Yoga on a budget

Yoga Discussion General Yoga
#1

I am a 20 year old female looking to get into yoga. I’ve been looking for better ways to relax and I am hoping this will help. I live a fairly fast paced life and I am anything but normal so I find it a bit hard to see my partaking in this but I am very willing to give it a go. I should also add that I am a “gamer” (video games), animal lover, concert goer and I like to move around and get around quite a bit.

Seeing as how I am a retail slave making my way through college I don’t have the best of budgets. I am looking for a way to get started that would involve a book/books or DVD/s. I searched the net for a bit trying to find some sort of book or DVD that seemed useful or good but of course everyone makes their product out to be the best.

Any advice anyone could give me would be greatly appreciated.

-b1u3-

#2

Hi. :wink:
I think it’s great that you’ve not only considered yoga as a way to enhance your life, but you’ve also come to this site to ask honest unbiased advise. That’s commendable.
I wish that there were many studio’s available and cost-effective that could rely more on their teachings than staying in business, but as that is not the general rule, it is a good thing that their are some more options.
The market, while still young in America, is infused with every fitness and spirituality agent offering something. Because you are a gamer, I can only assume that you’ll enjoy alot of the world of yoga.
Personally, I recommend videos by Living Arts, in particular the ones with Rodney Yee. They offer a nice ambiance and gently lead you into the basics of not only asana (those postures you may see on posters and the internet), but of breathing which we call ‘pranayama’, and a gentle idea of how these affect the rest of your life. Any that you find (some are found at Target, but I know they are sold on eBay all of the time. I personally buy all fitness and yoga videos from SignatureGoodsSeller on eBay…) will give you a great and comfortable overview of the ideas that are Yoga.
Now, as your appetite is stimulated, I’d like to let you know that there will be a great line out this fall by StarYoga, which will be found at http://www.StarYoga.com.
Until that happens and when you are ready to venture out to splurge on a class - of course that is recommended and necessary for Safety! - you can always check out http://www.YogaCityGuide.com. I recommend this 1) because learning from a teacher or guru, no matter how many times, is significant and you will! enjoy it, and 2) these resources are online, and I am sure you are internet-savvy.
Remember: do not be afraid to try the products that strike your interest. There is a reason that they will interest you. Also, there is a place within Yoga for everyone, every mindset, and every level of living.
Let us know how you do!
Namaste

#3

Thanks for the reply. I’ll be sure to look into that.

#4

i’m sorry you got such a strange initial reply; please do not hold it against the yoga community!

when i first got into yoga, i lived in arkansas, and there were not any yoga studios there. so i tried the “Yoga Journal’s Yoga for Beginners” DVD (okay, video at the time). it’s great. watching the woman (i can’t remember her name) is positively inspiring.

i also recommend “The Woman’s Book of Yoga and Health.” it got me through my pregnancy last year with pre-natal exercises - there are poses for every phase of a woman’s life in there.

i agree with what Bodhisattva said about taking a class. you need the feedback from the instructor, esp. when you’re just starting out. because a lot of yoga studios have a small budget, they might be willing to work out a work/study type deal where you put in some front desk hours in exchange for free or discounted classes.

#5

I’m rather new to yoga, but enjoying it quite a bit. I have seen some wonderful results in the few months I have been doing it.

If you’re looking for DVD’s etc, I’ve enjoyed several with Rodney Yee.

I do have some suggestions if you’re on a budget. First, check out your local library. They may have some yoga DVD’s or videos.

Also, if you’re looking for cheap classes, try your local community centre.

#6

Based on your stated activity level in your lifestyle you might consider starting with an Ashtanga or Vinyasa practice that moves faster and will occupy your thoughts as you go.

At some point you might desire a different sort of practice and you can make your way over at that point.

As for costs, I’d look for studios offering student discounts. Honestly I haven’t seen too many that are significant. Therefore why not find a place you like and offer a trade out. You can do a couple hours there in exchange for classes.

Not sure what your skill level is or where those skills rest. Never the less, most studios would at least talk to you about this, especially if you dug their scene.

#7

I know this is an old thread but I think it should be brought back from the dead. I went from having a good income to quitting my job so I could continue my studies in the academic world (college).

Not only am I teaching myself how to not spend money everywhere I go but I recently was encouraged by a few family members to try yoga to help me deal with my stress and one of them bought my 5 yoga classes for Christmas :smiley:

Now that I have gone to classes and learned about what yoga is about, I love it and its going to be a hobby of mine until I die.

