"No Money for Class"

[Guest guest]

To healinginyoga@, who wrote: "First I would like to address the 'no

money for class' part of your story. I don't know how the studios are where

you live but our studio has provisions for people who can't afford classes.

One person cleans the blankets, several others work a shift at our yoga

store, and for every class there is a set up and sign-in person who gets that

class free, and yet another provides tea for the class."

 

Wow! Where do YOU live?! I'm in the U.S., in New York City, and very few

studios here offer karma yoga options for people who can't afford regular

class prices. Several studios offer discounts to students and senior

citizens. And studios will allow their volunteer staffs to take classes for

free. But these volunteer staff positions are hard to get, as there are

rarely vacancies.

 

To my knowledge, none of the Ashtanga studios offer work-exchange options.

All the studios I've described above are ones that teach vinyasa-style

classes. The expense thing is a huge issue here because, if you're interested

in taking a Mysore class, the monthly rate for a 6-day per week practice is

usually about U.S. $200. If you practice three times a week, the monthly rate

is in the $150 range. In this town, Ashtanga is most definitely for the

well-heeled!

 

I wonder, is this typical in other cities? How do cash-strapped ashtangis

elsewhere begin or continue their practice? I've been hesitant to dive into

Ashtanga because of the costs associated with the practice. Right now, I

can't afford a $150/month commitment. Are there any other options?