Budgeting: How much do yoga classes cost, and how to practise for less

How much do yoga classes cost?

It depends on how you pay and how often you go. Most studios offer three main options: drop-in classes paid one at a time, packs of classes bought in advance and monthly memberships with unlimited classes. The more classes you commit to, the less each one costs. Online classes and community sessions are cheaper still.

Choosing the right option for how often you'll practise is the easiest way to save.

How do the options compare?

Here's a worked example for someone going to two classes a week, about eight a month, in round numbers that work in any currency:

Your own prices depend on the studio, the city and the style of yoga. Heated classes and small specialist sessions often cost more.

Is a yoga membership worth it?

Only if you go often enough. In the worked example, the 80 membership beats drop-in rates after about five or six classes a month. If you go once a week, a class pack is usually better value. If you go three or more times a week, a membership can bring the cost per class down a lot.

Be honest about how often you'll go, not how often you hope to go. Count how many classes you attended last month, and choose based on that. Memberships often renew automatically, so check the cancellation terms before you sign up.

Class packs

Packs of five, ten or twenty classes cost less per class than drop-in, without a monthly commitment. Check how long the pack lasts, since many expire after a few months. Buying a smaller pack that you'll use up is better than a bigger one that expires half-used.

How do you try yoga for less?

Use intro offers. Many studios offer a cheap first week, a free first class or a low-cost first month for new students. Trying a few studios this way helps you find a teacher and style you like before committing.

Other low-cost ways to practise:

• Community classes in halls, parks or libraries, often by donation
• Classes included in a gym membership you already have
• Online classes, many of which are free or low-cost
• Workplace or university classes
• Karma or volunteer schemes, where you help at the studio in return for free classes

If you already pay for a gym, check its class timetable. How to save money on a gym membership covers getting the most from one.

What equipment do you need?

Very little. A mat is the main thing, and a good one can cost about 25. Many studios lend or rent mats, so you can wait to buy one until you know you'll keep going. Blocks and straps are helpful but optional, and household items like books and a belt work at home. Comfortable clothes you already own are fine, and there's no need for specialist yoga wear.

Are online yoga classes worth it?

For many people, yes. Online classes cost a fraction of studio classes, let you practise at any time and save travel. Many excellent teachers share free classes. The trade-off is less personal guidance, which matters most when you're new. Some people combine a few studio classes for feedback with online practice at home. Once you've learned a sequence from a teacher, practising it on your own gives you a free session on days you can't get to class.

If you sign up for an online subscription, keep track of it alongside your other subscriptions. How to cut subscription costs has a simple checklist.

How do you budget for yoga?

Decide what yoga is worth to you, then choose the option that fits your budget and how often you'll practise. For many people, it's an investment in health and wellbeing that's worth keeping even when cutting back elsewhere. How to save money on a hobby has more ideas for keeping regular activities affordable.

Reviewing your choice every few months helps too. If you're going more than you expected, a membership might save money. If less, a pack might be better. If money's tight for a few months, switching from a membership to a small pack or online classes keeps the habit going while costing less.

How do you track yoga spending in Wealtie?

Give yoga or fitness its own line in your expense categories, so you can see what you spend each month. A membership can be set up as a recurring transaction with the bill tracker, so it logs itself on the day. Comparing the monthly cost with how many classes you went to shows your real cost per class.