As a mecca for health and well-being, it’s no wonder that Asheville has a thriving yoga culture. With the highest concentration of experienced, certified, world-class yoga teachers in the region, Asheville has some of the best yoga studios in the Southeast. No matter which part of town you visit, you’ll find a yoga studio. Each studio has its own style and atmosphere from peaceful and welcoming studios that feature restorative yoga classes to power flow yoga studios to alignment-based yoga studios and everything in between. Most yoga studios in Asheville offer beginner-friendly and all-levels yoga classes. Feature photo: Stephan Pruitt/Agape Yoga

What is Yoga?
Originating in India, yoga is an ancient tradition and science that has been passed down for thousands of years. Most of the yoga we practice today in the Western world is based on Hatha yoga, which is about bringing balance to the body, mind, breath, and spirit. A method of self-discovery and transformation, the word yoga originates from Sanskrit and means ‘to yoke or bind,’ and is often interpreted as ‘union’ or a method of discipline. There are endless benefits from practicing yoga, including a calmer nervous system, a healthier circulatory system, a stronger respiratory system, smoother digestion, better sleep, improved focus, and clarity of mind.

Photo: Love Shine Yoga Festival in Asheville

Types of Yoga in Asheville and WNC

There are many styles of yoga, including Kundalini yoga, Iyengar yoga, power flow yoga, hot yoga, vinyasa, and restorative yoga. Most yoga studios in Asheville and Western NC offer multiple types of yoga. Some yoga studios are specific to a certain style and some yoga studios feature a variety of styles.

Whether you’re seeking a moment of bliss or to strengthen your physical body, new to yoga, or have a steady yoga practice, the Asheville yoga scene has something for you.

Photo: SUP Yoga, Love Shine Yoga Festival

Unique Yoga Experiences in and around Asheville

In Western North Carolina, there are various creative ways you can practice yoga and say ‘Namaste.’ Yoga is offered in a variety of settings such as public parks, breweries, farms, nature trails, mountain balds, waterfalls, and more.

Yoga & Nature

• Namaste in Nature Yoga Hikes: Connect with nature during a 3-hour guided yoga hike on weekends in March-November. Includes easy-moderate hike, yoga, meditation, yoga mats, and pictures. Enjoy forests, waterfalls, and mountain views, including the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Appalachian Trail. Beginners, men, women, couples, and groups welcome.
• Yoga in the Park: From June through September, the Asheville Yoga Center hosts Yoga in the Park on Saturdays at 10 am at Reuter Terrace in Pack Square Park. Classes are donation-based and proceeds benefit different local nonprofits. Cost: Donation-based.

Yoga in Pack Square Park in downtown Asheville

Yoga & Beer
Looking for a place to stretch and sip or bend and brew? Some breweries have weekly yoga and beer events, and others have special one-time yoga and beer events. Always check the brewery’s website for the latest updates. Here are some breweries that typically host yoga and beer: Oskar Blues Brewery in Brevard, Archetype Brewing in West Asheville, UpCountry Brewing in West Asheville, Highland Brewing in Asheville, and Pisgah Brewing Company in Black Mountain. See our Breweries & Cideries guide for more.

Yoga & Animals
In WNC there are tons of opportunities to practice yoga with furry animal friends, including goats, cats, chickens, and more! Sanctuary Brewing in Hendersonville, Franny’s Farm in Leicester, and Violet Owl Wellness in downtown Asheville typically offer yoga and animal classes.

Yoga with cats! By Violet Owl Yoga