Summer 2015: Free Yoga Classes in Boston

Are you ready for some free yoga? The 4th Annual Free Yoga Boston listing is here!

This is the fourth year that I’ve compiled a listing of free yoga classes in the Boston area. It took far longer to put together than I expected. But it was great to find so many free yoga classes. The list has grown! While not included as part of the list here, look at Free Yoga Classes Meetups as well.

You can find free yoga classes all over different parts of Boston and beyond. When I first started this listing back in 2012, I wanted the list for myself and decided to share it. So many people used it and gave me great feedback, so I continue sharing.

It’s shocking to me that I still have not attended any of the classes. This year, I hope to change that, because now there are classes available everyday at so many different times and places.

Sometimes mats and props might be available to you, but don’t count on it. If they are available, there may not be enough for everyone. So bringing your own mat, water, towel, etc., is the general rule.

Double check if the weather is bad. Usually the Facebook page and/or website will give an update if the class will be cancelled. Sometimes classes are brought indoors instead.

Most classes start in June and go through the end of summer. By the end of September, most outdoor classes have ended. Based on the sources I found, classes will take place on most days, but some days appear to have gaps in the schedule, so you may want to double check first before you go. Also, most classes last for an hour, but when I wasn’t sure, I did not put an ending time.

There is a whole community of people taking these free yoga classes in Boston, so I’d like to hear more about your experiences and have us all share them. Had a good time? Pointers for newbies? Students and instructors alike, please share your experiences.

“Like” us on Facebook at Free Yoga Boston. Follow us on Instagram @FreeYogaBoston and share your pictures by tagging them #freeyogaboston.

This list is a work in progress as things need to be updated and corrections made. Please click on the links within each listing to bring you to more details about the class.

Hopefully the schedule will help you to find some great free yoga classes and let you explore different parts of the Boston area. Namaste!

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MONDAY

P.O. Fitness Classes ~ Yoga Flow
Norman B. Leventhal Park (Financial District, Boston)
5:30pm – 6:30pm

An all levels class will strengthen the body, unwind the mind and uplift the spirit. Breathe, move, stretch and relax in the sunshine. Start your week off with self-care to feel balanced and refreshed for whatever comes next. Check the Facebook page for updates and cancellations.

 TUESDAY

Yoga on the Harbor
Hyatt Boston Harbor (Near Logan Airport, Boston)
6:30am – 7:30am

Get great harbor views of Boston during the class. Hotel guests and the local community are welcome.

Sunrise Yoga
Silber Way Fitness Park (Charles River Esplanade, Boston)
6:30am – 7:30am

Ali Singer created this class to interrupt mindless patterns in life and to celebrate every day.  She believes that yoga provides a channel for connecting with your true nature and this simple connection brings meaning and value to everything else. Join her for a free and open practice to feed your soul. Check the Facebook page for updates and location details.

Yoga @ The Fens 
Boston Conservatory Building (132 Ipswich Street, Boston)
11am

Joel Chavarria is a new to Boston musician and yoga instructor. The current schedule is good through the end of July, but may change. Check out his Instagram posts and/or email him at jchav019@fiu.edu for more information. Classes are free, but donations are appreciated.

Yoga Classes at Boston Medical Center
Moakley Building (830 Harrison Avenue, Boston)
6pm – 7:15pm

These yoga classes are not just during the summer and are open to community members in addition to BMC patients and staff. They are held indoors and part of the Program for Integrative Medicine & Health Care Disparities. Take the elevator or stairs down to the basement. The classes are free, but there is a suggested donation of $5.00. Currently there is a flyer online [click here], but it is old. If the online flyer is updated, I will link to it here.

The Boston Parks Summer Fitness Series
Jamaica Pond (Pinebank Promontory, Jamaicaway, Boston)
6pm – 7pm

The Boston Parks and Recreation Department and Boston Public Health Commission have several free yoga classes around the city through the end of August.

Relax and Renew Yoga for Beginners
The Harvard Ed Portal (224 Western Avenue, in Allston)
6pm – 7pm

Celebrate health, wellness and the summer weather with this series of summer yoga classes, which lasts through August. Whether you’re trying yoga for the first time or have been practicing for years, the classes will let you experience mindfulness and relaxation. Classes are open to the public, but you are encouraged to register in advance.

   WEDNESDAY

NTC Yoga
Nike Boston (200 Newbury Street, Boston)
7:04am – 8:04am

Nike+ Training Club offers this athletic vinyasa-style class taught by yoga and Pilates instructor Jacqui Mimno to target often overlooked elements of training. You’ll improve joint mobility, while simultaneously working on upper body and core strength. You need to register each week for the class on their online calendar, which updates on Sunday at 3pm. These classes are held indoors year round, so you can enjoy them even when summer ends!

The Boston Parks Summer Fitness Series
Harambee Park (43 Talbot Avenue, Dorchester)
10am – 11:15am

The Boston Parks and Recreation Department and Boston Public Health Commission have several free yoga classes around the city through the end of August.

