In my area, classes are very reasonable. I pay only $10 for an hour and a half class if paid by the month. But if I want new yoga cloths? Forget it! Or how about a bolster? Product prices are ridiculous. Most fitness equipment is, which is a shame. We are always being told, exercise more, but the average working person cannot afford anything more than a walk in the park!

I think, like everything in America, that yoga is of course another profit making enterprise. Anything that people are into will be sold. Personally, I think it's great to see people "advertising" yoga on t-shirts and stuff so as to spread the word, but I also think people spend a bunch of money on dvd's they'll never watch just to succumb to their craving to spend money. Not very yogic.
Also, a lot of the clothing is ridiculously priced. It's beyond many people's means and also can be worn almost as a status symbol: "look at my new $300 yoga pants..." Again, not very yogic.
In the end I guess it doesn't matter, as long as you're practicing. A t-shirt and 3/4 length sweat pants work perfectly fine for me.
As for the cost of a class- yoga instructors have to make money somehow.

Hi,
I'm new to yoga. I started to help a sciatica problem. But, I agree with
Stacy. Exercise equipment is way too high. I just bought a starter kit
for $26., which isn't too bad i guess. And eating right cost way too
much also. it's sad that junk food is more affordable than healthy food.

peace through cash...

At my school, the rates are a little high; however, they have a lot of free classes and opportunities to earn free classes by doing work for the school. I think it ends up being fairly priced in the end, and the unlimited packages are very reasonable.

It's more expensive than a gym, but I get so much more out of it. I always think that it's way cheaper than therapy!

I spent very little on a mat/kit ($18 on sale) and do shows off of cable tv. So I spent very little, yet enjoy it a great deal. Eating right is more expensive, but it has allowed me to reduce how much OTC acid-reflux medication I need.

As a poor art student almost anything yoga is too expensive for me. Fortunately my school offers free yoga classes every now and then, but in the past three years I've splurged on, I believe, 3 yoga classes, one mat from Target, and two DVDs from the used bookstore. It is possible to do yoga and not spend a fortune!
Most of my yoga-learning actually comes from the YogaJournal mag or website. My blankets are ones off my bed, my blocks are my textbooks, my yoga pants are pjs.
Sometimes I really want to spend money of yoga things-- the stylish yoga pants or the classes at the zen-looking studios. Not having the money, though, keeps me away from becoming one of those materialistic yogis JJM was talking about. It also requires me to be a little more creative in my yoga, finding my own props and coming up with my own routines.

I agree with most of these posts that yoga has become a for-profit venture. However, I believe there is still some integrity within the community, even for those who participate from a business aspect. I am a yoga teacher part-time. I decided to start teaching to share my love of yoga with others, not to make money (I actually have a full-time day job that pays the bills). I have kept to that original principle since I started teaching. I rent a studio at a non-profit location in NYC. I charge $10 for a 75 minute class and offer a 2-for-1 discount if a student introduces a friend to class ($5 per person), which is pretty inexpensive compared to the average yoga class prices in NYC. I believe that yoga should be accessible to all, regardless of income level or material means. As a result of this approach, my classes have grown, my students are happy and I have had the opportunity to spread the yoga love to others.

I believe that the true integrity of yoga remains and still exists - within each of us. As yogis and consumers, keeping yoga monetarily accessible is within our reach - we just need to collectively decide upon what is appropriate and what is not acceptable. If we collectively refuse to pay $110 for a premium mat, companies will decrease their prices. Ultimately, I believe that the yoga community can steer the yoga industry in a different direction - we just have to remind ourselves of the original purpose of yoga (peace, balance, spiritual fulfillment). Patanjali never mentions designer yoga pants in his Yoga Sutras, so I am pretty sure that material things have nothing to do with the practice or the purpose. =)

I have been a member at a local yoga studio for the past five years, but two years ago, I became a 200 hrs certified yoga instructor and for the past six month i have been substituting at the same yoga studio (with pay). I am still practicing yoga regurlarly and I have attended several yoga workshop that are helpful for yoga student and yoga instructor.

My question is: Which information would be relevant when preparing a Yoga Instructor Resume with such a little experience as a yoga instructor?

Thank you in advance for your suggestion and reply.
Bow

We pay about $13 per class off base (I am a military contractor so I get gym access) and $1.25 per class on base. The classes off base are worth the added price as the instructors on base, while good and have a good routine/flow, are not as experienced as teachers and do not adjust students as much or at all.

We take a total of three classes on and off base per week between the two of us. Been doing yoga for a little over a year.

I think taking, say, a lead class from an experienced teacher once or twice a week, then practicing at home two to three times a week will maximize your investment. Especially with a style such as ashtanga that follows a specific sequence. There are also videos/tv shows that you can rent that are good workouts - but you need to learn proper form first (Iyengar is great for this).

Regarding equipment, most studios have mats to use. We use 'yogi toes' that creates a hygenic barrier between us and the mat (we do have our own mats). They last a little over a year used twice a week doing ashtanga, which has a lot of jumps, and cost $35. You can also use a heavy cotton mat, which cost $35 and should last longer, but may need to mist with water at the start of practice for grip.

For blocks/straps use books or your workout towel! :)

I live in NYC and practice at a studio called Yoga To The People. Their whole philosophy is that yoga is for everyone, not just those who can dish out a ton of money for classes and clothes. They are completely donation based so you just drop whatever you can in a kleenex box on your way out. They've recently expanded to three studios in their East Village location and opened a sister studio in Berkeley, California, Oh, and their classes are the best.

Wow, thanks Ms. M, for the terrific info.

To "Bow"
I just received my 200 hours certified yoga teacher. For my resume, I put down the years I practice yoga. Where you teach now. The type of yoga style class I teach. All the workshops and "top" yoga teachers I worked with.
Renee

I really haven't spent much outside of a few DVDs from Target and a subscription to YJ Magazine. My parents were gracious enough to gift me with a kit for Christmas, and I use it as frequently as I can (I work two jobs and attend school full-time, so it's not nearly as often as I'd like).
I'd love to go to classes, but it doesn't seem like much is available in the middle of rural Missouri...
I'm wondering what I can do to ensure that I do poses correctly. I can't afford to buy anything (and probably not for the next six months).

Thanks!

Although I have fantastic dreams of establishing my own studios someday, I have to say that I have discovered the venue that I am teaching in now fills me up spiritually for providing low-cost yoga, without sacrificing on quality of instruction.
I will confess - and this may hurt some people - but I am not a huge fan of these institutions that have gotten into the business of SELLING yoga certifications for the profit of it. I won't name names, but I believe they exist and in the world we live in, that happens in any business!
So, I believe I have great teaching skills (big step for my past self) and I strive to offer them in such a way that makes it available to those who cannot afford to become a follower of a studio group that costs 2-3 times as much as the CONTINUING EDUCATION at the high school I teach at costs.
Also, what is with these RIDICULOUS prices on yoga blocks & backbending benches? Those backbending benches cost several hundred dollars!!! People NEED THEM... let's do something to produce a lower-cost product for everyone else!