A recent CNN article talks about how people are keeping their yoga classes or turning to yoga as a way to relieve stress during these uncertain and stressful economic times.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/wayoflife/01/30/economy.and.yoga/
When comparing the cost of a yoga class ($8 – $15/class) to a day at the spa, an hour massage, or a happy hour with friends, yoga is a very affordable & healthy option. Here are some ideas to make it even more cost-effective and something you’ll stick with.
- Find a buddy — we’re more likely to stick to new wellness routines if you have a friend that’s counting on us to go. I have several couples, mom-daughters and great friends who come to my classes and then grab dinner or tea afterwards to catch up. In our stressful world, face to face interaction beats hours on facebook or twitter anyday.
- Research your payment options – many yoga places have introductory rates for new students. Ours at YogaXoga is 2 Classes for $12. Some places offer unlimited yoga for 1 or 2 weeks for a small fee. Once the trial time is passed, ask about bulk pricing…often you get the best rate if you buy more classes up front. Ask if you can split the cost of the pass with a friend…We allow that with our students – it doesn’t hurt to ask…
- Explore trades – sometimes trades work and sometimes they don’t…the key is open communication and each party having a valuable service to offer. So, for instance if you are a hair stylist, massage therapist, house cleaner…you could offer to trade your services for yoga classes. I’d take some classes and get to know your yoga instructor first before going down the trade route — you want to make sure that it will be a good fit on both sides…but it’s definitely something to consider.
- Buy DVDs and swap with friends – so if live classes are not for you, DVDs make great options. Unfortunately, after the 55th time, you may need a change of pace. Check in with your friends and create a fitness DVD swap group. You could set it up to rotate titles at a frequency that fits your group. When you find ones you love – look for them on ebay, other discount sites or check your local library (yes, they have DVDs!)
Yoga is so worth it — even when our budgets are tight. Through yoga, we learn valuable stress-management techniques, we learn how to improve overall wellness & fitness and above all, we learn how to be in the moment…even when it’s uncertain or stressful, or just plain frantic. We learn to be aware of how we react to stress and how we can change those reactions for the better.
