Yoga seems to be one of those things that people THINK is a luxury, when in fact, it isn’t. You know, kind of as in the same way that people think eating healthy is expensive, when it is actually cheaper. I mean sure, a studio membership will cost you somewhere around 100-200 per month, a private somewhere between $100-$200 per session, and a single class between $15-$30. When you think about it, these prices are actually similar to gym memberships and individual training sessions. So if you practice yoga in addition to your regular workout routine, expenses can certainly add up.
If you’re looking to cut back on expenses, or you’re generally on a budget, your yoga practice doesn’t necessarily have to suffer. There are so many ways to practice without breaking the bank.
Like I’ve said before, I’m on a mission to get as many people as possible to start practicing yoga. So I hope that this post will be help eliminate one of the most common excuses I hear people say when they want to start yoga but…this and that…and so on.
1. Practice yoga online
Online yoga is a great way to get quality instruction at a very low price. There are membership sites like YogaGlo, Gaia, or Yoga Anytime that offer unlimited yoga classes for as little as $15-$20 a month. That’s less than the average price of a single drop-in class at a studio (btw, this is not a sponsored post, just free advice for all to enjoy). The instructors are usually top quality and there are tons of classes to choose from, including all levels and styles.
And of course there’s YouTube. A great option for totally free classes. There are so many great yoga channels out there like “Yoga with Adriene” and “Yoga with Kassandra,” just to name a few. Be sure to check the instructor’s credentials and yoga background before you take the class.
I also recorded a “morning vinyasa class” the other day. Click HERE to check it out.
The downside of practicing yoga online is that you don’t get that teacher-to-student interaction and those oh-so-yummy hands on adjustments. And of course, the great vibes and community feels that you get flowing and breathing alongside 30 other like-minded yogis at a yoga studio class.
2. Take community classes
Many yoga studios offer community classes at discount prices, by-donation, or even for free. These classes are usually taught by those that are new to teaching or new to the studio.
Although not recommended for beginners or students with injuries, community classes are a great way to practice yoga while supporting new teachers and helping them develop their teaching skills.
3. Do work exchange
If you happen to have some extra time on your hands, working at your local studio in exchange for free yoga is a great option. Most yoga studios have work exchange programs where you work a low amount of hours per week in exchange for free unlimited yoga classes. Some studios will even pay you an hourly rate, in addition to the free yoga. Work exchange programs are also known as “Karma Yoga.”
I used to do work exchange for free yoga myself and I absolutely loved it. It’s a great way to become part of your local yoga community, learn some new skills, and of course get tons of free yoga and discounted workshops and events.
Reach out to your local yoga studio and ask about work-exchange opportunities. More often than not, these opportunities are always available.
4. Go to outdoor yoga classes and community events
If you live in a big or warm-all-year-round city, chances are there are outdoor yoga classes and workshops being offered for free. Check your local listings or websites like Eventbrite to find free yoga events.
Also check with local community centers, libraries, or public schools and inquiry about yoga classes. A lot of times they offer weekly classes for the community at no charge.
5. Take classes at your gym
Most gyms offer yoga classes as part of their group class curriculum. If you already have a gym membership, this is a great way to combine both expenses into one.
The downside, in my opinion, is that some gym yoga classes tend to be more fitness oriented and may lack the spiritual and relaxation aspects you would get at a yoga studio. But if you practice yoga because you want to get a workout, then these classes will probably be a good fit for you.
Another thing is that I don’t necessarily love the idea of practicing yoga in a room where other “shoes-on” fitness classes are taught. That’s just me though and you may totally be okay with that.
Don’t get me wrong here, there are always exceptions to the rule. I actually used to practice yoga at my gym and I loved the class. I think it all depends on the teacher and the gym itself. If it’s a large gym, chances are they will have multiple class types to choose from like yin, restorative, and slower paced classes.
In conclusion, please don’t hesitate practicing yoga because you assume it is too expensive. As you can see here, yoga is in fact accessible to everyone at anytime. You just have to look outside the box and find your practice. Your body and mind will thank you down the road.
Oh and if you’re just starting out, be sure to check out my post on “How to Start a Yoga Practice: 5 Tips for Yoga Beginners.”
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I’ve been doing Youtube videos at home and love them! I was a total beginner and it was nice to try out some of the poses before taking a class – all great ideas!
This is a great post! I started practicing yoga through YouTube as a way to familiarize myself with poses and just generally get stronger before I took the plunge to (gulp!) practice in public!!
XO,
Kristi | http://www.KristiMeansBusiness.com
Great ideas! I wish my local studios practiced work exchange but I don’t believe they do. We are a pretty small community. I have also used the Down Dog app on my phone and quite liked. Apps and videos are great because you can stop them and rewind them to watch the pose better.
So great! Many people are hesitant to start Yoga because they lack confidence in doing it on their own, afraid they won’t get the poses right, hurt themselves, or not get the same benefits as they would in a class. This isn’t necessarily true, I think everyone should try a beginners Yoga sequence for 30 days, and then decide for themselves. They might be pleasantly surprised! Your tips are great for those who want to get into it, but aren’t aware of the many options open to them, besides Yoga studios and private classes.
I know yoga classes can be pricey and there are a lot of ways to practice yoga. Some studios offer free or highly discounted community classes. Also, if you are first starting out studios have special offers to new studios, that are very affordable. Thank you for sharing.