It’s not just pilates
While it’s not just pilates and yoga studios that do energy exchange programs, they have certainly cemented themselves as one of the bigger proprietors of the concept. In Toronto, the cost of membership to a pilates studio ranges from $150 to $400 per month, so it's no wonder why people want more affordable access to these classes.
Regardless of the activity you're trading in your energy for, “energy exchange” is basically a new term for the same concept as barter services, which has been around for a long time and often involves a trade of skilled tasks. For instance a graphic designer designing a writer’s website in exchange for the writer editing the copy for a graphic designer’s website or even a plumber fixing a leaky pipe in exchange for a contractor fixing a broken railing.
How to get started
If you want to take part in an energy exchange, getting started is pretty simple — all you have to do is ask. Reach out to local businesses near you or check their websites and social media profiles to see if they advertise any energy exchange programs.
Don’t have the time to work a few hours a week in exchange for classes and activities? Consider building up a savings fund for activities and hobbies. A TFSA is a good option for short term goals that earns high interest and has limited penalties for withdrawing.
Smart investing starts here
Get 100 free online equity trades with promo code EDGE100 when you open a CIBC Investor’s Edge account by Sept. 30, 2025. Click now to unlock 100 free trades and take control of your investments.
Get started todayImportant things to be aware of if you're considering doing an energy exchange
On paper, energy exchanges can sound like a pretty sweet deal. But, it’s important to think critically about it before signing yourself up.
On a recent episode of Drew Afualo’s podcast The Comment Section she spoke to fellow podcaster and comedian Caleb Hearon who mentioned a time he worked a six and a half hour shift once a week at the box office of an improv theatre in exchange for improv classes, “which is of course the scam of the century, but I couldn’t afford improv classes so I was like [hell yeah]” he said.
Scam of the century might sound like a pretty big claim, but it does urge an exploration (beyond the excitement of a free yoga class) of a couple things that might be worth seriously considering in terms of energy exchanges.
Tax implications
Just because there isn’t a monetary exchange, if you are exchanging services that typically would be paid for, they are considered legitimate economic transactions by the CRA and therefore are taxable.
Unequal labour
When you are exchanging your labour for access to any component of a business, there is always the risk that the labour traded is unequally distributed. Especially with more ambiguous exchanges in which the time you spend providing a service is longer than the time you spend receiving a service.
Sources
1. TikTok: @genevivelaurenn (May 7, 2025)
2. The Comment Section: DOING BLASPHEMY Ft. Caleb Hearon | Episode 171 (May 28, 2025)
Get up to $500 when you open a Tangerine Chequing Account
From July 8–14, score up to $500 in bonuses when you open a Tangerine No-Fee Daily Chequing Account. Enjoy unlimited transactions, free Interac e-Transfers®, and no monthly fees—plus a limited-time cash bonus. Claim your $500 bonus
