Yoga is an exercise for both the body and the mind, something that all college students could use. It relaxes the body while strengthening it, building a firm core and lean legs and arms, but if you’re paying an arm and a leg to take the class it doesn’t always seem worth it.

Enter the Kula Yoga Community, which, beginning on Labor Day, introduced the first Mobile area “pay-what-you-can” yoga classes, designed for every different type of body and skill level.

Creators Dana Goudie, a USA alum, and Amanda Brenner, a University of Mobile alum, said they hope this will offer the yoga experience to those who otherwise would not be able to participate. Goudie said, “At the end of every class, we invite you to pay whatever you can afford to support the teachers and keep Kula growing.”

Their mission statement? “To create and support a community of yoga students linked by the common desire for healthy bodies, mental clarity, and spiritual well being.”

While there are private sessions available beginning at $50 an hour, the regular classes are open to the public, and you simply pay what you can.

Classes are grouped by different difficulty levels and needs. There is a Yoga for Healthy Weight class, if you’re looking to shed a few pounds, and there’s also a Move and Groove class that is meant to “raise your heart rate and your spirits.” There is even an all-ladies class (Ya Ya Yoga), in case you’re nervous about putting on those yoga pants in front of the guys.

Hot Yoga Party, offered on Friday nights, promotes the release of toxins through, yep you guessed it, sweating your butt off.

In Mobile, you can find classes at the Conscious Mile Center for Spiritual Living, at 1230 Montlimar Dr., and for more information on class schedules you can visit the Web site at www.kulayogacommunity.org or call 251-202-YOGA (9642). Your body and your mind will thank you, and downward-facing-dog never has to be expensive again.