Yoga Wednesdays
City Hall Plaza (Behind the Bill Russell Statue overlooking Faneuil Hall, Boston)
5:45pm – 6:45pm

Exhale Boston will be teaching these classes every Wednesday for the month of September. The classes are co-sponsored by Whole Foods Market Charles River Plaza, Essentia Water, the City of Boston and Mayor Walsh. Look at the Eventbrite listing to learn more. Donations of $5.00 to Whole Kids Foundation would be appreciated and will help end childhood obesity in local schools.

Sunset Yoga
The Esplanade (Fiedler Field – Arthur Fiedler Memorial Head, Boston)
6pm

Classes begin on July 15th and allow you to challenge your mind and body while enjoying beautiful river views. Unlike previous years, pre-registration is now required. You must print out the confirmation email and bring it with you as proof that you have read and accepted the photo and liability waiver. Please also bring your own mat. Classes are sponsored by Athleta. Enjoy refreshments provided by Polar Beverages and CLIF. Classes are free, but donations are welcome!

 THURSDAY

Sunrise Yoga with Maura
Community Boating Docks (21 David G. Mugar Way, Boston)
6:30am – 7:30am

Class location is between MGH T stop and the Hatch Shell on the Esplanade and is offered in partnership with Athleta on Newbury Street. Please bring your own mat!

P.O. Fitness Classes ~ Morning Stretch and Renew Yoga
Norman B. Leventhal Park (Financial District, Boston)
7:15am – 8:15am

An early morning yoga class taught by Hallie Dumont will encompass stretching and a slow concentrated vinyasa flow. Challenging the body and mind to renew students and prepare for the day ahead. Check the Facebook page for updates and cancellations.

Senior Yoga 
Symphony Park (30 Edgerly Road, The Fenway)
10am – 11am

Part of the Boston Parks Summer Fitness Series. The Boston Parks and Recreation Department and Boston Public Health Commission have several free yoga classes around the city through the end of August.

Yoga @ The Fens 
Boston Conservatory Building (132 Ipswich Street, Boston)
11am

Joel Chavarria is a new to Boston musician and yoga instructor. The current schedule is good through the end of July, but may change. Check out his Instagram posts and/or email him at jchav019@fiu.edu for more information. Classes are free, but donations are appreciated.

Yoga Classes at Boston Medical Center
Moakley Building (830 Harrison Avenue, Boston)
4:30pm – 6pm

These yoga classes are not just during the summer and are open to community members in addition to BMC patients and staff. They are held indoors and part of the Program for Integrative Medicine & Health Care Disparities. Take the elevator or stairs down to the basement. The classes are free, but there is a suggested donation of $5.00. Currently there is a flyer online [click here], but it is old. The Thursday class starts at 4:30pm. If the online flyer is updated, I will link to it here.

FREE Summer Yoga
Boston Common Frog Pond (Downtown Boston)
6pm – 7:15pm

Power vinyasa flow classes will take place through August 27th and is for students of all levels. Tap into the beauty of trees, grass, and water found at Boston’s most historic green space, The Boston Common. Class is held on the lawn next to the Frog Pond Carousel. A limited amount of mats and blocks are available to borrow. Weather related cancellations will be posted on the Frog Pond Facebook page by 4:30pm on the day of class.

Beyond Beginner Yoga
The Harvard Ed Portal (224 Western Avenue, in Allston)
6pm – 7pm

Celebrate health, wellness and the summer weather with this series of summer yoga classes, which lasts through August. Whether you’re trying yoga for the first time or have been practicing for years, the classes will let you experience mindfulness and relaxation. Classes are open to the public, but you are encouraged to register in advance.

 FRIDAY

Yoga at the Welcome Center
Boston Harbor Islands Welcome Center (Rose F. Kennedy Greenway, Boston)
12pm – 1pm

From July 3rd through August 28th, enjoy an all-levels yoga class with South Boston Yoga. Change up your lunch hour with a 45-minute yoga class. Bring your own mat and practice right on the grassy lawn. Space is limited, so get there early!

The Boston Parks Summer Fitness Series
Clifford Park (162 Norfolk Avenue, Roxbury)
1pm – 2pm

Starting in July, but the schedule seems to have a few gaps, so check before you go. The Boston Parks and Recreation Department and Boston Public Health Commission have several free yoga classes around the city through the end of August.

Yoga in the Garden
City Natives (30 Edgewater Drive, Mattapan)
6:30pm

Offered by Mattapan Food and Fitness Coalition and Boston Natural Area Network. These classes were scheduled to run through July 24th, so it looks like they are done. If I hear anything else, I’ll revive this listing!

