Quick, Money-Saving Tips
Yoga can be incredibly expensive, and memberships to hot yoga studios can commonly cost up to $140 a month. To save money, here are some of my tips and tricks.
- Check out Groupon, LivingSocial and other coupon sites for deals in your local area. Pretty much everyone in a major city can find a studio near them that offers a discounted class pack.
- Many studios offer a free trial week or class, so be sure to ask for special offers before you go in.
- If you live near a Ross or Marshalls, check out the active/lifestyle section. The stores often times have Gaiam yoga mats for $8 to $10, and occasionally offer brand name yoga mat towels for just $8. A total win.
- Don’t spend a lot on bottoms. You’ll sweat a ton, so save your expensive Lululemon crops for the gym.
- If you’re strapped for cash, most yoga studios offer a yoga “work for trade” program. You’ll be asked to do light cleaning and help with the maintenance of the studio for three hours a week in return for free membership. This is a great option for students and anyone looking to practice, but spend sensibly.
Want to get started? Check out some of my favorite yoga products of all time at different price points.
Hot Yoga 101
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SPLURGE:: Manduka PROlite Yoga Mats
Cost: $78
Coupled with Jade mats, Manduka makes some of the best yoga mats commercially available. With good care they'll last a lifetime, or the company promises to replace them for free.
I prefer the PROlite series as it's light enough to carry, but still thick enough to give my body supportive cushion. The regular price Mandukas can be unbearably heavy.
IMAGE: Manduka Instagram
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SPLURGE: Lululemon
Cost: $68
Lululemon's "The Mat" yoga mats are perfect for hot yoga. After a couple of uses, the mat stays super sticky, preventing you from sliding all over during class. Avoid the light colors as they tend to stain.
Pro tip: Leave new mats out in the sun to get rid of that rubbery, plastic smell.
IMAGE: Lululemon Instagram
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SAVE: Gaiam Yoga Mats
Cost: prices vary
Known for its baroque prints and bright colors, Gaiam is a popular "affordable" brand of yoga and activewear sold in Target, Marshalls, Ross and Kohl's. These yoga mats are great for beginners or the occasional yogi, but will become compromised after a year or so of regular use.
IMAGE: Gaiam Instagram
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Spiritual Gangster Magic Carpet Yoga Towel
Cost: $38 (now $19)
Spiritual Gangster is kind of like Lululemon's snarkier, chic sister. Known for its cheeky tank tops and post-class wear, the Los Angeles based brand also carries the best yoga mat towels out there. Known as "Magic Carpet" towels, these towels soak up your sweat without the "nubs" used in Yogitoes.
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Starbucks Cold Cup
Cost: $14.95 (now $10.47)
Double-walled tumblers are a hot yogi's best friend. Fill partially with ice before class and your drink will stay icey cold, without the gross condensation "sweat" of a regular cup. For an extra deal, pick one up at Ross or Marshalls for roughly $5.
