Inner peace: priceless

If you’re anything like me it’s likely that your budget is tighter than your spandex yoga shorts, which let’s face it, aren’t that cheap either. But they’re not the only pricey piece of yoga gear.

A mat can run you anywhere from $20 to $100. Add to that the cost of a class which averages $20 an hour, then tack on the upwards of $50 to get yourself outfitted. It appears the cost of getting grounded isn’t as friendly on your wallet as it is on your health.

Not to worry, there are ways to cut costs so you have a good excuse to sport your oh so short lulu’s.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from being what feels like a perpetual student, it’s how to save money.

Here’s a few tips.

First off, if you’re  serious about yoga it’s worth investing in a decent mat. In the long run it lasts longer and you’ll feel the quality in your workout when your not sliding all over. I own a jade yoga mat made from recycled materials, and so far no complaints.

If you’re  just starting out Canadian Tire sells them for about $20.

Once you have a mat you’re set and can pretty much practice anywhere.

• In your living room (possibly using a DVD)
• On your lawn
• In a park
• On the beach
• At your gym (many offer yoga classes)
• The aerobics studio at your gym (even if it doesn’t  offer yoga you can usually take over the studio when it’s vacant)

If you’re set on a studio there are a few ways to save. Opt for one with a student discount. Some studios also offer donation-based classes. These are usually offered once a week and are “pay what you can.”

I have compiled a map of all the yoga studios I can find in Vancouver that offer student discounts and classes by donation.

View Yoga Studios in Vancouver in a larger map.

If you’re  really committed then go big. I’ve found that buying packages instead of paying drop ins usually saves money in the long run.

While investigating these cost cutting tools, I came across one studio in Vancouver that stood out as particularly budget friendly. Yoga For The People on the edge of Gastown runs as an entirely donation based studio with a pretty decent class schedule .

Talk about good karma.

Namaste