Yoga Teacher Training Forum

Are No Charge Yoga Classes a Good Idea?

Yoga at its core is all about the alignment the of body's different aspects. In order to get the maximum benefit out of the activity, it is essential that a swami or guide be able to lead a participant through the myriad exercises that the art of yoga provides participants. One of the recent debates surrounding yoga centers on the question of whether no charge yoga classes are a good idea. At first glance, it may seem like yoga is the perfect activity for someone to give of their time and teach freely without getting back anything monetary in return since yoga is about peace, love and unity. This may not be the case, however; since the students of yoga who do not pay to participate in a yoga class may be missing out on receiving the satisfaction of sharing something with the instructor in return for his or her time.

Good for the Mind, Body and Soul, But is something Missing with No Charge Yoga?

One obvious drawback to a no cost yoga class is the fact that the instructor may not be as well trained as someone who has invested the time and money in advanced training methods and seeks payment in return for services. Trips to the centers of yoga do not come cheap so you may want to be weary of someone who offers a no charge class on a consistent basis. The quality of the instructor and his or her techniques can make a noticeable difference in the calming and relaxing power that a yoga session can provide.

Some may also argue that not being allowed to pay for a yoga session leaves the participant feeling a bit empty inside since he or she was able to obtain a euphoric state without being able to give something in return to the leader of the session. While many swamis and instructors do not seek their satisfaction or gain their joy from yoga in the form of monetary gain, they do have needs that must be met and training that must be funded. A no charge session may not allow a student of yoga to fully grasp the true concepts of the art.

As a whole, no charge yoga classes can be a good thing if they are the exception and not the rule. One must not take without giving and the same holds true with yoga. To obtain inner peace, one must find that balance and live in harmony with it.

I see your point Julie and believe it is a good idea - sometimes. Unfortunately, most bargain hunting students tend to be more like hostile vultures picking a carcass clean. They are often less respectful of the rest of the members in class and will be the first to turn your studio upside down during their first visit. Over the long haul these people will chase your regular students off and leave you in a heartbeat. If a teacher wants to run free classes, keep the freebies together so they don't ruin everything for your regular students.

Hi Julie,

Yes, I've seen the good and not so good of giving. It's one thing to give a free class, food, and clothing to the homeless. Plenty of yoga schools teach free classes for a cause like a fundraiser for medical bills of cancer patients, children who have serious medical problems, donations for the local food bank, etc. These are great causes.

My problem is with the coupon shoppers who see anyone who gives anything as the enemy. Giving is a sign of weakness to some of these people. They actually pride themselves in running any organization into the ground. Every organization is perceived by these people to be greedy because organizations need money to run. When a yoga studio closes because they didn't give a dime, but reaped all the free benefits, they gladly brag about how they helped take the place down.

So, givers beware. Your efforts could be best spent on donation type fundraisers for charity, but don't expect everyone to be as respectful as you are.