Yoga to the People East Village

“There will be no correct clothes; there will be no right answers; no glorified teachers…” reads the mantra for Yoga to the People, a studio in the East Village. Owners Greg and Andrea Riggs opened the space to provide yoga as a service to all, regardless of one’s financial means. The egalitarian studio accepts only donations ($10 suggested) for its daily 60-minute power-vinyasa classes, but as Greg Riggs emphasized during a recent session, “There’s no pressure: contribute within your means.” He’s also quick to say of his experiences elsewhere, “The business of yoga was superseding the spirit of yoga—many people couldn’t afford a steady practice.” It does feel almost as harried as speed-dating, but what can you expect for free? If you arrive early to meditate and leave right after shivasina you'll avoid the crowds entirely.