USA Yoga

06/16/2026

🧠 DOCTOR SPOTLIGHT: Jonathan Paine, MD ✨

What happens when a neurosurgeon steps onto a yoga mat?

Meet Dr. Jonathan Paine, a retired neurosurgeon and longtime yoga practitioner who brings decades of medical expertise—and over a decade of yoga experience—to USA Yoga's Yogi Doctor Q&A Panel.

Since beginning his yoga journey in 2011, Dr. Paine has practiced in studios around the world, including New York City, Washington DC, Boston, San Diego, the Cayman Islands, Kyoto, Tokyo, and right here at HOT Yoga on the Island. His personal practice, combined with a distinguished medical career, gives him a unique perspective on health, healing, movement, and longevity.

Dr. Paine understands that many athletes and practitioners have questions about back pain, spine health, injuries, aging, balance, mobility, recovery, and when medical evaluation may be appropriate. He is passionate about helping people better understand their bodies and make informed decisions about their health.

💬 Questions Dr. Paine can help answer:

✔ What does my MRI or X-ray actually mean?

✔ When should I seek imaging or medical evaluation?

✔ Is my back pain normal or something I should investigate?

✔ How can yoga support spine health and healthy aging?

✔ What are the warning signs I shouldn't ignore?

✔ How do I stay active, mobile, and healthy for life?

Join Dr. Paine and our panel of medical and wellness experts as we explore health, healing, performance, recovery, and longevity through movement.

🩺 THE DOCTOR IS IN
Yogi Doctor Q&A Panel

📅 Saturday, June 20, 2026
🕑 2:00–3:00 PM ET
💻 Zoom

🇺🇸 FREE for USA Yoga Members
🎟️ $20 Nonmembers

Register:
[www.usayoga.org/events](http://www.usayoga.org/events)

One Hour. Real Answers. Better Health for Yoga, Sport & Life.

06/16/2026

UPDATE! ✨ With the heart + support of our HOTY commUNITY, we not only reached our fundraising goal for USA Yoga… we surpassed it! 💛

🎉 Goal: $1,000
🙌 Raised: $1,374

Every dollar makes a difference in supporting this organization + the athletes who inspire us daily. THANK YOU for being part of this beautiful effort. 🌞🧘‍♀️

06/16/2026

Dear Friends,

I have always been deeply inspired by the eight limbs of yoga and the ways we can apply them in our daily lives. My own journey began at a very young age as an athlete, and that foundation continues to guide me today.

It is with great joy that I support this upcoming Yoga Olympiad in India, a venue very close to my heart, held at the University of our beloved Guruji, Dr. Nagendra. This is not only a competition, but also an opportunity for each of you to grow in your own capacity as a yogi and athlete.

As we advance in our asana practice, it is important to remember that yoga is much more than physical postures—it is a complete path of self-realization. That is why I encourage you to participate, to learn, and to experience yoga in its fullness.

For anyone interested, we will also provide lessons and guidance via Zoom. Please reach out to [email protected]
directly for more details. I kindly ask you to share this message with others, and I warmly encourage you to take part in this wonderful event.

With love and encouragement,
Rajashree

06/16/2026

Dear Athletes,

International Yoga Day is approaching, and this year, it’s your reminder of something bigger than training, competition, or results. It’s a reminder of the power that lives inside you—the power that yoga helps you unlock.

As athletes, you train your bodies with dedication, repetition, and grit.
Yoga invites you to train something even deeper—your breath, your focus, your recovery, your ability to stay calm under pressure, and your capacity to rise again when the body feels tired and the mind wants to quit.

It builds the strength of breath under pressure.
It teaches you to stay present when the challenge peaks.
It reminds you that strength is not only measured in speed, power, or distance—but in awareness, patience, and control.

The strength of focus when the mind wants to wander.
The strength of recovery when the body needs repair.
The strength of presence when the moment demands everything you’ve got.

Every posture teaches discipline.
Every breath teaches patience.
Every moment of stillness teaches control.
Every challenge teaches resilience.

This is why yoga belongs in the life of every athlete—not as a side practice, but as a secret weapon.

Every time you step on the mat, you’re not just stretching. You’re learning how to listen to your body with precision. You’re learning how to move with intention. You’re learning how to meet discomfort with courage instead of resistance.
You learn how to stay calm in discomfort.
You learn how to move with precision.
You learn how to listen to your body with honesty.
You learn how to push without breaking.
And yoga is here to take you even further.

