Yoga

Yoga is a discipline that centers on ideas such as peacefulness, living in the moment, harmony with nature, and gratitude. Central Park is an ideal venue for practicing yoga. You can work on any flat, grassy service you can find. You should use a mat, since the grass will not provide much cushioning for your knees and elbows. Since the park can get very busy on weekends, especially in the middle of the day, you might find you'll have a more peaceful session if you choose to come on a weekend before 11 a.m. or during the week. Some prime yoga spots include the Great Lawn, Sheep Meadow, North Meadow, and Strawberry Fields.

In 2010, a yoga instructor named Elena Bower teamed up with a Manhattan public events company to create the largest yoga gathering ever seen in New York City. Naturally, they chose the Great Lawn of Central Park for this historic event. Though it was rained out before it ended, the gatherers were still able to work through at least one sun salutation.

Several yoga studios run weekly classes in Central Park. Some of these are free, but most cost between 10 and 15 dollars. Of these, many provide mats. Central Park Yoga runs regular classes in the park during warm weather. The class meets Saturday at 10 a.m., Sunday at 10.a.m., and Thursday 6:30 p.m. Mats are provided, and the cost is 15 dollars. The class usually meets at the intersection of 81st street and Central Park West.