Yoga is an ancient practice of mind-body awareness that has become more popular in recent years. Students interested in taking yoga classes can choose from a range of options, depending on their needs and preferences. Those on a budget might consider drop-in classes or a defined membership at a yoga center, while those with additional funds might prefer more expensive individualized instruction.
Drop-In Classes
Most fitness centers allow students to attend yoga classes on a per-class basis, in which the student pays a single-class fee. Centers might also offer a discount card, by which the student purchases a set number of individual classes at a cost per class that is lower than just paying for one class at a time. In March 2011, for example, the People's Yoga in Portland, Oregon, offered an $8 drop-in fee per class, or students could purchase a five-class card for $38 or a 10-class card for $70. Drop-in classes benefit those who are new to yoga or those who are unsure about committing to a lengthy class or membership program with higher fees.
Memberships
Yoga centers that offer defined programs usually require a membership sign-up fee, in addition to fees for the class package. In addition, centers often require students to choose a specific time and type of class and pay in advance of the first session. For example, in March 2011, at the Dragonfly Yoga Studies center in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, students could purchase a membership of one class per week for six weeks for $65. The studio required a $25 yearly registration fee. The studio also offers discounts to members of the military, students and seniors with appropriate identification.
Private Instruction
New yoga students or those who simply prefer more attention might prefer to pay for private instruction. In addition, people with injuries or those looking to deepen their knowledge of yoga might also prefer private lessons, explains the Yoga Yoga website. Private instruction is the most expensive level of yoga class fees. Students might need to commit to a certain number of hours or classes with a private instructor and might need to pay for the instruction in advance. As of March 2011, at Yoga Yoga centers in Austin, Texas, the fee for private one-on-one yoga instruction was $85 per hour.
Equipment
Depending on the style of yoga practiced and the policies of the fitness center, yoga students might need to pay fees for equipment. These fees might only cover use or rental of supplies, such as mats and towels, while in other cases the student outright purchases the items from the center or from an online or bricks and mortar store. Yoga sticky mats begin at around $20 through online merchants, and a yoga ball and air pump may run another $40 to $50, advises the Yoga Accessories website.
