Virtual Yoga in the United States: 50 States of Asana Online

If you’re interested in challenging yourself this year, consider taking virtual yoga in the United States—one class in all 50 states online. This virtual journey will open up opportunities to learn from a wide array of yoga instructors, styles, and lessons from those with various experiences. While this journey may seem overwhelming to plan—I share some of my quick tips, suggested studios, and inspiration to get started.

Motivation For My Virtual Yoga Journey

In April of 2020, I faced a traumatic burn injury in which a kitchen accident burned 20% of my body from the waist down. As an avid yogi prior to my injury, the most devastating part of my accident to me was the idea that I might not be able to do yoga the same again. In the beginning—I let my injury get the best of me. I felt defeated, and it hurt to do anything. I felt embarrassed that standing upright was an issue when not too long before I’d been standing on my hands.

My husband, the motivator that he is, knew that I needed to get over myself and start somewhere. Encouraging me to get to a chair in front of the television—he put on a chair yoga class knowing I’d have no choice but to force myself to participate. Anytime I’ve felt unmotivated for class—I always think of how I feel after it’s all over. This is what helped me get through this class as well—I left class that day feeling the best I’d felt in a long time. Even without standing, I’d felt side body stretches that left me feeling refreshed and relaxed and motivated me to keep going.

Getting Started with Virtual Online Yoga

After that day, I began taking short, simple classes that helped me challenge myself a little each time. I would eventually work my way enough to be able to hold my own in a traditional Vinyasa yoga class and this alone seemed like a goal I’d not long before think I’d be able to achieve.

As a way to continue to find ways to challenge myself, I set out on a journey to prove that my trauma and scars couldn’t define me while honoring my body for how far it had come. In just 8 weeks—I took yoga “virtually” in all 50 states of America. Having made hundreds of new friends, learned the importance of listening to my body (and when it needs to rest), and further understood the beauty of mindfulness on your yoga mat.

4 Steps to Taking Virtual Yoga in the United States

Committing yourself to 50 yoga classes and being able to find ones that met your budget and your preferred style can be a challenge. Here a few basic essentials you need in order to be able to start out on your own journey.

1. Virtual Yoga Map & List

It may seem silly, but having a means of tracking my journey is an essential part of kick-starting your journey. I kept a map of the United States on my phone and a note with all 50 states listed. Each time I completed a virtual class I colored off my map and made sure to write the name of the studio on my list. In addition, anytime I found a class I found particularly enjoyable, I made my own “code” to remember if I wanted to return—maybe starred the studio, or added an emoji.

2. Virtual Yoga Class Scheduler

This is probably the most essential part of taking virtual yoga in the United States. I swear by MindBody online as the essential tool needed to make this journey happen. Since the onset of the pandemic, Mindbody has released options to view virtual-only classes and in addition, has a section to showcase “Break a Sweat, Not the Bank” FREE online classes. When I wanted to find yoga in a particular state, I placed a city or state in the search bar and a time that worked best for me.

3. A Good Support System

It may sound silly, but just like committing to any goal‚ having friends and family to support your journey and help hold you accountable are essential to your success. My husband was there to help cheer me on, but also there to help encourage me when I just felt like I couldn’t do it that day. Be sure that your family and friends have buy-in to help you achieve your goal—and stick with it.

4. An Open Mind

This journey left me so thankful for all of the studios and teachers that had given me so much more than I’d ever believed, and all virtually! While my journey was incredibly successful—it didn’t come without its share of challenges. There were days where I signed up for a class that I didn’t receive a link, other days the class just wasn’t for me, and then even days where I just wasn’t in it mentally. The journey won’t be perfect, so stop telling yourself that it has to be. Approach each class with an open mind, and be willing to be flexible when things happen. By learning to be adaptable, you’ll open yourself up to new opportunities and will learn lots of new things.

Taking yoga virtually online isn’t necessarily the same experience as in-person, so it is important to also know what you’re getting into. I recommend making a pact with yourself to always have your camera on to gain the opportunity to make new friends and connect with others. In addition, teachers will be able to see you and often provide corrections when possible. If you have family or friends that are around, be sure to let them know that you’re committing to a camera-facing yoga journey online (to be sure dad doesn’t accidentally step into view in his boxers).

Map Out Your 50 States of Asana

To those that believe they can’t do something (I was in that category after my accident)—know that putting your mind to something can lead to remarkable things. It was on this journey that I received the inspiration to become a yoga teacher myself. Whether you’re new to yoga or are an avid yogi, you’ll definitely have something to gain with this experience. If you have questions or are interested in getting help getting started, contact me at any time! Need help? Be sure to check out some of the studios from my journey around the United States!

Want to go on your own journey? Here are the studios that I visited in the United States:

Alabama: @theyogaroomau
Alaska: @fairbanksyoga
Arizona: @1tribeyoga
Arkansas: @sixthhousestudio
California: @theyogitree
Colorado: @bodhimovement @yogastudiosatya
Connecticut: @omsally
Delaware: @tulayoganrp
Florida: @hotyogalounge
Georgia: @evenkeelyoga
Hawaii: @sunyogahawaii
Idaho: @idahoyogacoop
Illinois: @om_on_the_range_yoga
Indiana: @honoryogafishers
Iowa: @blissyouryoga
Kansas: @darlingyogakc
Kentucky: @lhaayoga
Louisiana: @freetobepoweryoga
Maine: @mindymuseyoga
Maryland: @yogarevelation
Massachusetts: @baptistepoweryogaboston
Michigan: @citizenyoga
Minnesota: @yogasanctuarympls
Mississippi: @mtheoryyoga
Missouri: @kcyogakula
Montana: @mountainyogabozeman
Nebraska: @wildrootyoga
Nevada: @yogapodreno
New Hampshire: @wildheartyogandwellness
New Jersey: @yogapeacekula
New Mexico: @blissfulspiritsyoga
New York: @bodenyc
North Carolina: @ashevilleyogacenter
North Dakota: @transitionsyoga
Ohio: @clevelandyoga.littleitaly
Oklahoma: @405yoga
Oregon: @firelightyoga
Pennsylvania: @nourishingstorm
Rhode Island: @providencepoweryoga
South Carolina: @wearemissionyoga
South Dakota: @blackhillsyoga
Tennessee: @yogalanding
Texas: @my_vinyasa_practice
Utah: @cradleyoursoul
Vermont: @story.yoga.inc
Virginia: @esenyls_pilates
Washington: @sealevelhotyoga
West Virginia: @thefoldedleaf_wv
Wisconsin: @everyday_bliss_institute_
Wyoming: @littlelotusyogawyo