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. 

Also check out:
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.”

3. Om at Home
Starting a home practice can be intimidating, but it’s also one of the best ways to save a little dough. Find a home practice weekend workshop in your area. Then set up a consistent time and space to do it on your own. Then set up a consistent time and space to do it on your own. If you’re diligent, the practice will soon become routine. Two other benefits: Your solo "class" will always be targeted to your needs, and you can make it longer or shorter, depending on the time you have available. “Go there no matter what,” says Manfredi. “It doesn’t have to be a full practice every time you go to your mat. Do what you can and just enjoy it.”

If you currently practice in a studio and want to take your yoga home, Gumucio suggests taking an in-studio class with your eyes closed. Once you eliminate the visual cues of the studio, he says, it’ll be a bit easier to Om at home. (You may want to keep your eyes closed at home, too. This way, you won’t be distracted by loads of laundry or stacks of bills.)

Check out these upcoming workshops to kick-start your home practice:   
West
Home Practice Workshop with Lisa Holtby
Seattle Yoga Arts, Seattle, WA
Saturday, April 26, 2008

4th Annual Home Practice Workshop
Blue Heron Yoga, Durango, Colorado
Saturday, May 3, 2008

South
Home Practice Workshop
Inner Life Yoga, Morgantown, West Virginia
Friday, May 23, 2008

Midwest
Creating Your Home Yoga Practice
Alley Cat Yoga, Columbia, Missouri
Saturday, April 12, 2008

East
Creating A Home Practice
Love Yoga Center, Oxford, Pennsylvania
Friday, June 6, 2008

Spring Into a Home Practice with Naomi Gottlieb-Miller
Willow Street Yoga, Tacoma Park, Maryland
Saturday, June 7, 2008

4. Download Upward Facing Dog
These days, free (or cheap) yoga classes are literally at your fingertips. Some studios, including Yoga to the People, offer classes online and at iTunes. On iTunes, just do a keyword search for “yoga podcast” or a specific teacher or studio.
Here are a few of our favorite podcasts:
Yoga to the People 60-minute Power Flow
Yoga Peeps Podcasts
Power Yoga with Dave Farmar
Hillary’s Yoga Practice Podcast

Other online resources include yogatoday.com, myyogaonline.com, and our very own Yoga Cures downloads.  If you’re looking to add a new DVD to your collection but aren’t ready to buy, visit your library to get a free preview. If your library doesn’t have what you’re looking for, put a purchase request in with the librarian. Not sure what’s out there? Read our DVD reviews.

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.