Can We Really Find You a Free Workout in Washington? Yes, We Can.

Chappall Gage's hips were in desperate need of some opening, but why was he really unrolling his mat at a yoga class on a recent Sunday? "It's free," said the 34-year-old. And indeed it is, at least once a week at all Lululemon stores, including the one in Logan Circle, where Gage lives.

Exercise, in theory, is an inexpensive pursuit: You can hike or climb stairs or do push-ups and never spend a cent. But most people like a little guidance, and that doesn't come cheap, especially in the Washington area, where yoga classes will set you back $15 to $20 a pop, a $70 monthly gym membership is a steal and personal training can cost more than $100 per hour.

Bargain hunters, however, have discovered ways around these high price tags. If the economy stays on its current trajectory, you'll be glad you're in the know, too.

YOGA

There is one drawback to taking a yoga class in a clothing store: Racks of clothes can block your view. But otherwise, the Lululemon (http://www.lululemon.com) program is a sweet deal. You don't have to buy anything: Just show up and sign a waiver. There's no charge for a thing, including using one of the store's mats.

"We're just spreading the word about how great yoga is," says spokeswoman Jenny Green. Different local instructors lead the practice each week, so prospective students can try out a range of styles. From the store's perspective, it helps promote yoga in the community while perhaps scoring sales.

The Canadian chain has multiple locations in the area (Clarendon, Tysons Corner, Bethesda and Logan Circle, along with a Georgetown branch opening this weekend), and all hold complimentary sessions on Sundays.

Local studios also often offer free classes. As soon as Nicole Foley opened Quiet Mind Yoga (http://www.quietminddc.com) in Columbia Heights, she started a free weekly session that rotates times and days of the week to attract a broader range of people. "If the tables were turned and I were in a financial situation that meant I couldn't pay, I'd want to have this," she says.

Part of the motivation is karma ("There's something nice about giving back to the community," Foley says), but it's also to help people understand that yoga is accessible to everyone. "They think if they can't stand on their head with their legs in the splits, they can't do yoga," she says.

Many other studios have similar free programs but often will ask for a donation. And, of course, if you can wait for D.C. Yoga Week (May 2-9, http://www.dcyogaweek.com), you can get downward-facing-dog deals for eight straight days.