The yoga world loves its sacred spaces, but let’s be real: not everyone can afford or vibe with a boutique studio’s incense-filled, bolster-stacked aesthetic. The debate over where to practice—yoga studios, gyms, or community classes—stirs passions almost as much as saying "Namaste" at the end of class. Each option has its devotees, and each has trade-offs that make the choice far from simple.

The Yoga Studio: Serenity at a Price

Yoga studios are curated havens. Studio owners craft peaceful atmospheres with every prop imaginable—blankets, three types of bolsters, straps, blocks, and the ever-present waft of incense. You’ll find cubbies for your shoes, cozy community areas to connect, and an inviting vibe that feels like home. For many, this is yoga’s heart and soul—a sanctuary where community thrives.

But there’s a catch. Studios are expensive. Outside major U.S. metros, unlimited memberships easily hit $150+ a month, with drop-in classes costing $25 or more. While studios often offer variety—Yin, Power, Kundalini, Ashtanga—they tend to lean heavily into the owner’s preferred lineage. Teachers are frequently certified by the studio or pressured to align with the owner’s vision, which makes sense—it’s their brand. But if your preferred style doesn’t match the studio’s focus, good luck finding enough classes. If 80% of the schedule is hot power yoga, you’re not getting a gentle, non-heated class at prime time.

Then there are the franchises like YogaSix or CorePower. These often prioritize physicality over philosophy, upsell you on EVERYTHING, and may be run by owners who aren’t even certified to teach. For teachers, studios can feel stifling if the vibe doesn’t match their practice. I’ve been there, and it’s soul-crushing to teach without authenticity.

The Gym: Freedom and Affordability, with Compromises

Gyms and fitness centers offer a compelling alternative. Yoga classes are often included in memberships or come at a lower cost than studios. The two gyms where I teach offer yoga four to six times a week, with styles ranging from vigorous Vinyasa to gentle and Yin. Schedules may simply list “yoga,” but regulars know which classes lean hard or soft. Teachers have freedom to teach what resonates with them and their students, unburdened by a studio’s rigid branding. Gym managers treat instructors as experts—honestly, it’s often better than studio environments.

The gym also fosters a strong yoga community. At one gym I teach at, when a teacher went on FMLA, students rallied, checking in on her and her family weekly. The eight limbs of yoga—ethics, discipline, connection—thrive here just as much as in a studio.

The downside? The space is rarely dedicated. You might roll out your mat as a spin class clears out, with mirrors reflecting your Downward Dog (not ideal for yoga’s introspective vibe). Props are limited—want a bolster? Bring your own. Savasana might be accompanied by the faint clank of weights or gym chatter seeping through the walls.

Health-wise, gyms are a win. You can hit a power yoga class, shower in the locker room, and head to work or brunch. Both gyms I teach at have saunas for post-class relaxation. Financially, it’s a no-brainer: my local 24-hour gym charges $60–75 a month, while nearby yoga studios range from $115–165. Check your local YMCA for even cheaper options. If you’re on a budget and like a well-rounded wellness community, gyms are hard to beat.

The Community: Yoga for All

Community classes bring yoga to the people. Passionate teachers lead sessions in church halls, community centers, parks, or beaches, often for donations rather than fixed fees. On Amelia Island, @AmeliaIslandBeachYoga offers daily beach classes, sustained by whatever students can give. These classes strip yoga to its essence—connection over commerce—making it accessible to everyone, no matter their budget.

While you won’t find a prop closet or curated ambiance, community classes deliver where it counts: authentic practice and real connection. They’re proof that yoga doesn’t need a fancy studio to thrive, challenging the idea that only a boutique setting can be “real” yoga.

The Verdict: Choose Your Yoga, Not Someone Else’s

Studios sell serenity, but their cost and rigidity can alienate. Gyms offer value and freedom, but the multipurpose rooms and gym noise can disrupt the vibe. Community classes are inclusive and soulful, yet trade polish for accessibility. The “best” choice depends on your priorities—budget, style, or community. But let’s stop pretending studios are the only path to authentic yoga. Open your mind, and you might find your practice thrives in unexpected places. Online classes? That’s a whole other topic, but their flexibility and reach make them a valuable option worth exploring.