelines will be strictly followed, should you not wish to comply, you will be asked to leave and not permitted to participate in any future yoga hikes.
If you experience harassment or abuse, please make it known to the yoga teacher of your event. You can also contact Nicole Diaz at 860-323-3560 or nutmegyoga@gmail.com .
