alive Editorial
The ancient practice of yoga focuses on physical, mental, and spiritual health. Research shows that yoga is not only beneficial for relieving stress, it also improves balance, promotes healthier eating and physical activity, and boosts mental well-being. Around the world, many spots are renowned for their yogic opportunities. While some of the best spots to practice lie within beautiful natural areas, others have established histories in large urban areas.
Colorado provides residents and visitors access to both large nature areas and city parks, making it an ideal location for practicing yoga. With its year-round sunshine, snow-capped mountain vistas, and comfortable levels of high-altitude air, the city of Boulder is one of the most popular destinations in the state for yogis.
There is no shortage of spectacular natural sites in the Grand Canyon State. Whether it's practicing a standing eagle pose atop an energy vortex in Sedona or experiencing goat yoga by Phoenix, Arizona is a haven for yogis. Practitioners looking for community will find retreats, resource centers, classes, and all levels of teacher training in the major cities.
New York is home to a range of community classes in cities across the state. Instead of a rivalry between studios, the New York City yoga community has established a kinship between them. Yogis will find an eclectic and forward-thinking yoga culture in the Big Apple, led by world-renowned teachers.
In fact, studies show that blue spaces with views of the water may be slightly more restorative to both mental and general health than green spaces.
Researchers recommend a minimum of 120 minutes of weekly contact with blue or green spaces for optimal health, which will not be a challenge here. There are a vast number of breathtaking outdoor sites across the state where yogis can integrate body, mind, and spirit.
Local instructors strive for an inclusive and diverse yoga community. Dozens of studios across the city provide a vast array of instruction, including classes specifically for youths, veterans, and people with mental health conditions.
What you may not know is that Vancouver is also a respected hub for yoga practitioners. The community started in the West End in the 1960s. Today, one in five Canadians practices yoga, and people in Vancouver practice yoga at nearly twice the rate of any other city in Canada.
Costa Rica is an eco-friendly paradise for wellness seekers offering a large number of year-round yoga and spiritual retreats. Those seeking more of a low-key, less structured escape can travel to scenic Montezuma, a budget-friendly bohemian village with rugged beaches, spectacular waterfalls, and a variety of birds and other wildlife.
Abisko is a small village at the north of the Arctic Circle, where practitioners can enjoy winter meditation beneath breathtaking green and blue night sky views of the Aurora Borealis. Research shows that meditation in nature can improve mood and soothe stress, so this spot is a prime pick.