Yoga is a close second behind cats as the most searched topic on the internet. And while yoga may be a simple, modest practice at heart, it can come with a steep price; one that many average practitioners can’t afford. To help you get your OM on without burning through your cash or karma, Hazelview has a few tips that will help you keep up your practice on a budget.
Yoga at Home
Doing yoga at home is kind of the best solution when you're on a budget. It’s free and you can progress at your own pace without judgement or pressure from handstand-happy instructors. However, like going to the gym, doing it yourself can be tricky. Not everyone has space for yoga. And while you don’t need tons of gear, you can’t really do it on a bare floor. Plus there’s the whole motivation thing. Half of the entire reason people go to gyms is they won’t workout when left to their own devices. It takes getting out sometimes, and also other people for support. So, while yoga at home is a great option, be aware of the pitfalls. You can also turn to YouTube yogis for free classes, programs and motivation -- check out Tara Stiles or Yoga with Adrienne. Read more.
Yoga in the Park
In the late spring and summer months (even into the fall), park yoga can be a hit. Next to yoga at home, park yoga is perfect. Its cheap, easy, has low gear needs (grass is soft), and there's tons of space for your flying crow pose. Keep in mind that there’ll be people gawking. Learn more.
Community Centre
Your local community centre might offer yoga classes and drop in sessions for little to no cost. They generally offer classes and memberships at a fraction of the cost of your local gym or studio.
Friends and Favours
Yoga teachers are everywhere in 2018. With this comes the potential for low-cost private classes. Or invites to group classes taught by newly minted instructors looking for experience. You can even comb Craigslist for teachers. Try bartering. Or offer an instructor something in return for a class or two. See more.
Group Practice
One of the best motivators and ways to practice on a budget is to set up a group. Find like-minded folks, or see if you can convince your friends to start a yoga day at someone’s house. Meetups and other online communities are also great resources. Learn more.
Volunteer
Volunteering has long been a way to get a foot in the door where you want to work. Poll the myriad studios close to you and see if you can offer to help them out in exchange for free classes. All the better if you have a specialty skill they can make use of.
Hazelview hopes this list helps you get your asanas in without breaking the bank. For more information about Hazelview Properties in your city, please visit our website.