Why Yoga is Perfect for NWA Newcomers

Photo by OMYoga

Moving into a new city can be very exciting, but also has its fair share of stress accompanying that excitement. From having to meet new people, get used to a different environment, and just having to find your rhythm in a new place. That’s where yoga comes in. I have always been a huge supporter of mental and physical health activities, and yoga combines the two beautifully. From a young age I watched my mother do her yoga routines every morning, and when I called her stress about college and being in a new place all alone. She suggested to me to do what always helped her mental health. It helps to reduce stress by bringing mindfulness, movement, and community into your life. Let me convince you why you should give yoga a shot while the stress of moving to NorthWest Arkansas might be weighing on you. It’s a great opportunity to connect with the community and quickly make new friends while doing a healthy activity. NorthWest Arkansas is known for its active/wellness- focused lifestyle, with beautiful hiking destinations and mountain biking, Yoga fits right into the mold. It’s more than just a work out. Yoga creates a more connected slowed down space. 

Benefits of Yoga for New Residents 

-All Levels of Experience Welcome-

You don’t need to be some fancy 5 year yoga master to participate in yoga, it’s main focus is on what you need as an individual, where you are at. Many beginner-friendly classes and welcoming instructors to make you feel comfortable. Yoga meets you where you are. 

-Connection to Nature-

Yoga in NWA is not just limited to classes in the studio. There are opportunities for yoga outdoors as well. Allowing people to connect with themself, with peers, and with nature. Getting out of the house to go to an outdoor yoga event could even help you explore your new home, learning your surroundings. 

-Natural Way to Make Friends-

Being in a new place, you might not have any friends. You might be completely starting over here in NWA. Yoga classes or events could be a wonderful outlet to naturally meet new peers. Build a community of people with like minded interest. Making friends with the same interest can allow you to create a deep bond and shared hobby, making the adjustment of moving to a new place a little more easy. 

-Stress Relief and Mental Health- 

Like I mentioned earlier, moving can be really stressful. Packing bags and having to learn new street names, all while not knowing anyone around you. I know I was stressed about moving to NWA, and its very important to keep your mental health in check. Reducing stress through meaningful activities, like yoga. Find what works for you, find your outlet. 

Opportunities in NorthWest Arkansas

So if you still reading this far I take it you are interest even a little bit In the NWA Yoga

Community. You want to reduce that stress and work on your physical health. Find your place and connect with people in your new city. You are in luck! Fayetteville, Trailside Yoga is an amazing place to start, especially University of Arkansas students. (It’s just minutes from campus). In Bentonville, Yog Story offers a wide variety of classes and really focuses on personal growth. As well in the neighboring town of Rogers, Studio 7 with unbeatable Hot Yoga classes for an upbeat energy and there is The Momentary that hosts occasional free donation based yoga right in the art studio. Lastly for the University of Arkansas student living on campus, there are amazing classes hosted multiple times a week on campus at the UREC! 

Don’t let the stress of being new to a place scare you from being the best possible you. There are many opportunities to get involved in the fitness lifestyle of NWA. Though Yoga is my personal favorite and I highly recommend, I encourage everyone to get active and find your hobby. Your mental and physical health will thrive!