Ambassador’s Corner: Rooftop Yoga at The Riley

Hey, Austin Fit Magazine readers! This month’s Ambassador’s Corner will highlight Rooftop Yoga at The Riley because it’s just too good to not know about.

As a reminder, this Ambassador’s Corner is dedicated to supporting OSD, a nonprofit that enables veterans, active military and their family members to thrive. By working with members of the community, OSD creates and nurtures an environment to improve our local communities and assist veterans as they transition into civilian life.

Every donation makes a difference in the lives of our military community and their families. Thank you for your generosity as we continue to bring awareness and help those in need.

Sydney’s Chosen Nonprofit: OSD

Click here to donate!

Now, to dive into the good stuff!

Two local legends, Austin Private Yoga and Black Swan Yoga have teamed up to offer Austin’s only all-weather, year-round outdoor yoga classes at The Riley Building in downtown Austin! It’s donation-based and gives you access to some of the best instructors in the city while enjoying rooftop views.

After wanting to incorporate yoga more into my new year’s fitness plan, I stumbled upon this gem of an event. When I saw the magic words “rooftop yoga,” I was hooked. Then, I realized that there’s free street parking on Sundays, and it was game over!

Being an Austinite, I’m the worst tour guide because getting out of my routine is something I don’t think about often! But, with it being a new year and so many amazing health and fitness-focused events happening pretty much 24/7, I figured it was time to get to know my city again and amp up my local support while I’m at it.

If you’re planning on attending here’s what you need to know:

• It’s year-round, meaning rain, shine, cold, hot — it is happening!
• There are heaters, fans, retractable roofing and wind guards to help out.
• Masks are currently optional.
• There is a limited capacity so make sure to RSVP to guarantee your spot!
• You MUST pre-register to enter.
• Bring your own mat (they may have some extras but are limited!).
• It is donation-based, so keep that in mind.

Now, let’s talk about who these OG yoga businesses are:

Austin Private Yoga is owned by Anne Marie Herring who has E-RYT 500 and YACEP certifications, meaning she’s put in some time and work to get to where she’s at. Anne Marie teaches every other Sunday at this rooftop yoga event and hosts private yoga sessions in and around Austin!

Black Swan Yoga is a donation-based yoga class with locations in Austin, Houston, Dallas, San Antonio and even Denver! They offer monthly memberships, or you can drop in on a donation basis. The Black Swan Yoga instructors host on the weekends that Anne Marie isn’t there and change it up from instructor to instructor depending on the type of yoga class offered and who is featured.

The classes themselves are made for all levels! Meaning you don’t have to consider yourself a “yogi” to attend the class. Trust me — I’m far from yogi status and found these classes to be the perfect blend and options for more or less advanced students to still benefit. 

From the sessions I’ve attended, they’ve always been a nice flow with just the right amount of chaturanga so you get that burn without the burnout. Each class is unique in what the focus is, whether that’s to elevate your heart rate, have a slow flow, need extra hip openers or want a quiet meditation, so you never get bored and have a nice mix of what these amazing instructors specialize in! 

My personal favorites are always the slow flows and hip openers because on Sundays, quite frankly, it’s just nice to wake up and stretch things out without breaking an intense sweat, especially if you’re heading to brunch afterward with your friends! 

We are constantly stimulated by social media, work, relationships to the point where it’s always nice but unfortunately forgotten to make sure you slow down and take care of your mind and body, even if it’s only for an hour on a Sunday.

Rooftop Yoga at The Riley Building is a really fun way to do something new and fresh and experience downtown Austin! Go before hitting some popular brunch spots downtown or a walk around Town Lake. Plus, it’s a great way to support these local businesses and instructors. Get you (and your friends) out of the house, become a little more flexible and quiet your mind from all the business that our lives bring.

You can register or find more information on their website. Hopefully, I’ll see you there one of these upcoming weekends!