Om for Less

By Shanon Lyon

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

5. Find a Buddy (or Two)
Check out yoga.meetup.com to find groups and like-minded individuals in your area. If you know a handful of yogis and yoginis, call a studio and ask for a private session with a yoga teacher who is willing to instruct the small class at a local site. If you find a free space, such as a community center or church basement, or even play host yourself, you can charge just enough to cover the instructor.

6. Shop ‘n Save
At $2 a pop, mat rentals don’t make a lot of sense for those on a budget. Mats can be purchased for as little as $20, and investing in a good quality mat (which may cost as much as $60) could save you even more money over time.
Don’t you dare let your lack of designer duds keep you off the mat. “The most important thing is that your clothes are loose and comfortable,” says Manfredi. “Having gear that’s marked as yoga gear is as irrelevant as wearing Chanel suits to work every day. It won’t improve your backbend or make your life any happier.”
Check out Freecycle or Craigslist for discounted or free clothes, yoga gear, and DVDs and sign up for alerts from yoga retailers so you can be first in line for sales. Or, organize a workout clothing swap with a few friends. You’re bound to come away with a few new gems.

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