How to Save Money and Do Yoga for Cheap

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Updated on February 03, 2021

Are expensive yoga classes holding you back from regular practice? At $15 to $20 a pop, quality classes can really add up. Here are some ways to save money and make sure you are getting your recommended daily allowance of yoga.

Seek Out Inexpensive Classes

park yoga — Global Stock/Vetta/Getty Images

Many yoga studios offer community classes at a discounted rate, often offered at off peak hours. Community centers, university extension programs, YMCAs, gyms, and yoga studios are all places where yoga may be offered for less. Some community classes are taught by newly certified teachers, so it can be helpful to go with a teacher you already know, or who comes recommended. In warm weather, it often gets easier to find free yoga classes in parks and other outdoor spaces.

Donation-based studios are also becoming more prevalent. Do a Google search to find one near you.

Buy Classes in Bulk

By committing to a card good for 10 or 20 yoga classes, you can save some real money. Most studios offer a substantial discount on class cards, which can bring the price of a class down to as low as $10. You will need to have the money up-front for the class card and be a regular student to ensure that you attend all the classes you have paid for before your card expires.

Invest in Your Own Yoga Mat and Water Bottle

Two dollars for a mat and a dollar for bottled water may not seem like a lot, but it can add up over time. With yoga mats available for purchase for as little as $20, it doesn’t take a math whiz to figure out how many rentals it takes to equal your very own mat, which, by the way, will also be a lot cleaner than a communal studio mat. And carrying your own water from home not only saves money but helps reduce waste too.

Do Karma Yoga

Those with flexible schedules can often trade work for classes at yoga studios, especially if they have been regulars in the past. This type of work, called karma yoga, may include simple cleaning, front desk work, carpentry, publicity, or graphic design, so you might even get something for your resume out of it. Don't be shy about asking your studio if they do karma yoga; many studios are more than happy to trade classes for services they value.

Practice at Home

Doing yoga at home alongside an online class or via a yoga app can be more cost-effective than attending classes especially during a global pandemic, though the trade-offs can include missing out on the advice of a teacher and the power of community. You can, however, find free yoga videos and audio on the web (search "free yoga").