8 great places to enjoy free yoga classes outside in Atlanta

Westside Yoga hosts a free yoga session in Piedmont Park once a month.

Westside Yoga hosts a free yoga session in Piedmont Park once a month.

Outdoor yoga can offer a different experience than practicing at home or in a studio. When you're in a beautiful Atlanta park or other venue, experiencing nature through sights, sounds and perhaps a gentle breeze, you can reinvigorate your routine. If you're just starting out, an outdoor class is often well suited to beginners, and you can vary locations and instructors to see what you like best. All you need is a mat, water, appropriate clothing and sunscreen (depending on the time of day) to try one of the following free outdoor yoga classes in metro Atlanta:

A free yoga class appropriate for all levels is held every Tuesday at 7:30 p.m., weather permitting, in the Old Fourth Ward Skatepark. It's taught by Charlie Baxter Graham and organized by King of Pops. You can walk, bike or take MARTA to the park. And if you're driving, arrive early and warm up by walking a few short blocks to the park from Ralph McGill Boulevard, Highland Avenue, Austin Avenue or Lake Avenue. Organizers ask that participants refrain from blocking driveways and fire hydrants and parking in reserved spaces in the nearby neighborhood.

Westside Yoga

Amber Barry, founder of Westside Yoga, teaches a series of free community yoga classes in Piedmont Park throughout the summer. Meet on the putting green at Park Tavern at 7 p.m. Exact dates are announced in advance. Attendees are encouraged to stay and enjoy the sunset and a free house beer at Park Tavern after the class.

CorePower Yoga

CorePower Yoga hosts free classes at two different locations – Piedmont Park and at the new Shed at Ponce City Market on the Beltline. The next Piedmont Park class will be held on July 7 from 7-8 p.m. at the corner of the park on 10th and Monroe. Yoga on the Shed next meets from 6:30-7:30 p.m. on July 20.

Free outdoor flow yoga classes are taught by Kristen Leigh in Tanyard Creek Park, located on the Beltline near Piedmont Hospital. The class is free, but donations of any amount are accepted. Attendees are encouraged to arrive 5-10 minutes early to allow for time to sign in and avoid disrupting class. The next class will be held on July 9 from 10-11 a.m.

Evolution Yoga

Athleta Atlantic Station and Evolution Yoga sponsor Wellness Wednesdays throughout the spring and summer in Central Park in the Fourth Ward West neighborhood. Classes are held from 6:30-7:30 p.m. each Wednesday, and moves are designed to be appropriate for any age and experience level.

Central Atlanta Progress sponsors free yoga on Wednesdays in Woodruff Park on Peachtree Street NE. Classes are held from 5-7 p.m.

Yoga rotates with barre classes at Avalon in Alpharetta each Wednesday from 6-7 p.m. Classes are held in the Plaza from March-October. Alexandra Rosenblum from Exhale leads class on July 20.

The Beltline hosts several different yoga classes, including a slower flow yoga class that's perfect for beginners. Check the calendar of events at beltline.org for exact dates and times.