There is nothing that I find more inspiring than enjoying a beautiful yoga practice between explorations, feeling the vital breath and energy that renews and invigorates the spirit during an empowering journey through this extraordinary world of ours. That’s why I always bring my yoga mat; you never know when you are going to happen upon the perfect place to practice!
Yoga gives us a “time out” and a “tune in”. It’s an incredible opportunity to slow down during any hectic time and re-focus our energy into the possibility of becoming strong, grounded, and centered. Even when you’re on the move, traveling to any and all exotic locations, taking the space to practice yoga can enhance the experience that you are having. Also, who doesn’t love a little bit of yoga in a place that you have never visited before?
The research was done and we found eight bliss-inducing studios around the globe that will help you sweat, stretch and get your flow on! With your passport in hand, be sure to do yourself a favor and check in to them when the wind leads you to your destination:
1. YogaTree Studios, Toronto, Canada: “Come grow with us” is the slogan, and how very apt it is! With four yoga studios in the Greater Toronto Area, including a fifth location to be added this fall, YogaTree is ready to meet you in the midst of a this bustling, Canadian city. Each studio has its own unique design, catering the vibe to the energy of each unique area of Toronto, and with classes that range from Hot Yoga and Ashtanga to Restorative and Beginner’s Yoga, there is truly something for everyone. An experience not to be missed!
2. Liberation Yoga, Los Angeles, United States: You walk in, and you immediately feel at home. The studio is designed with comfort, love, and kindness in mind; rice paper lanterns, beautifully painted murals, andde licious Nag Champa incense wafting through every carefully crafted room. There is an enclosed garden attached to the space, so indoor and outdoor classes are part of the menu. Expect a fun, welcoming, youthful vibe and a variety of classes to keep you both pumped and zenned!
3. Rituel Studio, Paris, France: Miss out on your yoga while vacationing in France? “Paris” the thought! Rituel Studio has everything you’d expect in a classic French vibe, mixed with the intensive strength of a fortified yoga and fitness studio. Here, you will find pilates, cardio classes, and yoga for a blend that creates a fit body and calm mind. They even have classes for kids! When in Paris, be sure to stop by for the best of all yogic worlds.
4. Yoga Shala, Reykjavik, Iceland: Amidst the scenic ,Nordic beauty of the incomparable country of Iceland stands Yoga Shala, a bright and blissful space ready to fulfill all of your yoga desires. With reasonable drop in rates, a variety of classes (including Ashtanga, Acro Yoga and Mysore), this studio is the perfect stop for the valiant-hearted adventurer. Classes are taught in English as well as Icelandic, so you will never feel left out of the loop!
5. Hamsa Yoga Studio, Copenhagen, Denmark: Get ready for the ultimate in wellness! When it comes to a healthy life in mind, body, and soul, the people of Denmark really make the grade. This gorgeous and unique studio has nearly eveyr type of class imaginable, whether you like to feel your heart race, or you need to take a moment to wind down. There is also a wellness clinic attached, so make sure to enjoy a skin treatment or thai yoga massage after your practice!
6. Karma Yoga, Shaghai, China: Vast open studios in the heart of a historic and metropolitan Asian city? How could you skip it?! This studio is warm, bright, and positively enchanting. Located in the heart of Shanghai, you’ll find everything here from power yoga, to beginner’s classes, to meditation workshops and wellness clinics. This studio is all about living the life of the yogi, and you are guaranteed to get the full, authentic experience from the moment you walk through the doors. Outstanding!
7. YogaCara Healing Arts, Mumbai, India: Here, you are communing with the source. Yoga began in India, and so it is an impossibly humbling experience to join in the very origins of your practice. There are classes for all yoga needs, including Ivengar, a type of Hatha Flow that strongly integrates Pranayama breathing with strong, stable movements. You will also find a wellness clinic with massage options, a zen garden, workshops, and a teacher training institute. Be sure to make the trip!
8. Abundance Yoga and Pilates, Auckland, New Zealand: A gorgeous yoga experience in one of the most gorgeous parts of the world! With a strong focus on building strength and endurance in the body, Adundance has some of the best Power Yoga and Pilates classes that you can find, guaranteeing that you will feel refreshed and revitalized with each class. Their community is incredibly open to the stories of new travellers and visitors, so don’t be surprised if they offer you and opportunity to stay with them full time!
Yoga is Universal. It is a fascinating thing to observe how different parts of the world work with their practice and integrate teachings into their daily lives. Having your mat with you throughout the world is not only important to the yogic journey, but it is also a doorway into the soul of your practice. Be prepared for a stretch and a sweat, and you will have the world’s love at your fingertips.
Namaste!
Lauren is a guest writer for the Huffington Post and Social Media Coordinator in Toronto.
Twitter:@LaurenMesservey
Web: http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/lauren-messervey/
