Ah, yoga. Such a beautiful practice that works wonders on the mind and body, especially if your muscles and joints can’t take high-impact exercise. Yet, between all the peaceful oms and empowering shoulder stands,  I simply refuse spend $15 to $30 on just one session.

Thankfully, yoga has become so popular that you can easily practice on the cheap. Although there is something special about gathering in a room with fellow human beings and participating in this ancient practice, cyber yoga will just have to suffice (for some of the time, at least). Below you’ll find six great alternatives to pricey studio sessions.

1. Yogis Anonymous.

YA streams classes live, so you can experience the general vibe of being in a yoga class without actually being there (or paying full price — $15/month).

2. Hulu.

Just search for ‘yoga’ and plenty of instructional videos will pop up, most of which are free. If you want to take it a step further, sign up for Hulu Plus (just $7 a month) and enjoy even more videos.

3. Do Yoga with Me.

DYWM offers a variety of classes at different levels, with convenient perks, like quick videos that explain how to do each stretch appropriately. This site offers more interaction, allowing you to create a profile and get to know fellow yogis and yoginis.

4. Tara Stiles’ Youtube Channel

A great option for people with exercise ADHD (guilty). Tara’s wide variety of 5- to 10-minute clips allow you to switch up your routine often, and they’re a fun way to start and end the day — like with this morning stretch. Tara’s unpretentious approach to yoga

5. Yoga by donation (Various locations. My favorite local studio is Princeton YogaAbove.)

If you crave the one-on-one attention and overall experience of yoga class, check out studios that offer yoga on a donation basis. This way, you pay what is right for you. But no mooching! If you can pay the full price, please do. Yoga teachers depend on your generosity!

6. Complimentary yoga days at lululemon stores

Every week lululemon stores offer a free yoga class in their showrooms led by local instructors. It’s a great way to get to know your community and enjoy quality yoga for free. Find a lululemon store near you by clicking here.

———————————

Amanda Schoonover is a writer dedicated to showing the world that ethical lifestyle decisions don’t have to be expensive. All of us can make decisions we feel good about, and absolutely should.

Her blog, a thrifty hippie, focuses on two things:

1. Cheap things

2. Good things

A thrifty hippie doesn’t sacrifice ethics for cheap stuff. She (or he) realizes that you don’t have to be a vegan-preaching, Prius-driving snob to care about the earth and the people in it. Please follow along Amanda’s journey of the marriage of frugality and ethics while sharing your thrifty hippie stories and tips!