We all know how important it is to stay active on a regular basis, but when you’re on vacation, it’s all too easy to let your healthy habits fall to the wayside. Between the comfortable beds in your Anna Maria Island accommodations to the delicious and, let’s face it, not so healthy foods, you might be tempted to skip your workout or throw your diet out the window. However, there is one great way to enjoy your vacation on Anna Maria Island while staying active at the same time!
Many people visit AMI to experience the gorgeous white sand beaches, and you can make the most of your time on the shore by taking part in a beach yoga class! Not only will you be staying active and taking care of your body and soul, but you’ll have the absolutely perfect backdrop for your morning workout. Whether you are participating on your own or bringing all your girlfriends along, everyone is sure to love beach yoga.
Yoga Studios on Anna Maria Island
There are several yoga studios on the island, but Salty Buddha is one of the mainstays. Owner Rachael Croll has been practicing yoga for more than 10 years and loves bringing her passion to the locals and visitors of Anna Maria Island. Salty Buddha offers classes both on Anna Maria Island and in Sarasota, and any and all skill levels are welcome to participate. Yoga classes are offered in the studio, on the beach, and even on paddleboards! No matter which option you choose, you’ll be surrounded by others with a passion for yoga and knowledgeable instructors who will help you get your form just right.
Island Yoga Space is another popular option located at the North end of Anna Maria Island. The upstairs studio is right across the street from the Gulf of Mexico, giving you the ultimate backdrop for your practice. Some of the daily classes offered include vinyasa flow, yin yoga, and restorative. They also offer off-site classes like chair yoga, aqua yoga, and beachside yoga on the pergola. Drop-in classes are just $15 each, so it’s easy and affordable to continue your practice while you’re on vacation.
Finally, Alluna Wellness Center is perfect not only for yoga but for all of your spa day needs. Yoga classes offered here are wonderful for all skill levels, with options like basic hatha yoga, gentle flow yoga, and yoga nidra. If you want to work directly with an instructor, schedule a custom-tailored private yoga session! You can participate in a single class for $15, or if you’ll be on the island for a while, purchase a five-class pass for $70. In addition to yoga classes, you can also take advantage of services like private meditation classes, acupuncture, organic facials, and massages.
Many of the yoga studios on Anna Maria Island offer equipment for your class, so you don’t have to worry about bringing your own yoga mat. You can also often borrow other equipment like towels, blocks, and anything else you might need for your practice. Be sure to bring your own water bottle, especially if you participate in an outdoor session. Even though many of the outdoor yoga classes take place in the morning, you still don’t want to risk getting too hot and getting dehydrated!
Yoga on the Beach
All three of these locations have incredible yoga studios that you can visit during your vacation, but you might want to bring your practice onto the shore. We’ve touched a little bit on the Yoga on the Pergola class offered by Island Yoga Space, but it’s really worth repeating. Every Saturday at 9:30 a.m., the instructors and participants gather for a gentle flow yoga class. You’ll have a solid foundation to explore your practice with a first-class view of the water and fresh sea air with every breath. Island Yoga Space also offers beach yoga on the sand across the street from the studio, located at the end of Magnolia Drive. These classes are offered Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9 a.m.
Another option for incredible beach yoga comes from Thrive Yoga and Fitness. The studio hosts tons of yoga, martial arts, and intuitive healing services, providing a holistic approach to health. Every Saturday and Sunday morning at 8:30 a.m., the team from Thrive Yoga and Fitness gathers on the shore to provide a donation-based class that lasts about an hour. Classes take place at the Pine Avenue Beach entrance near The Sandbar Restaurant. The class is perfect for any skill level and is just the right amount of challenge to get you moving.
Paddle Board Yoga
If doing your yoga on a studio or on the sand isn’t challenging enough for you, consider paddle board yoga! Not only will you be challenged by holding your poses and maintaining your breath, but you also have to keep your balance on the board! Don’t worry if it sounds like it’s too much; your instructors have crafted a course that even the newest yogis can tackle. Paddle board yoga is a unique way to stay active during your vacation, and it allows you to experience the water in a truly special way.
The Salty Buddha offers a few different paddleboard classes for you to choose from. The SUP yoga flow is a 90-minute session that gives beginners an introduction to paddleboarding, a short paddle journey, and an hour-long guided yoga session. If you want a bit more of a challenge, the paddleboard fitness class might be for you. You’ll start with paddle stroke work, then move into anchor boot camp style exercises and finish with a cool down and stretch session. Both of these classes take place at the AMI Historical Museum at 402 Pine Avenue, so once your class is over, you can head right to the restaurants for brunch or get your souvenir shopping done!
You might also be interested in The Preserve paddle yoga class at Robinson’s Preserve, which combines an incredible workout with an absolutely stunning view of Florida’s flora and fauna. Can you imagine how tranquil it would be to perform your yoga practice in the middle of the stunning Robinson Preserve, surrounded by the gentle noises of nature? If you have a large group with different experience levels, this is an excellent option for you. Beginners are more than welcome, and there are modifications for each move for those more experienced or those looking for a restorative session.
Taking a yoga class while you’re on vacation is the perfect way to continue your workout regimen while truly enjoying your getaway. Bring all of your friends along with you, set up your mats on the shore, and take some time to indulge in the white sand beaches and connect with your inner self. The best part? You can easily reach any of these beachy yoga sessions from our Anna Maria vacation rentals! We are proud to offer rental options for every size group and every budget, so you and your party will be in the best hands. Contact us today to learn more!
