Athletic-Minded Traveler

We’re all a bit more conscious of our spending habits lately, especially when it comes to “non-essential” items in the budget like dining out, shopping and vacations. But what about the things that add personal value to our lives (and health!), even though they may not be necessary for our immediate survival?

Take yoga, for instance. As a yoga teacher I believe that maintaining my personal practice is crucial to my effectiveness as an instructor. However, the monthly unlimited membership at my local Bikram Yoga studio  is $90 per month.  

I can justify the cost because it adds value to my career, among many other things. But what about everybody else-people who can’t deduct yoga fees on their taxes as a job-related expense? In this tough economic climate where everything is about downsizing and simplifying, how can you cut down on the cost of practicing yoga?
 
After doing a little homework I found that most yoga studios around the nation offer reduced rate or free “community” classes or even donation-based classes. Here are a few ways to maintain your yoga practice without breaking the bank. 

1) Discounted Classes

CorePower Yoga  offers at least  one $8 class (compared to the regular $18 drop-in fee) per day at ALL of their studios located in California, Colorado, Minnesota, Oregon and Illinois-many of which are featured on our website. Additionally, as a brand new student you can enjoy an entire week of unlimited yoga for FREE.

That’s great news for travelers not only because they have over 21 studios and growing, but they are also EXTREMELY drop-in friendly due to their universal teaching style. 

2) Donation Only

Yoga to the People, based throughout New York City and Berkeley, California, believes that studios of today have become cost prohibitive and exclusive, thus undermining the very spirit of yoga. In response, they operate on a donation-only basis with a suggested donation of $10, but ultimately encourage students to pay what they can. Surprisingly, this “karma business model” works- the company is thriving and continues to grow its presence by adding more studios.

 

3) Community Classes

Back Bay Yoga in Boston offers 5 community classes on its schedule per week for only $5 each. The classes are 90 minutes in length and are of the same quality as regularly priced classes (so you’re not compromising quality to save a few bucks). Once a month the studio chooses a local charity or non-profit and donates one week’s worth of proceeds. 

While this is just one example, many studios choose to offer community or “karma” classes and donate to a local organization. We like it because we get cheap yoga AND a chance to do something for the community. 

4)  Work-study 

Trade a service for discounted yoga. It works beautifully because, like community classes, you get a financial break and you get to give back to the discipline that brings you joy.  This type of bartering is great for anyone with a marketable trade such as web design, photography, accounting or legal services. While it does require a time commitment, it may be worth looking into if you feel it is a valuable exchange for your budget needs. 

5) Student discount

Ok, so maybe it’s been a while since you were in college, but it never hurts to ask for student rates at the studio. For instance, at Down Dog Yoga in Georgetown, Washington D.C., students pay $12 instead of $18 for a drop-in. Bikram studios almost always have student rates, such as the studio in Philly, which gives a $10 discount to students on drop-in rates. 
We are certainly not condoning dishonesty, but if your travels leave you strapped for cash and you are TRULY  hurting, then perhaps talk to the studio owner about striking a deal.

Bottom line:

Whether you are traveling or practicing in your hometown studio, you shouldn’t have to pay through the nose for yoga. Bear in mind that while studios are typically willing to accommodate students with budget constraints, they are running a business. Try to think of the overall value yoga brings to your life and decide what you CAN pay without bringing bad karma into your world.

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