Yoga on a Budget

Frugality is an important quality to have in my book. I used to be broke all the time! That is never fun. I now feel like I have a decent grasp on avoiding debt, living well within a budget, and still enjoying life to the fullest! 

I was explaining my Master Plan (mwa, ha, ha) to become a yoga teacher to an acquaintance of mine the other day. I got the usual response that I have been getting when I tell people that I am quitting my job to go to a yoga teacher training, "Oh, I've heard yoga is so wonderful, I should really try it sometime!". This time however, it was followed up with, "yoga classes are so expensive though, I don't think I can ever get into it". Instant frowny face.

I know it's a recession. I know that blowing money on indulgences is never a good idea, but I promise you, a deep and fulfilling yoga practice can be had without busting the bank!

Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Yoga DVDs are completely unnecessary in my book. There are so many free videos online now on YouTube and various yoga websites, as well as on Comcast On Demand if you have that, that purchasing a new DVD is a waste.
• If you really want to own yoga DVDs, Amazon and eBay are the way to go! Or the used section of any big box bookstore.
• Yoga props: mats, straps, blocks, etc, etc, etc. I have seen some of these items sold for outrageous amounts of money. I again recommend going with Amazon or eBay, not just for used, but new items frequently go for much less than store bought or yoga web store costs.
• Take it one step further and discover that a blanket, belt, and brick are all suitable yoga "props" for your home practice! Most yoga studios will provide you with all necessary props for your studio practice.
• Fancy meditation cushion? Or....stack of pillows and folded blankets? I promise you, your meditating mind will not know the difference!
• The majority of yoga studios that I am familiar with offer weekly or monthly "community" or "donation" classes. These are classes are sometimes taught by teachers-in-training, but are usually just a way for the studio to practice good karma. The cost for one of these classes vary between free, specific item donation (such as a canned food drive), and 50% to 75% cost of their usual drop-in class fee. Ask your studio!
• If you are planning to have a regular and frequent studio practice, it will almost surely be worth investing in a class card or a monthly, quarterly , or even yearly class package. A class card is when you pre-purchase 5, 10, 20, whatever amount of classes for a discounted amount (make sure you like the studio/instructors prior to purchase!!) If your studio's drop-in rate for one class is, say $10, a 10 class card might cost you $80, a savings of 20%. I personally am purchasing 3 months unlimited class package at a time. It is costly (about $230), but since I am attending 3-6 times per week, it is very much worth it to me!
• Most importantly, shop around! You would do this if you were buying a new car, so why not when looking for a yoga studio? Spend the drop-in amount to try out the teachers, meet the owners, and get a feel for their methods, focus of class, clientele, and overall atmosphere. You want to find a studio where you feel comfortable, accepted, challenged and welcome!

Know any other ways to save money and still have a fulfilling yoga practice?