If you’re interested in getting fit, you know that the right gear is a big part of it. Take, for example, yoga. You need clothes that are comfortable and flexible, a mat that allows you to improve cushioning and grip, and supportive gear, like yoga blocks and yoga wheels. But how do you get your hands on all this if you’re a bit strapped at the moment? Here are four financial tips for affording new yoga gear on a tight budget.
1. Make Room in Your Budget
If your budget is making it difficult to pursue certain hobbies, it’s always worth taking a look at again to see if there are any areas of your budget you could trim down. Let’s say that you’re paying a high amount in fees to your bank each month. Switching to a different bank can help you reduce your overall spending, creating more wiggle room for things like yoga gear. If your budget is the problem, see if a few quick changes could be the solution.
2. Take a Look at What They Have at Discount Stores
Discount stores offer a wealth of products you might need for a yoga session at deeply discounted prices. From yoga pants to yoga mats and beyond, many discount stores have an inventory of cheap goods that come from fairly good brands, which can help you get high-quality products without having to spend full price on those items. If you don’t have a discount store nearby, you could always shop online, too. They won’t have the exact same inventory, but they likely will have many of the same things at your disposal.
3. Invent Your Own Gear If It’s Hard to Find Affordable Options
There are a lot of items you can make yourself if you aren’t able to afford them right at this moment. If you can’t purchase a yoga block, you could make one out of a cushion or a shoe box. If the yoga mat you want is a bit out of your price range, you could always try to sew your own or use something like a large beach towel. Getting creative is a great way to save money, even on yoga products. See what you have around the house to help you achieve your fitness goals.
4. See What Your Studio Has to Offer
If you’re planning on taking classes rather than doing yoga on your own, your local studio might have extra yoga gear to spare. It’s worth calling your studio and asking them to see if you have something you could borrow and put away once you’re done with the class. This will help you save money on things like yoga mats, so you can put more toward yoga clothes and other gear you might need.
Yoga gear can be somewhat costly, but you can get the yoga gear you need, even on a tight budget. Remember to purchase quality gear, even if it’s used or requires you to wait for a sale, because it will last longer. Try out the tips above to see how you can save, craft, or borrow yoga gear for your upcoming classes or solo yoga endeavors.