Yoga outdoors and in a sunken garden

Yoga participants practice social distancing by spreading out around the garden while listening to music and the instructor through wireless headphones. Photo Courtesy: Chloe Dinard

Outdoor Yoga Tallahassee held a headphone yoga class Friday at the Goodwood Museum and Gardens.

The session took place in the sunken garden, one of 16 sites on the historic property at 1600 Miccosukee Road. It takes place every Friday at 10 a.m. and lasts for about 90 minutes.

All levels, including beginner and intermediate, can register through Eventbrite for $16 with the requirement to sign a waiver through email prior to attending.

“Headphone yoga has been going on at yoga festivals pre-COVID and during the pandemic the technology became a common use in the fitness industry overall.” Caulley Soto, one of the co-instructors, said. “We’ve been doing this for six or seven months and finding Goodwood was fantastic for us. We are able to spread out and get some shade so it’s nice and quiet.”

The wireless headphones allow participants to hear the music and the instructor from wherever they are. They work in all settings and they appeal to all age ranges. All devices are cleaned and disinfected before and after each use.

“One of the things we like about the headphones is that it’s by far the most immersive practice,” Danielle Muller, the other co-instructor, said. “You’re not distracted by anything else and we love that you don’t have anyone next to you.”

Social distancing has been imperative to refrain from the spread of the virus. The “sunken garden” contains narrow grassy pathways that are 10 feet apart for participants to walk through. Everyone had enough room to lay their mats and the plants were high enough to keep from seeing others.

“You can hardly see anyone, so you’re completely transported into your own zone in a more intense way than in a studio,” Muller said, noting that there is no worries of COVID-19 and zero judgment.

The overgrown trees provide shade for the area and aids in keeping a cool environment. Both instructors said the space is almost perfect and keeps participants coming back.

Suzy Phipps agreed that it allows for a much better experience.

“I’m new to [yoga],” Phipps said. “It’s great. It’s a well-spent hour to get away from everything. I enjoy the headphone experience and to be guided through without having everyone on top of each other.” She appreciates that she is able to get in touch with her surroundings rather than being in a closed-off room.

“I prefer this a lot more,” she said.

In case of bad weather, they hold class in the Carriage House that is also located in Goodwood Garden.

Outdoor Yoga Tallahassee encourages everyone to join and advises anyone who is interested to follow their Instagram page, @outdooryogatallahassee, for updates and yoga related content.