That mastery follows you everywhere—onto the field and into every moment where performance matters.
And that is the mindset of a true athlete.

So on this International Yoga Day, honour the athlete you are becoming.
Honour the body that carries you.
Honour the breath that fuels you.
Honour the mindset that refuses to quit.

Step onto your mat with purpose.
Train your mind the way you train your muscles.
Let yoga elevate your power, your endurance, your recovery, and your spirit.

Happy International Yoga Day.
Keep rising. Keep breathing. Keep becoming unstoppable.
Love
Imelda Turner, IYSF (Athletes' delegates)

06/15/2026

🩻 DOCTOR SPOTLIGHT: Emily Avery, MD

From youth competitor to 5x USA Yoga National Champion and 2x World Silver Medalist, Emily Avery has spent much of her life exploring the connection between movement, performance, and health.

Today, as a physician and Radiology Resident at UC San Diego, she brings both elite athletic experience and medical expertise to our Yogi Doctor Q&A Panel.

Whether you're a yoga athlete, teacher, coach, student, or lifelong practitioner, Emily offers a unique perspective on injury prevention, recovery, imaging, and training for long-term health.

💬 Questions Emily can help answer:

✔ When should pain be evaluated?
✔ When is imaging helpful?
✔ How can athletes train safely over time?
✔ What can we learn from injury and recovery?
✔ How can yoga support lifelong health and performance?

Join Emily and our panel of experts for:

🩺 THE DOCTOR IS IN
📅 Saturday, June 20, 2026
🕑 2:00–3:00 PM ET
💻 Zoom

🇺🇸 Free for USA Yoga Members
🎟️ $20 Nonmembers

Register at:
[www.usayoga.org/events](http://www.usayoga.org/events)

06/14/2026

🩺 THE DOCTOR IS IN!

Have questions about yoga, injuries, nutrition, recovery, supplements, medications, healthy aging, or athletic performance?

Join USA Yoga's Yogi Doctor Q&A Panel and get answers directly from medical professionals and elite yoga athletes who understand both health and performance.

📅 Saturday, June 20, 2026
🕑 2:00–3:00 PM ET
💻 Live on Zoom

Meet Our Expert Panel:

🩻 Emily Avery, MD
5x USA Yoga National Champion & Radiology Resident

🧠 Jonathan Paine, MD
Retired Neurosurgeon & Yoga Practitioner

🥗 Keri Palasz, PhD, MS, RDN, LDN
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist & 2x World Yoga Champion

💊 Jessica Beal Stahl, PharmD
Sports Pharmacist, International Weightlifter & Athlete

Topics may include:

✔ Injury Prevention
✔ Recovery & Rehabilitation
✔ Nutrition & Hydration
✔ Supplements & Medications
✔ Brain & Spine Health
✔ Healthy Aging
✔ Yoga Sport Performance
✔ Training for Longevity

Whether you're a yoga athlete, coach, teacher, student, healthcare professional, or simply looking to improve your health and quality of life, this discussion is for you.

🇺🇸 FREE for USA Yoga Members
🎟️ $20 Nonmembers

Register:
[www.usayoga.org/events](http://www.usayoga.org/events)

One Hour. Real Answers. Better Health for Yoga, Sport & Life.

06/13/2026

🌎 USA Yoga is pleased to support this educational offering from the IYSF Academy featuring Dr. Jessica Beal-Stahl, PharmD.

Jessica has been a valued presenter for USA Yoga and brings a unique combination of clinical expertise and athletic experience as a Doctor of Pharmacy, Sports Pharmacist, and Olympic weightlifter.

Join this Saturday June 13 at 12:30 PM ET for an informative session on health, performance, recovery, supplements, medications, and lifelong wellness for yoga athletes and practitioners.

Jessica will also be joining USA Yoga’s upcoming "Ask the Docs" panel, featuring medical experts answering questions for yogis and athletes Saturday June 20 at 2 PM ET.

Registration link is in the original IYSF post. 💙

🌎 IYSF Academy Presents

🧠 Optimizing Health, Performance & Recovery

with Dr. Jessica Beal-Stahl, PharmD

Sports Pharmacist • Olympic Weightlifter • Former NCAA Division I Athlete

What role do medications, supplements, recovery strategies, and overall wellness play in athletic performance and lifelong health?

