Our Philosophy
In these busy modern times, unplugging is more important than ever. We need space to cultivate more ease in our minds, emotions, and overall spirit. Within the gorgeous 6 million acres of the Adirondack Park and surrounding areas, we are afforded this space.
By going into nature, we aim to bring the yoga practice back to its roots while building skills in mindful hiking. At Yoga Adirondacks, it is our goal to safely guide yoga inspired hiking and backpacking excursions to help make these experiences more accessible and positive, and to contribute to increased opportunities to reap the healing benefits of nature and be outdoors in harmony.
YOGA
Fueled by the crisp mountain air and enlivened by the natural setting, our outdoor practice will awaken and restore your senses. Yoga movements, breathing, and mindfulness exercises are intermittent throughout the excursion.
HIKE
Explore rolling trails and high summits while experiencing the wonders of nature. Learn skills in technical gear, food & water intake, water filtration, safety, leave no trace, earthing, and more. Overnights include additional instruction specific to camping.
connect
Experiences in nature are believed to reduce negative thoughts and stress, and increase creative problem-solving, mental performance, and overall sense of being. In nature, we connect our bodies with our minds and elevate harmony with nature, our practice, and ourselves.
"I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately . . . and see if I could not learn what it had to teach."
-Henry David Thoreau
UPCOMING AND PAST EVENTS - MORE TO COME
Sat, Oct 14Lake PlacidOct 14, 2023, 10:00 AM – Oct 15, 2023, 3:00 PMLake Placid, Lake Placid, NY 12946, USAThis custom retreat is closed. Contact us to create your own private custom trip.
Sat, Sep 23Lake PlacidSep 23, 2023, 6:00 AM – 6:00 PMLake Placid, 46 timber lane, Lake Placid, NY 12946, USAThis custom excursion is closed. Contact us to create your own private custom trip.
"Well-being of mind is like a mountain lake without ripples. When the lake has no ripples, everything in the lake can be seen."
-pema chodron
Other offerings
"Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees."
-john muir
About yoga adirondacks
Mel Brust is the founder of Yoga Adirondacks. She is a NYS DEC Licensed Guide, 500 Hour Certified Yoga Instructor, an Adirondack 46er, is certified in Wilderness First Aid, and she has completed the ADK Winter Mountaineering School. Mel started camping as a young child and has been building her hiking and backpacking skills ever since. Her love of the Adirondacks began with her first high peak in 2001, which she did as a 2 night excursion with her hiking partner and future husband, Jesse. It was an exhilarating start to the remaining 45 high peaks, which they completed together on their ten year wedding anniversary in 2016.
Mel relates to some of the earliest yoga texts written by rishis, or sages, who went to the forest to cultivate knowledge and find truth. In this sense, she finds that the connection between yoga and nature is apparent. In honoring the role that getting outdoors plays in her own life practice, Mel is inspired to present safe and responsible hiking practices for newcomers and avid yogis and hikers alike. Mel invites you to share in this experience, and make it one of your own.
Your guide will have at least 500 hour certification in yoga instruction, and experience teaching restorative, gentle, and strong flowing sequences to all levels, as well as breathing and meditation techniques and workshops.
guide Credentials
Your guide will have the minimum experience of NYS DEC Guide Licensure, decades of hiking, camping, and backpacking, including completion of the 46 Adirondack High Peaks, ADK Winter School, and certifications in CPR and First Aid.