People who have not yet discovered the benefits of yoga often ask me, as a yoga teacher, “Why is yoga so expensive?”
In response, I suggest the question should not be about how much yoga costs; rather, it should be about how you choose to spend your money. The real question is: Are you consistently making an investment in yourself?
Some people think that yoga pants and yoga mats are expensive, yet they’ll easily blow 100 bucks on one evening of wining and dining. Compared to such self-indulgences, the benefits of yoga to the mind and body are much longer-lasting.
An Investment with Many Positive Returns
In our modern culture, we are enticed by technology and strive to own “things.” Usually, the accumulation of all of this “stuff,” such as clothes, computers, and cars, gives us the false idea that we are fulfilling ourselves. The irony is that, instead of seeking external satisfaction, we should actually be looking within ourselves.
Yoga is a complete system designed to lead us to enlightenment, if we choose to travel that path. People who consider yoga to be “expensive” feel that way because they do not understand its value. They do not attach value to it as they would to a condo or a bottle of champagne.
A consistent yoga practice can help us find balance, connect with ourselves, and live with less stress. Yoga keeps our internal organs working properly and can result in a better functioning body — not to mention a calmer mind.
However, a yoga practice is an ongoing process. Many people are so accustomed to being immediately gratified that a yoga practice seems like too much work. They aren’t interested because they know that yoga requires patience and persistence. They will not emerge from one 75-minute class with a brand-new tight body.
How much are yoga classes?
Is 20 bucks too expensive for a yoga class? Across Canada, the cost of one class ranges from 10 to 25 dollars, with the lower end being non-profit centres and the higher end being boutique-style studios.
Yoga studios offer discounts on 5-, 10-, or 20-class passes, as well as monthly and yearly rates. The rate per class often acts as a deterrent to paying-as-you-go, while the savings on monthly or yearly passes offer an incentive to making a long-term commitment to your practice. You save money in the long run when you choose to invest in your mental, physical, and spiritual health.
Paying for Quality
There really is no comparison between a yoga studio and a fitness facility. For a monthly rate, a gym offers a variety of classes, including yoga. However, the overall atmosphere and quality of the yoga teachers can vary. Indeed, a gym or fitness club may not be the best venue for those seeking an immersive yoga experience.
For example, consider the length of a yoga class at each type of facility. The basic duration of a fitness class is 60 minutes with no real transition time in between classes. At studios, yoga classes range from 60 to 90 minutes. Students do not have to rush after their final relaxation to make way for anxious students coming into the next class. At a yoga studio, the pace is slower and the atmosphere is more relaxing. In addition, students receive more individualized attention from qualified teachers when they join smaller classes.
People who might think yoga classes are expensive should consider all the little frivolous or decadent expenses they spend their money on every day. Whether it’s a bottle of wine or a gourmet coffee, all those little things add up. The cost of attending regular yoga classes is actually quite modest by comparison.
When we choose to spend money on our wellness, we are investing in ourselves. Like all good investments, yoga pays dividends in the form of a longer, healthier and more productive life.