Yoga class is a gathering place for people from all walks of life. In the studio, niche interests are exchanged for conformity and collective attention to breath andpostures—at least on the surface. However, a closer look reveals that your go-to hobby influences how you show up on the mat.
Sure, it’s best to keep your focus on your own practice. But what if we were to observe how specific active-minded subcultures approach yoga in a nature documentary style?
Take the backpacker, for example. They may be moving through a Sun Salutation, but their mind is likely on the sunrise they’ll witness during their next out-and-back.
We spoke toBackpackereditorEmma Veidtfor some insight into the mind of a hiker-slash-yogi.
15 Thoughts a Backpacker Has in Yoga Class
• Do these props come in ultralight? • Are my hips supposed to pop inTriangle Pose? • Tiny muscles I didn’t even know I had are sore from my heavy pack. • Hot yoga? No, thank you. I start hiking at 2 a.m. to avoid the heat. • This box breathing thing could be helpful in high altitudes… • You can stretch yourtoes? • This mat is pretty thick. Maybe I can make camp here tonight. • I can’t wait to tryKing Danceron my next 14er. • I know this class is technically an hour, but maybe an FKT is possible. • I wonder if I could tie my hiking boots inDownward-Facing Dog. • This strap could make a great (and handy) luxury item for future backpacking trips. • I already have a trail name. Can I get a yogi name too? (It’s probably “Creaky.”) • Look at all that branded gear. They’re definitely sponsored. • Huh. I’m missing two toenails. • Ah,Mountain Pose! Another peak to bag!
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