Superyacht Yoga: 10 Moves to Perform on the Sundeck

It’s well-known that yoga has endless benefits. From physical fitness to flexibility, practicing yoga is an invigorating workout, plus it’s a great time-out from the stress of daily life. And whether you’re a life-long fan or a yoga newbie, a superyacht is the perfect place to practice your daily routine. While you’re at sea, the movement of the ocean will add an extra dimension to help you practice your physical balance, which is great for either sessions alone or with the help of your onboard yoga instructor.

Enjoy an early morning class as your yacht sails gently through the azure waters of the Mediterranean, or wind down after a busy day with sunset yoga and meditation session while you’re in port. The spacious sundeck on your superyacht is the ideal space for perfecting your sun salutations. Start the day on a calm and relaxed note before diving back into your hectic charter itinerary, there’s no nicer way to keep fit. To help get you started, we’ve put together a short onboard yoga routine with 10 simple moves to perform while you’re onboard:

1) Mountain Pose – an easy one to begin with

Stand up straight with your feet together, your arms by your sides and your shoulders relaxed. Breathe in deeply and raise your arms over your head to the sky. Your palms should be facing each other and your arms should be straight.

2) Warrior Pose – channel your inner warrior

Stand with your legs apart. Turn your right foot out at a 90° angle and your left foot slightly inwards. Put your hands on your hips, then gently extend your arms out to the sides with your palms facing down. Bend your right knee at a 90° angle and hold the pose for about a minute. Then switch sides and start all over again.

3) Downward Dog Pose – time to slow it down a little

Kneel on all fours with your hands directly below your shoulders and your knees tucked under your hips. Slowly inch your hands forwards, spreading your fingers out. Pushing from your toes, press your hips towards the sky until your body makes an inverted V-shape. Keep your knees slightly bent and your feet about shoulder width apart and hold the position for 5 deep breaths.

4) Bridge Pose – the perfect superyacht pose

Lie on deck with your knees bent over your heels. Lie your arms at your sides with your palms facing down. Lift your hips up towards the sky, pressing your feet into the floor at the same time. Clasp your hands under your back and press down with your arms, keep your thighs parallel to the floor and your chest towards your chin and hold for a minute.

5) Dolphin Pose – inspired by the most playful inhabitants of the Mediterranean

Start off in a plank position with your arms straight. Keep your wrists below your shoulders and your legs extended out. Without moving your hands, bring your hips up with your back towards the sky. Bring your shoulders away from your ears and press your chest towards your thighs. Breathe in and hold the pose for 10 beats.

6) Cobra Pose – great for working the lower back

Lie face down on deck with your hands underneath your shoulders and your legs extended behind you. The tops of your feet should touch the floor. Tuck your hips downwards and squeeze your glute muscles together. Keeping your shoulders down, push your chest up using your hands to support yourself. Hold the pose for 30 seconds while you breathe deeply.

7) Pigeon – a slightly harder pose to really get you working

Begin in the downward facing dog position with your hands on deck and your back facing the sky. Lift your right leg to the level of your hip and then bring it forward. Bend your right knee before lowering your leg to the ground. Try and keep your foot flexed and your leg parallel to the front of the yoga mat and hold the position for 10 beats.

8) Tree Pose – this one can be tricky with the motion of the ocean

Stand straight with your arms by your sides. Put your weight on your left leg and place your right foot along the inside of your left thigh, making sure your hips face forward. Once you are comfortable, put your hands in front of you with your palms together. Breathe in deeply, then as you breathe out, extend your arms up over your shoulders and spread your palms. Hold the pose for 30 seconds. Lower your arms and legs, then repeat with the opposite leg.

9) Triangle Pose – make the most of the beautiful blue skies and golden sunshine overhead

Spread your arms out to the side, and stand with your feet apart, your right foot turned out at a 90° angle and your left foot at a 45° angle. Bend over your right leg and touch the deck with your right hand. Turn towards the sky and hold the position for 5 beats. Stand up and then repeat on the opposite side.

10) Child’s Pose – And time to relax

Kneel on the deck with your forehead resting on the floor. Stretch your arms out in front of you and lower your chest to your knees. Relax, hold the pose for a minute and breathe deeply and calmly.