Yoga studios are the perfect place for the privilege

It is no secret that yoga studio classes are ridiculously expensive. A simple yoga membership or class search will present results that are far from budget-friendly. The average cost for a single session is $20 while monthly enrollment for both limited and unlimited classes can start at $100. Fortunately, studios provide discounts to students and military and may offer holiday promotions. However, outside of these situations, access has become a privilege that many of us cannot afford or maintain.

A little lesson on disposable income

Let’s start with the hard facts. Disposable income – what is left after taxes, expenses, and savings deductions – doesn’t come as easy as it did for our grandparents. In fact, Boomers have the most disposable income in the market (approximately 70 percent) compared to Millenials and Gen Xs. Our consumption is also different than Boomers and Gen Xs. We spend on average $20 less every single day. The main reason behind this is quite evident: unforgiving student loans. We are currently drowning in student loan debt. Boomers also refuse to do anything to elevate the burden they have created. Couple this with excessively high rent in a low-inventory housing market and higher cost of living, disposable income is a joke.

Do studios care? I would say no. The steadily increasing cost of yoga is telling of its real mission and goals.

Yoga studios prices are targeting specific people

The target audience is quite evident. I’m sure yoga studios are not intentionally marketing ONLY to middle-class white practitioners. However, it is hard to believe anything else when many studios follow the same operation model: charge expensive memberships and classes to limit access. This is not a “PoCs or low-income groups do not practice” situation. Social media proves otherwise. There are plenty of yoga meetups and special events for these unique groups, promoting inclusion and affordable sessions. However, we need studios to make the same effort to break down stereotypes and make yoga inclusive to everyone. Right now, studios are definitely only for the privilege.

Asking the tough questions

Most yogis are aware that the practice is expensive, looking at it as more as an investment than just another expense. Some will even say that yoga being expensive is a myth because we all have the freedom to practice for free in our homes. We know this is total bullshit.

We can practice at home, but how do we ensure that our form is correct? How do we meet other yogis to build our accountability community? How do we make the practice more inclusive when the average participant is someone who isn’t shrouded in bills that limits their disposable income? The system is flawed, and many people of color are creating their own safe spaces over attending traditional yoga classes because it has become a luxury.

Budget-friendly yoga options

Fortunately, there are options for those who cannot invest in a membership at a studio. The online yoga market is booming with many programs that range from $10 to $25 monthly. Annual subscriptions are also available which can cost as much as one month of unlimited access at a traditional yoga studio.

Meetups are another way to get connected with yoga and inexpensive classes. There are also programs that offer sessions at random places within your city for as low as $10 a class. Charlotte, NC has a program called “Work for Beer” which partners with local breweries and museums to host public yoga sessions at affordable prices. The added perk of this program: the $10 payment typically includes one free beer or museum pass.

Even though traditional studios are breaking our pockets, gaining access to yoga opportunities and events is not entirely impossible. Check out some of the budget-friendly options and Om your way to peace and tranquility.