Where to practice beach yoga in New Hampshire

Looking to appreciate New Hampshire’s beaches more viscerally? Here’s your guide to exploring beach yoga in New Hampshire.

There is something so magical about taking deep stretches while feeling the ocean breeze and gentle warmth of the sun. Imagine developing a relationship with Mother Earth and connecting with the sun, sand, water, wind, and your own body.

If that sounds like you, it’s time you explore beach yoga. Never heard of it before? No worries, we’ve got you covered in this guide.

Beach yoga is a modern twist to the ancient practice of spiritual meditation, promoting physical and mental well-being. Most of us are familiar with yoga, but recent studies suggest that practicing yoga in a beach setting can help further reduce stress.

Taking beach yoga classes is also a great way to make new friends, meet like-minded individuals, and form a community—all you need is a towel, mat, and yourself (and yes, a lot of sunscreen)!

Why beach yoga? 

Relaxation and stress reduction

As you practice beach yoga against the soft cushion of beach sand, especially on a tranquil beach, the calming effect soothes your mind. Yoga helps regulate the functioning of the nervous system, and is more than just stretching. It brings together the mind and body to achieve balance, focus, and calmness in your daily life. Plus, yoga helps release mood-enhancing endorphins, also known as feel-good hormones, and helps center the mind. A 2020 study showed that doing yoga for 11 minutes for 30 days reduced people’s stress levels and enhanced their overall well-being, in addition to improving their quality of sleep.

Overall, yoga is an excellent way to manage daily stressors and positively impact quality of life.

Balance and strength

As you move through poses, the uneven sand engages your core muscles while improving strength and balance. Practicing yoga on a beach also allows the body to overcome stability challenges and is more gentle on the joints. You gradually improve your strength training, promoting mindfulness and reducing muscle tension.

Better circulation

Good blood circulation is essential for general health. Yoga stretches compress different areas of the body, which encourages better blood flow. Regular yoga practice also reduces stress, which in turn lowers cortisol levels in the body, ultimately promoting better vascular health.

With beach yoga, you also soak in plenty of vitamin D and improve respiratory function by breathing in clean air (salt in ocean air helps open up airways).

Burn Calories

Did you know you can burn 300-600 calories by doing just one session of yoga? Although the number of calories burnt depends on the type of yoga and length of practice, as well as your weight and sex.

Yoga is a great way to improve your fitness as it increases muscle mass and tones the body. The practice also improves mindfulness, which can improve your relationship with food. A 2015 study showed that practicing yoga led to healthy eating habits by lowering fat intake and increasing consumption of whole grains and vegetables.

Better sleep

Yoga is known to be beneficial for individuals with insomnia, restless leg syndrome, and those seeking improved sleep quality. A national survey revealed that 55% of Americans who did yoga claimed to get better sleep, while 85% experienced reduced stress. Each breath relaxes you, and that is why doing breathing exercises is just as important as getting to the perfect posture/asana.

Where to practice beach yoga in New Hampshire

Although New Hampshire has a short coastline—only 18 miles of shoreline—that shoudn’t be an excuse not to experience the bounties of beach yoga. Just grab your mat, align your chakras, and head off to the sandy beaches on the seacoast.

For those looking for guided classes, here’s where to begin:

1. Hampton Beach Yoga and Mindfulness in Hampton

Located on 339 Ocean Blvd Unit 102, Hampton Beach Yoga and Mindfulness leads people through beach yoga on the soft cushion of the sand on Hampton Beach.

Started by Susan Bezreh, the yoga business offers a range of classes, from sunrise beach yoga to to in-studio classes. The business has teachers with expertise in restorative yoga, sound healing, children’s yoga, and yoga nidra.

Book your session here; the earliest slot available for 6:30 a.m. Look around the booking page for free sessions!

Classes are offered for people on all levels, and mats are available to rent.

2. Portsmouth Paddle Co. in Portsmouth 

Speaking of beach yoga … have you ever thought of doing paddleboard yoga?

Portsmouth Paddle Co. is an outdoor activity business that offers paddleboard yoga (and paddleboarding) to tourists, locals, athletes, and newbies!

The business offers all-level yoga classes, as well as special sunset paddleboard yoga classes. No former paddleboard experience is required for these classes, but some former flat surface yoga experience might be helpful.

There are options for private ($65 to 125 per session) or public classes, which include the cost of renting a paddle board. All participants must be able to swim.

Drop in for one of the business’s 75-minute paddleboard classes today. Book your slot here.

3. Ride the Wave in Seabrook 

A community studio located in Seabrook, Ride the Wave offers yoga, paddleboarding, and other fitness-oriented classes! From a moonlit yoga class to a spinning class against a breathtaking water view, this business has much to offer fitness enthusiasts!

When it comes to yoga, it holds gentle flow and vinyasa classes. Drop-in classes are $21 per person, and a 10-class pass or 20-class pass is $170 and $340, respectively.

4. Common Roots Collective in North Hampton

Common Roots Collective offers nutritious food and yoga classes to encourage people to lead healthier lives. Located off the shores of Jenness State Beach, on 2203 Ocean Blvd, Common Roots is a one-stop destination for mind and body.

Common Roots also has a market and grocery store (which has vegan options!) that’s open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. The food side of its business also provides catering services to those looking to host larger parties or intimate dinners with loved ones.

Book a slot here. Single class drop-ins are $22.

5. Seacoast Power Yoga in Rye 

Engage in a powerful, energizing session of beach yoga at Seacoast Power Yoga’s beach yoga classes at Sawyer’s Beach in Rye.

A woman-owned LGBTQ+ friendly business, Seacoast Power only offers classes on Thursdays at 7 a.m.. It offers equipment for rentals, but bringing your own towel and mats is advised.

Book a class here for just $20 per session!