What Is Naked Yoga
When you practice yoga without clothes, in the nude, it is known as naked yoga.
Concept: This type of yoga is becoming popular with western societies, which are more comfortable with the concept of social nudity. Naked yoga can be practiced at home, in classes, in yoga studios. Those who practice naked yoga believe that this helps in the union of the spirit, mind and body. It is said to bring peace, create body awareness and build strength and flexibility. Practiced since the 60s, naked yoga is best done in progressive settings.
Motivation: Several naked yoga practitioners find the entire experience of doing yoga in the nude with a group of people, thrilling. Naked yoga is also about stepping outside the social norms and this form of yoga provides greater freedom of movement as one doesn’t have to wear clothes. Naked yoga is also about accepting one’s own body in their natural and blemished state - warts, moles and other imperfections.
Types Of Naked Yoga Groups: Naked yoga is becoming increasingly popular. So while a few people may want to practice it in their living room, others prefer to join groups. Naked yoga classes are offered by yoga studios, community centers and private clubs. The venue of the class – the kind of class, the locality, the attitude – often decides the clientele. While some classes are co-ed, there are some which cater to gays.
Co-Ed Classes: Several yoga centers offer co-ed naked yoga classes, where the focus is on enjoying yoga without being fettered by clothing. Most practitioners insist that there is a sense of liberation in doing so and that it is non-sexual. Sometimes the lighting in the room is mellow, to make people feel more comfortable.
Private Classes: These are strictly “Members Only” classes and generally cater to gay men. Though the fundamentals of these groups is the same – a sense of liberation, accepting one’s bodies in the natural state, stepping outside of social norms; the tone of the classes is often sexual. Some of the poses involve working with partners and touching other men.
Comfort Level: If you or a friend intend to join a naked yoga class, it’s important to determine your comfort level with the practice. If you are comfortable with social nudism and are fine with revealing your skin, then you might like to enroll for such a class. It’s also important to believe in the principles of naked yoga, while doing so.
