Yoga studio or gym with yoga classes? Anyone?

I think this isn't something anyone can answer without knowing the specific gyms and studios you are talking about.

Where I live there are mostly good studios, and mostly pretty good yoga classes in some gyms too.

Can you just pay by the class for awhile and try the different places out? The mindbody phone app shows local deals for yoga and fitness. Where I go, monthly is $55, one class is $15 but they offer a first 5 for $25 pass, so that people can try it for five classes instead of one, maybe the places near you have things like this. Sometimes there are groupons, too.

I do cardio and yoga, mostly, like you using the yoga for most of my strength training, and I'd say if you are looking for an opinion, I would throw the budget toward getting the best yoga classes, and more likely you would find that in a yoga studio. But - as it isn't standardized, there are some outstanding teachers in all sorts of settings, and often the instructors teach in multiple settings, so it's possible the same people could be teaching at the gym and a couple of studios. The only way to know is to take some classes in those different places and see which ones you like.

You should ask the gym if they would let you try one session of the class for a reduced fee or free as you are considering becoming a member. Some gyms will do this and others won't.

Skyblueyellow wrote: »

Thanks for the input.

I think I might also check with my health insurance to see if they offer any incentives or discounted rates. My old insurance had a program where there was a huge list of gyms in my area I could join for $25. I think the price is what scares me! I definitely don't want to make a commitment without truly feeling comfortable about it. I have a high-stress job (like so many of us) and really need the positive outlet.

Mine (Blue Cross, Blue Shield) has that as well, alas no good gyms (with classes) and no yoga studios on the list.

I belong to a gym that has yoga classes, but belong to a yoga studio as well. The variety and difficulty levels offered are usually much more comprehensive at the studio, and I have found that the instructors are more dedicated to the practice. Also, the studio offers 8-10 classes per day (so way more flexibility with my schedule) while my gym may offer one class maybe 4 times per week.

It all depends on what you want to get out of it though.

Edited to add: my normal go-to workout is running--I would much rather run outside than at the gym, but when the weather is bad I go to the gym. I do yoga to balance out some of the wear and tear from running, it is also one of my primary strength workouts (I hate lifting weights), and then there's the added bonus of the meditative aspect. I'm currently rehabbing a knee injury so I'm not allowed to run, but I am back on my mat and very happy with that.

Skyblueyellow wrote: »

I currently belong to Planet Fitness (yeah yeah--it has an elliptical and that's all I'm looking for) and I do yoga independently at home. I'm looking at trying to hone my yoga practice and have been looking at various yoga studios and gyms that offer group yoga classes in my area.

I'm at a loss at what is best for me. I know that no one can make the choice FOR me but I'm looking for opinions from both angles to help inform my choice.

I want to do cardio AND yoga. Yoga is what I'm using as strength training. Yoga studios are quite expensive (most are $100-$120/month for unlimited classes in my area) and then I have my dinky $10/month PF membership. For about $80/month I could join a gym that offers group yoga classes AND offers cardio equipment. The choice seems obvious from a financial angle but I want to get really great yoga instruction. Does anyone have experience with group yoga classes offered at gyms instead of studios? Any opinions on that? My yoga practice is not just about strength and fitness but also about stress reduction.

TIA.

Yoga as strength training?? Not sure what you mean by that but weight training for strength training, build healthy bones and strong muscles.
Yoga loosen the muscles around the joints which is very bad
There's a big difference between flexibility and mobility

Not sure of your location but most gyms offer both cardio equipment and group classes as part of their membership, if you go to yoga only gyms their price is high.

VegasFit wrote: »

Not sure where you are located but if you might want to look into Classpass. I have the base membership and I love being able to go to boutique studios without committing to a membership. I also agree about Groupon, Living Social
for deals. I know my 24 offers yoga. IMO the environment, experience is not the same as a yoga studio but price wise it's a deal.

I'd never heard of this until this post. No class pass here, but still, that' pretty neat!

I'll add: look into the "mind body" app for iphone/android. They also have "deals" on yoga classes etc. It's a good way to try different classes.

I practice bikram yoga at a studio which offers rates for a certain number of classes. For example, $250 for 20 classes. I always buy my classes when they are on special and utilize my student discount. I LOVE going to a studio. The quality can't be beat.

If you can find a Kripalu trained yoga instructor near you, I can't recommend them highly enough! Incredible stress management, relaxing, a great workout but also a great restoration!

One consideration is the setting. A yoga studio will likely be calm, quiet and peaceful. A gym yoga class could have weights banging in the background (arg my university gym put the studio below the weight training area!), a spin class next door etc. If one of your goals is stress relief I know I get closer to that goal by being in a calm environment.