Yoga is a physical, mental, and spiritual activity that has been practiced in India for millennia and has become popular in the US as a stress-reduction and fitness method. Hindu gurus began teaching yoga and other Eastern spiritual disciplines in the US in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Then, the counterculture movement of the 1960s and 1970s popularized yoga in the US.
But why is it so popular nowadays? Well, to begin with, this practice works for all ages and fitness levels. This exercise can improve flexibility, strength, and balance. Yoga increases self-awareness, attention, and relaxation in today’s fast-paced world.
In the US, yoga studios usually provide a variety of classes to meet varying levels of expertise and fitness. Hatha, Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Bikram, and Kundalini are popular US yoga styles. Of course, online classes, DVDs, and books can help you practice yoga at home (I love those!).
If you love being part of a community, though, these nine US towns have thriving yoga classes, retreats, and courses to try:
Sedona, Arizona
Sedona is a desert town with beautiful red rock formations and spiritual atmosphere that just works wonders for many visitors and locals. This is in fact one of the main reasons why many Sedona yoga studios and retreat centers provide courses and programs for all levels.
Here are some popular options I recommend:
- Sedona Yoga Festival: This international festival includes lessons and workshops for all levels; it’s also a great way to have some fun while you’re here;
- Sivananda Ashram Yoga Ranch: This retreat center offers lessons and workshops for all levels and yoga teacher training to get started on the right foot;
- The Yoga Room: the studio offers Hatha, Vinyasa, and restorative yoga sessions and programs for beginners and intermediate levels;
- Sedona Mago Retreat: a retreat center perfect to start yoga teacher training, lessons, and workshops.
Ojai, California
Southern California’s Ojai is a picturesque town with a laid-back feel.
Here you’ll find various yoga studios and retreat facilities, including:
- The Ojai Yoga Cottage offers Hatha, Vinyasa, and restorative yoga sessions and programs for all levels. Here you’ll be able to attend Hatha, Vinyasa, and restorative yoga sessions and workshops while becoming part of a powerful community;
- Ojai Valley School of Massage & Yoga: This school offers lessons, workshops, and yoga teacher training for all levels.
- The Yoga Shala offers Hatha, Vinyasa, and restorative yoga sessions and programs perfect for any age group;
- Ojai Valley Community Yoga offers Hatha and restorative yoga programs and workshops for all levels.
Santa Fe
Santa Fe is a bustling Southwest city noted for its art, culture, and outdoor activities. Santa Fe has various yoga studios and retreat centers:
- Santa Fe School of Massage & Healing Arts: This school offers classes, workshops, and yoga teacher training for all levels;
- Santa Fe Community Yoga: Here you can attend Hatha and restorative yoga classes and workshops even as a beginner;
- Yoga Source: This studio offers Hatha, Vinyasa, and restorative sessions as well as hot pilates classes for all age groups and levels;
- BODY of Santa Fe: much like the other options above, this gorgeous location offers custom classes (including a beginner-friendly class called “Yoga For All”);
- Community Yoga Center: this non-profit organization welcomes anybody interested in growing their yoga knowledge.
RELATED: 5 Common Yoga Myths You Should STOP Believing
Asheville, NC
Asheville, North Carolina, is recognized for its arts and outdoor activities in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The pitoresque area and laid-back atmosphere make it a perfect destination for yoga enthusiasts from across the US.
With that said, here are my top recommendations if you’re living in NC (or nearby):
- Asheville Community Yoga: This studio offers Slow Flow and Gentle yoga classes to soothe your mind and soul;
- Asheville Yoga Center: This studio offers various yoga classes, but my personal favorite would be Yoga for Every Body which includes a combination of styles;
- The Asheville School of Massage & Yoga: although it’s not an actual yoga studio, this place offers great resources on yoga and massage to at an affordable cost.
Boulder, Colorado
Boulder, Colorado, is best known for its outdoor activities and healthy community. This local culture promotes healthy living, hence its wide range of yoga studios and retreat centers. Here are my top faves:
- The Boulder Yoga Studio: this one has a team of specialized trainers ready to offer group (or private!) yoga sessions for anybody;
- The Little Yoga Studio: little as it may be, this yoga studio welcomes students of all levels ready to improve their state of mind;
- Yoga Pearl Studio: although I’ve never been there, this place seems to have a great atmosphere and it has plenty of positive reviews!
Maui, Hawaii
Maui is a Hawaiian island with magnificent beaches, plenty of outdoor activities. It’s no wonder that yoga studios and retreat facilities are so popular in this area! Here are your best options if you get there:
- Maui Yoga Shala includes dance AND yoga classes, so if you’re ready to step up (ha!) with your yoga/dancing skills, this is the best option;
- Maui Yoga Path: here you’ll find some of the best beach views of all yoga studios and if you ask me, that’s a great starting point for relaxation;
- Maui Yoga & Wellness has various classes with an overall focus on healing and a holistic approach;
- Wisdom Flow Yoga: Unlike other studios on our list, this one hosts classic yoga lessons without any additional workshops and varieties.
Encinitas, California
Encinitas, California, is a seaside town with a strong yoga culture developed in recent years. Whether you’re looking for yoga studios, workshops, and even retreat centers, here are my recommendations:
- Great Divine Flow Yoga: This studio is all about using yoga techniques to become happier and find joy in your daily life again;
- Evolve Yoga Studio: You can start this experience with a one-week trial to explore its wide variety of classes, which I think is a major perk;
- The Hot Room: this studio is so great some reviewers even recommend going there on a daily basis!
Portland, Oregon
Portland is a vibrant city in Oregon known for its health-conscious and environmentally-conscious community. There are many yoga studios and retreat centers in Portland where you can practice yoga, including:
- Portland Yoga Studio: This studio offers a variety of classes and workshops for all levels and you can join their sessions virtually via Zoom meetings too;
- Portland Yoga Arts: These non-competitive classes include both yoga techniques and martial arts creating a fascinating blend between the two;
- Forge Hot Yoga: This studio mainly hosts yoga classes, but they also offer pilates group training sessions if you’re into it;
- YoYoYogi Studio: If you want to actually have fun and feel a vibrant atmosphere during yoga classes, this is the place to be.
In conclusion, yoga is becoming more popular in the US, and many places offer a friendly and caring environment for practitioners. From the breathtaking natural beauty of Sedona, Arizona, to the vibrant culture of Boulder, Colorado, there are countless options for yogis of all levels and backgrounds.
The 8 yoga towns I’ve recommended in this post might be life-changing if you’re thinking of moving or just to explore new yoga communities. Either way, you’ll definitely be in for an unforgettable inner (and outer) journey!
Do you know any other amazing yoga towns in America? I’d love to hear your take on my reviews, including your own experiences, so make sure to use the comment section below and I’ll get back to you ASAP!
You may be also interested in: The 5 Most Stressful Cities in the US
