When you’ve been travelling, your body can get confused. How do you explain “missed flight” and “jet lag” to your joints and ligaments? Our mission when we landed in Amsterdam last month (en route to Belgium to support the Specialized-lululemon cycling team): find yoga.

vondelpark: yoga found us

The scene: a misty early morning in Amsterdam's urban park.
The stalkers: two bleary-eyed Canadians on rented hotel bikes, yoga mats in tow.
The yogi: We came across Ciara, who recently completed her yoga teacher training in India, and had to stop to take some stealth footage.

svaha yoga

After Vondelpark, we flowed and twisted in Wouter’s class at Svaha Yoga.

The neighbourhood: Jordaan, a central, walkable neighbourhood with cute shops.
The studio: a well-established studio in Amsterdam (with two locations). The Jordaan studio has two levels, and feels cozy and eclectic.
The yoga: All kinds of yoga are practiced here, from Ashtanga Vinyasa to Restorative.
Things I loved: harmonium playing to open and close class, chandeliers and a colourful roof, and lavender-scented eye pillows for savasana (side note – I want to make these – does anyone have a recipe?).

delight yoga

The second studio we visited on our DIY yoga tour of Amsterdam was Delight Yoga, where we took a yin class with Skadi.

The neighbourhood: Centrally located on the Weteringschans, in a heritage building with no signage.
The studio: Three floors, high ceilings, steep staircases, beautiful, light and modern.
The yoga: Multiple styles offered, including Ashtanga, Anusara, and meditation.
Things I loved: The most beautiful change room and reception area I've ever been in, sparkly class tokens, the sweet-spicy tea after class.

Skadi guided us through restorative poses and the 1.5 hour class went by in a blur – in fact, I may have fallen asleep completely but I’m not quite sure. I just know that when it was over, my back was smiling.

a few more reasons to pack stretchy clothes on your next trip

• downdogging with locals = direct access to local recommendations for the best coffee or post-yoga apple pie
• finding the yoga studio is an adventure on its own and a guaranteed way to discover new neighbourhoods.
• your body will thank you.

These are only two examples of the many studios and styles of yoga that Amsterdam offers. What's your favourite Amsterdam studio, and why?