Yoga has absolutely nothing to do with how flexible you are, how much your Lululemon pants cost, or how far apart your thighs are. I found yoga on my spiritual journey about eight years ago, but it wasn’t until recently that I found its true meaning.

It’s simply about showing up to your mat and checking your ego at the door (unless you’re practicing outside — maybe you can check it at the rock or grass).  If you show up to a yoga class, sit, and breathe, that’s still yoga.

I’ve compiled a list of free and donation-based yoga classes at or around FAU, where you can rest assured you won’t be staring at the clock for the entire class, or worse — staring at the impossibly limber, almost-inhuman yogi chick in the front row.  Unless you want to.  That’s up to you.

Zen Den School of Yoga

1740 Costa Del Sol, Boca Raton, FL 33432

Hidden right around the corner from FAU lies Boca’s best kept secret.  The name doesn’t lie; this place is quite literally a zen den.  There is such a relaxing vibe that your class will probably start and end a little later than scheduled, so plan accordingly.   It’s unlikely that you’ll find the Lululemon Bocahontas here, but rather, dread-headed hippies, most of them students working on their teacher training.

Note: July 7-11, Zen Den will be hosting yoga camp and regular day classes will be canceled. The evening classes will remain as scheduled.

Website: http://www.zendenyogaschool.com/

Jai Healing Arts at Atlantic Dunes

1605 S Ocean Blvd, Delray Beach, FL 33483

(Metered parking is available across the street from the beach)

This all ages/all levels sunset yoga class on the beach is a favorite amongst yogis in the Boca/Delray area.  In addition to yoga classes, Jai Healing Arts offers group meditations and various workshops to students in the community, so every yoga class is like a family reunion.    The class is weather permitting, so be sure to check the Jai Healing Arts Facebook page or meetup website.

Website: http://www.meetup.com/sunsetyogaonthebeach/

Campus Rec

FAU Boca Raton Campus

The classes at the rec are definitely the most accessible if you’re living on campus, and they’re free — if you’re enrolled summer classes.  If you’re taking the semester off, you’ll have to purchase a membership (or take another class on this list!).  I took Rita’s Yoga I class and, in my opinion, it is the most physically challenging on this list, but don’t let that discourage you.  The gym has a lot of mats you can borrow for the class, but if the thought of hundreds of different, sweaty college students using the same exact mat bothers you, I’d recommend bringing your own.

Website: http://www.fau.edu/campusrec/
 

Ursula Gatti Rafer (RX Care)

799 E Palmetto Park Rd, Boca Raton, FL 33432

Even if you sit in the back of this class and observe, I guarantee you will feel just as amazing as if you had actively participated.  Ursula massages your wrists with essential oils and usually gives out a goodie of some sort (inspirational quote sticker or hand-made watercolor chakra poster) at the end of each class.   Even though it is taught in a pharmacy (with limited space, so you’d better call and reserve your spot that morning!) the relaxing nature of this class will make you feel like you’re in your happy place.

Call Cindi at Rx Care to reserve your spot 561-392-1515
 

Cathy Collins Rosenberg

(RX Care, 799 E Palmetto Park Rd, Boca Raton, FL 33432)

(Buddha Lounge, 1405 N Federal Hwy, Delray Beach, FL 33483)

Cathy’s bubbly spirit and contagious laugh fill the room up with positive energy that lasts for the rest of the night.  She pays a lot of attention to each asana (pose) and by the end of the class, you will definitely have transformed into a more correct yogi.

Call Cindi at Rx Care to reserve your spot 561-392-1515
 

Yoga Journey at Sanborn Square

72 North Federal Hwy, Boca Raton, FL 33432

Pick your spot amongst about 100 yogis either on the grass or the sidewalk for this outdoor class.  This is a family yoga class for students of all ages and levels.  I recommend bringing a towel and a bottle of water and finding a spot in the shade.  This is nature’s “hot yoga.” Disclaimer: You will be sharing your mat with bugs.
 

Fair Trade Boutique

64 S. Federal Highway, Boca Raton, FL 33432

This class is taught in a dark, cozy yoga space tucked in the back of a boutique. I recommend you arrive a few minutes early to park and find the shop because it’s a little difficult to locate if you’re not familiar with the area.  Nina, the owner of the boutique, teaches both classes.  Her restorative class is a great class for new yogis to try, focusing on deep stretches and meditation.  Her vinyasa flow is more fast pace and slightly more advanced than the restorative class.
Website: http://bocafairtradeboutique.com/
 

Note: Donation classes mean you pay what you can afford; students are never turned away for lack of funds.

Class schedules are subject to change.

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