 SATURDAY

Sunrise Yoga
Anthem Entertainment (Charles River Bistro, Boston)
7am – 8am

Classes are taught by Smooth Vinyasa instructor Mike Massey. Participants meet at the Charles River Bistro underneath the Charles River Bistro sign, directly next to the Fiedler Footbridge and across from the DCR Memorial Hatch Shell at Boston’s Esplanade Park!

Yoga on the Harbor
Hyatt Boston Harbor (Near Logan Airport, Boston)
8am – 9am

Get great harbor views of Boston during the class. Hotel guests and the local community are welcome.

Riverfront Yoga
Baxter Riverfront Park Amphitheater (100 Great River Road, Somerville)
9am – 10am

Relax and restore along the Mystic River with free yoga classes offered to you by Assembly Row and Some.Yoga Studio. You must register each week for one of the 100 spots available. If the class fills up, wait list sign up begins at 8:30am on Saturday for any available spots. Anyone not checked in by 8:55am forfeits their spot and class starts promptly at 9am. Also check the Facebook page for updates.

Yoga in Franklin Park
Schoolmaster Hill (Roxbury/Dorchester, Boston)
9:15am – 10:15am

Breathe, enjoy, activate your body and mind with an all levels yoga. Classes organized by Linda the Wellness Warrior, who will teach with guest yoga instructors throughout September 12th. Look for signs directing you from the main park road. Parking in the small gravel lot across from the Schoolmaster Hill path and the golf course. If it rains, class will be cancelled. Classes are free, but $5 suggested donation to support Hands To Heart Center and Franklin Park Coalition.

Summer Stretch
The Liberty Hotel (Charles Street, Beacon Hill, Boston)
10am

Back in 2009, The Liberty was one of the first hotels in Boston, or anyplace in the area for that matter, to start offering free yoga classes in the summer. They set the trend and still offer free classes in collaboration with Equinox. Guests of the hotel and members of the community are welcome to take the class for free. Classes continue through August 29th.

Island Yoga
Boston Harbor Islands (Spectacle Island, Boston)
10:15am – 11:30am

Enjoy an all-levels yoga class overlooking Boston Harbor through September 5th. Join an instructor from South Boston Yoga for gentle yoga class on Spectacle Island. Meet at the Spectacle Island Visitor Center. Space is limited, so advance registration is recommended. Even still, get there early! You might want to make a day of it and go swimming or have a picnic. Just 15 minutes from downtown Boston, Spectacle Island is the highest point in the harbor, with spectacular views of the city and other islands.  To get to Spectacle Island, unless you have your own boat, you will be taking a ferry. Arrive at the wharf half an hour before scheduled departure times to allow for ticketing and boarding. While the classes are free, you will have to pay to take the ferry.

Yoga in the Park
191 Bowdoin Street (Dorchester)
4:30pm – 5:30pm

Enjoy guided meditation, gentle flow and easy stretching. Classes will take place through September 26th. Donations are welcome!

  SUNDAY

Vinyasa Yoga
Winthrop Square/Minot Rose Garden (St. Paul St. and Freeman St., Brookline)
8am – 9am

Classes take place Sundays starting July 12th and last through August 30th. Coolidge Corner Yoga and The Brookline Departments of Health and Parks and Open Space will be co-hosting a free all-levels Vinyasa flow in front of the rose garden. Sign up for classes on the yoga studio website and get updates on their Facebook page.

Yoga by Donation
57 Brookside Ave, #13 (Jamaica Plain, Boston)
9am – 10am

Classes are provided by Branching Out Yoga, which is the brainchild of Jennifer Maniates.  She offers classes on the first and third Sundays of the month. Check the Facebook page for updates.

Yoga on The Green
The Street (Chestnut Hill)
10am – 11am

All levels of experience are welcome at these classes offered by lululemon. Mats are available too!

Yoga For Runners
Asics Newbury (328 Newbury Street, Boston)
10am – 11am

Before the store opens, Ali Singer teaches a class focused on the needs of runners. The class is every other Sunday and she is teaching one this Sunday, July 5th. So you can figure the rest from there!

Yoga & Beer; the Key to Happiness
Night Shift Brewing (87 Santilli Highway, Everett)
11am – 12pm

These yoga classes were taking place at a brewery every other week or so. However, according to their event calendar, the last class was on July 19th. Kat O’Leary from CorePower Yoga taught the vinyasa classes. From what I can tell, the classes have ended for the foreseeable future. I will keep checking and update.

Free Yoga Class
Riverbend Park (Cambridge)
5pm – 6pm

As part of CRC’s Sunday Parkland Games, Karma Yoga Studio offers an hour long yoga class.

Yoga For Runners
Boston Marathon adidas Runbase (855 Boylston Street, Boston)
6:30pm

These free vinyasa yoga classes are taught by Liz Vail. A customized yoga flow will bring balance to overworked muscles used when running and will also provide strength to the areas of the body that are needed in order to run more efficiently. All levels of yoga experience are welcome, but it looks like you need to register each week.

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Image Credit: “Yoga Pose” courtesy of lobster20 at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.