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Yoga on a shoestring

by Viki Distin

Recently a local restaurant owner and I had a conversation about how our businesses are faring in this economy. She was curious about how yoga studios would do in a weak economic environment. I shared with her that, unexpectedly, our studio was doing pretty well and attendance in some of our classes has actually increased. My new friend replied that she wasn’t surprised. “Yoga is a good value because you get so much more than just an exercise class,” she said.

I assumed she was referring to the fact that in yoga we work on more than just the body. Her point was actually that if students could afford at least one class per week then they could use the inspiration and knowledge gleaned from the class to practice at home. Yoga is a good value because students aren’t just paying for the class experience, but also for the knowledge of how to release tension, how to remain non-reactive in difficult times, and how to become more of their true selves.

In response to the difficult economic times, Cascade Yoga will be carrying a sizable selection of practice DVDs for home use. When we planned the remodel of the studio’s reception space we included room for a retail area that will include 5-7 DVDs with traditionally trained, master yoga teachers. Don’t forget to add a DVD or two to your holiday wish list.

Another consideration to expand your practice is a private yoga session. One of Cascade Yoga’s teachers can design a home program specifically tailored to your needs. We have several staff teachers with backgrounds in physical therapy and therapeutic yoga. This is a good option for those who want to commit to a home practice to save money.

Yoga doesn’t require a lot of equipment or any particular environment to practice – that’s part of yoga’s beauty. The main required ingredient is a qualified, properly trained instructor to guide, inspire, and keep students safe by drawing attention to patterns that aren’t optimal.

If you find yourself a little strapped these days, consider a yoga class once a week to receive the knowledge of how to release tension, how to remain non-reactive in difficult situations, and, ultimately, how to connect to the deep well spring within. Most people will recognize that this is money well spent.