Join the International Yoga Sports Federation Academy for an educational session designed to help athletes, coaches, judges, teachers, healthcare professionals, and practitioners make more informed decisions about performance, recovery, and wellness.

Dr. Jessica Beal-Stahl combines clinical expertise with real-world athletic experience to explore how medications, supplements, hydration, recovery, and health conditions can impact flexibility, focus, endurance, recovery, and long-term wellness.

Topics include:

✅ Medications & Athletic Performance

✅ Supplements & Recovery

✅ Flexibility & Mobility

✅ Heat Tolerance & Hydration

✅ Focus & Concentration

✅ Healthy Aging & Longevity

✅ Wellness Strategies for Youth, Adult & Senior Athletes

Whether you participate in Yoga Asana Sport, teach yoga, coach athletes, or simply want to optimize your health and performance, this session offers practical insights grounded in science and experience.

📅 Saturday, June 13, 2026

⏰
9:30 AM Pacific (USA)
10:30 AM Mexico
12:30 PM Eastern (USA)
6:30 PM CET (Europe)
9:00 PM India

💻 Live Online

💛 Suggested Donation: $10

🔗 Register Here:
https://eu.jotform.com/form/260411558517355

06/11/2026

🏅 PREPARING FOR THE STATE GAMES OF AMERICA EXPERIENCE 🏅

USA Yoga Nationals 2026 will be part of the State Games of America in Happy Valley, Pennsylvania!

For many athletes, this will be a different experience than previous USA Yoga National Championships. Rather than a quiet theater setting, athletes may be sharing facilities with other national championships and sporting events as part of one of the largest multi-sport events in the country.

Athletes should begin preparing now to perform under a variety of conditions:
✅ Background noise
✅ Increased activity
✅ Larger crowds
✅ Multi-sport environments
✅ Opening Ceremonies & Parade of Athletes
✅ Travel and hotel planning

The State Games of America is more than a competition—it is a celebration of sport, community, and state pride.

Over the coming weeks we'll be sharing information about:
🇺🇸 Opening Ceremonies
🚩 Flag Bearer opportunities
🏨 Housing & Travel
🙌 Volunteer opportunities
🎟️ Admission passes
🧢 Official merchandise
🏅 What to expect at Nationals 2026

Focus. Concentration. Composure.

06/11/2026

🤝 PARTNER WITH USA YOGA 🤝

The 2026 USA Yoga National Championship will be held as part of the State Games of America in State College, Pennsylvania—bringing together athletes, coaches, officials, families, and supporters from across the country.

We're currently seeking sponsors and community partners who believe in:
🧘 Health & Wellness
🏅 Amateur Athletics
🌎 Community Impact
💪 Healthy Lifestyles
❤️ Youth & Adult Development

Potential sponsorship categories include:
• Healthcare Systems
• Sports Medicine Providers
• Physical Therapy Clinics
• Nutrition & Wellness Companies
• Yoga & Fitness Brands
• Recovery & Hydration Products
• Universities & Educational Partners
• Tourism & Hospitality Organizations
• Local Businesses
• Corporate Wellness Programs

Sponsorship benefits may include:
✅ National exposure
✅ Event recognition
✅ Livestream visibility
✅ Athlete engagement
✅ Social media promotion
✅ Community impact

Interested in learning more?

📧 [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])

Together we can help inspire the next generation of yoga athletes and promote health through sport.

06/11/2026

🙌 NOT COMPETING? JOIN TEAM USA YOGA! 🙌

The USA Yoga National Championship is powered by volunteers, and we'd love your help creating an unforgettable experience for athletes and families from across the country.

Volunteer opportunities may include:

🏅 Athlete Registration & Check-In
🎤 Athlete Marshalling
🎥 Livestream Support
📸 Photography & Videography
🏆 Awards & Medal Ceremonies
🧘 Warm-Up Area Support
📱 Social Media Coverage
🤝 Sponsor & Vendor Support
🎪 Event Setup & Breakdown
❤️ Hospitality & Welcome Team

Whether you can help for a few hours or an entire weekend, there is a role for everyone.

Interested in volunteering with USA Yoga Nationals 2026?

📧 [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])

The State Games of America and USA Yoga Nationals will only be successful because of the people willing to serve behind the scenes.

Thank you for helping us make this championship special.