Om for Less

By Shanon Lyon

Yoga isn't about pricey classes or equipment. It's about you and your practice.

photo courtesy of Sue Kupka, Lululemon Las Vegas


You don’t have to spend a lot – or anything – to have a deep, meaningful yoga practice. Skipping the $15 studio class once a week and practicing at home, for instance, could save you $60 (or more!) a month. In three years, you’d have $2160 – just enough for that dreamy-sounding retreat.

Another reason to enroll now says Kim Manfredi, owner of Charm City Yoga in Baltimore, is that in the long run, a yogic lifestyle can actually save you money, which may make it worth the upfront investment in classes and basic gear. “In yoga, you work on being happier with who you are, without things outside yourself,” says Manfredi. “If you invest in yoga, you may find you don’t need new clothes every season or that new eyeshadow. You will even start eating healthier by preparing your own foods more often, which can also save money.”  Over time, you might find yourself living a healthier lifestyle that’s good for your well-being and your wallet.

Here are a six more ways to develop your practice while you bank some savings and mind-saving techniques. 

1. Barter and Trade
Yoga studios need all kinds of services, from web design to cleaning. If you can provide the skills, why not offer them in exchange for classes? Manfredi has traded yoga for a number of services, including construction of a new studio and graphic design. “Priority goes to students who are part of the community,” she says. “Find a way to attend the owner’s class or be introduced by a friend. Then, make sure you come across as organized and professional so the owner knows you’re serious about providing the service.” And introducing yourself in person is always better than email, she says, which can come across as too “hands-off.”

2. Search for Studios and Gyms with Freebies
You may have found your favorite studio, but your pocketbook and your practice could benefit from giving other styles and teachers a try.  Most studios offer a free class for first-time students, and, according to Greg Gumucio, owner of Yoga to the People, a donation-based studio in New York and Berkeley, branching out can help you deepen your practice and discover something new. If you’re a diehard power yoga practitioner, for instance, you might find that your body (and mind) appreciates a gentle, restorative class once in a while. Gyms and community centers are also a great place to look for free or discounted yoga. The Olympic Athletic Club in Seattle, Wash., for instance, offers one to three guest passes for anyone who’s interested in joining. And some community centers offer yoga classes at prices far below the neighborhood studios. 

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Don’t forget to look beyond the local studios for freebies. All lululemon stores offer free yoga classes, says Sue Kupka, community coordinator for the Las Vegas store. Classes are taught by local instructors, and, according to Norah Vogan, a student at UNLV, they are as good, if not better, than what you’d find in a studio. “Because the classes are small, they’re really intimate,” she says. “You get a lot of one-on-one attention.”

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