I am finding that learning yoga and proper meditation can be expensive in the United States and that its a bit much when you are living off of student loans and savings.

(I am still looking for a job with flexible hours… wish me luck)

I wish I knew of a yoga troup that practiced on the beach or somewhere free and only expected contributions of what each member could afford.

I am still on my quest… and will try to keep this thread updated

#8

I like most of Rodney Yee’s videos.

Also does your college ever offer yoga or pilates classes/clubs etc.?

#9

also many studios offer student discounts.

#10

[QUOTE=DoestheDog?;26975]I like most of Rodney Yee’s videos.

Also does your college ever offer yoga or pilates classes/clubs etc.?[/QUOTE]

Thats a great idea. I just searched on the website and they do have a Beginning Yoga Class!

I will have to sign up for that next semester. Its only one credit, but taking a yoga class once a week at my college for 1 credit which is only $80 bucks for the entire semester?

Thats a good deal :smiley:

#11

[QUOTE=DoestheDog?;26976]also many studios offer student discounts.[/QUOTE]

I will have to investigate on this one, doesthedog. I never see any of my local yoga studios advertise anything. This should be interesting…

#12

Check out the podcasts at @yogajournal.com

#13

Yogatoday.com also offers classes - they offer one free class a week online, you can play it live stream as many times as you like. Any of their many classes are available to download for only $3.99 each. If you prefer to just livestream your classes, you can become a member for I think $9.99 a month and have unlimited access to all their classes.
I know I sound like and advertisement lol, but it was yogatoday.com that really helped me stick with developing a practice. I was able to do a different class each time (when they were offering 7 different free choices each week, before they went to subscriptions), and could choose according to my mood. Adi leads invigorating Vinyasa classes, Sarah is the Kundalini yoga expert, and Neesha teaches Iyengar style. They all mix them up a bit, but those are basically the styles they focus on. I highly recommend giving them a shot if your computer can handle the live streaming, and if you are on a budget. I love the classes because most of them are shot outdoors in Arizona, and it gives it a great, relaxed ambiance that those commercial videos can’t copy. Doesn’t feel so - commercial. I love em! :slight_smile:

#14

I agree with Joanna63. I’ve been doing the yogatoday.com videos for about a month and LOVE them. Also, they have their own youtube channel where there are about 60 videos for free.

their system works. I loved the free videos so much I’ve paid and downloaded 4 videos so far which are amazing. I particularly like Neesha for hip sequences, Sarah for faster-paced/more cardio practices and Adi for strengthening.

I get a really good vibe from their videos.

#15

Oh yes, they have lots of free podcast downloads too! I’m really amazed they offer so much for no cost. I’m so grateful to them. :slight_smile:

#16

Donate or volunteer your time to help at the local studio in exchange for class.

gordon

#17

[QUOTE=Joanna63;26989]Yogatoday.com also offers classes - they offer one free class a week online, you can play it live stream as many times as you like. Any of their many classes are available to download for only $3.99 each. If you prefer to just livestream your classes, you can become a member for I think $9.99 a month and have unlimited access to all their classes.
I know I sound like and advertisement lol, but it was yogatoday.com that really helped me stick with developing a practice. I was able to do a different class each time (when they were offering 7 different free choices each week, before they went to subscriptions), and could choose according to my mood. Adi leads invigorating Vinyasa classes, Sarah is the Kundalini yoga expert, and Neesha teaches Iyengar style. They all mix them up a bit, but those are basically the styles they focus on. I highly recommend giving them a shot if your computer can handle the live streaming, and if you are on a budget. I love the classes because most of them are shot outdoors in Arizona, and it gives it a great, relaxed ambiance that those commercial videos can’t copy. Doesn’t feel so - commercial. I love em! :)[/QUOTE]

What a great website. Thank you. I do agree that the outdoor shots in Arizona are amazing. I just joined that website.

#18

[QUOTE=Dave;26988]Check out the podcasts at @yogajournal.com[/QUOTE]

Thanks for the lead :smiley:

#19

[QUOTE=InnerAthlete;27012]Donate or volunteer your time to help at the local studio in exchange for class.

gordon[/QUOTE]

I never thought of doing that. Maybe I will give it a try, thanks.

#20

[QUOTE=DoestheDog?;26975]I like most of Rodney Yee’s videos.

Also does your college ever offer yoga or pilates classes/clubs etc.?[/QUOTE]

this is exactly what i do :smiley:

i found out my school had yoga classes (when i was in college last year) and it was great… i paid nothing and it was a great experience. it was nice to meet people that are like minded in such a diverse setting.