Online yoga classes became all the rage during the pandemic, but there are real benefits to attending an in-person class.
With a trained instructor present, you can receive specific feedback to ensure you're using proper form â€" which helps prevent injuries and gives you an overall better experience.
Also, going to a class can be more fun and a great way to meet new people.
While yoga studios are typically quite expensive, there are many free alternatives.
Here are a few ways to get started.
10 Places to Find Free Yoga Classes
It's easy to find free yoga videos and online classes, but finding in-person events can be a little more challenging.
To make your search a little easier, we've rounded up 10 unique places to find free yoga classes.
- Meetup
- Eventbrite
- Yoga studios and fitness stores
- Senior centers
- Nonprofit-hosted events
- Colleges
- Churches
- Your workplace
- Free online yoga classes
1. Meetup
If you're looking for a local place to hone your downward dog, Meetup is a great place to start.
Meetup is an online community platform for finding and building local groups. It's free to join and search for a group in your area that piques your interest.
When we checked, the site boasted 105 free yoga groups across the country. Most of these classes are organized by individuals and happen in public places, like parks and gardens.
Some groups specialize in certain types of yoga â€" like vinyasa yoga and yin yoga â€" while others are more general and geared toward beginners.
Plus, there's dozens of other groups focused on similar themes, like meditation, breathwork and mindfulness.
Once you find a group you like, check out their upcoming events to find a free yoga class near you. You can also receive notifications when a group you follow posts new events.
2. Facebook
Many events these days are advertised on Facebook. Try searching for free yoga classes in your area.
There are also some Facebook Groups dedicated to sharing information about upcoming free classes.
You might find a nonprofit group offering a free event to raise awareness for its cause, an outdoor yoga event or a first-class-free deal at a yoga studio seeking to attract more business.
There are quite a few free yoga events out there â€" you just need to take the time to look for them!
3. Eventbrite
Similar to Meetup, Eventbrite is an online platform where people post upcoming events â€" including free yoga classes.
Simply enter your city and search for 'free yoga' to find classes and events.
From beginner to advanced yogi, it's easy to find the right yoga course and class length for you.
While not all classes are free, each event clearly lists the price (if there is one) and you can purchase your tickets ahead of time online.
4. Yoga Studios and Fitness Stores
Many health and fitness stores offer an occasional free yoga class.
Yoga studios also run promotions throughout the year, offering deals like one free class or a week of unlimited classes.
For example, CorePower Yoga in Denver offers a week of free studio classes with no commitment.
It never hurts to call local yoga studios in your area to ask if any instructors offer a free course or free trial. They might be happy to offer you one, even if it's not publicly advertised.
Of course, these studios and fitness stores hope you'll stick around and buy some yoga pants or sign up for a membership after you're done with class, but there's no obligation to buy anything.
5. Senior Centers
Trying to stay fit after 55 can be tough. But free yoga classes are a great way to improve mobility with minimum impact.
Local Area Agencies on Aging, Council on Aging centers and community recreation centers frequently offer free fitness classes to older adults.
Many senior centers offer gentle yoga, chair yoga, tai chi and meditation classes â€" perfect for newcomers and those with limited mobility.
At the Winter Park Recreation Center in Florida, you can attend a free gentle yoga class every Thursday morning. All you need is a recreation center ID â€" which is free to all city residents.
Some senior centers offer these classes on a regular basis while others only offer them occasionally.
Try Googling 'free yoga class senior center' + your city to find classes near you.
6. Nonprofit-Hosted Events
Some nonprofit groups offer free yoga classes as a way to spread awareness of and generate interest in their causes. These classes typically have suggested donation amounts, but they aren't going to turn you away if you don't donate.
If you go to one of these classes, you get to enjoy a free workout and learn about a cause that you might become passionate about.
In the Twin Cities, Minnesota area, Gorilla Yogis has hosted free events with proceeds going to Right to Know, while Story Time has hosted events with donations going to various educational projects in Malawi, Africa.
7. Colleges
Some college health and wellness centers offer free yoga classes for students, staff and/or alumni.
Another potential way to get free yoga classes through a university is by participating in research.
Colorado State University recently offered a free eight-week yoga course as part of a study to understand how yoga affects balance in individuals with acquired brain injuries, including strokes.
Plus, participants even got paid $20 for each assessment.
Typically, you can find research studies seeking participants on a college's website. Try searching websites for the psychology department or the medical school.
8. Churches
Some churches offer holy yoga courses. Holy yoga incorporates elements of Christianity into the practice of yoga, emphasizing faith, prayer and building a strong sense of community.
You don't need to be a member of the church (or even be a religious person) to participate â€" holy yoga classes are open to the public.
Classes typically ask for a suggested donation, but you're not obligated to donate.
9. Your Workplace
You don't necessarily have to work for a yoga studio to get free (or discounted) yoga classes. You might be able to get free yoga classes if you work for a gym or fitness company.
Other companies outside of the fitness industry have also started offering free yoga classes as a perk for employees. Employees receive a free benefit, and the company gets healthier, less stressed employees. It's a win-win.
Or your workplace may offer a fitness or gym membership stipend that you can put toward yoga courses in your area.
If your company doesn't currently offer this perk, you might want to suggest it to your HR team. Free yoga classes could be a popular addition to a wellness program.
10. Free Online Yoga Classes
Free online yoga classes may be easier to find than in-person events. YouTube, for example, has thousands of free online yoga videos for all skill levels.
Popular videos from YouTube channels like Fightmaster Yoga or Yoga Journal can be an excellent resource for incorporating yoga into your daily routine.
Unlimited access to online classes via a YouTube channel can also help you hone your skills, and some platforms and videos may even provide live feedback from a yoga teacher.
If you're not quite ready to meet up in real life, free videos can be a great resource to practice yoga in the comfort of your own home.
Rachel Christian is a Certified Educator in Personal Finance and a senior writer for The Penny Hoarder. Jen Hayes, a frugal lifestyle blogger and freelance writer, contributed.
This was originally published on The Penny Hoarder, which helps millions of readers worldwide earn and save money by sharing unique job opportunities, personal stories, freebies and more. The Inc. 5000 ranked The Penny Hoarder as the fastest-growing private media company in the U.S. in 2017.
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