Nude Yoga

With American cultural taboos against nudity, naked yoga has been slow to catch on in the general population. Naked yoga was associated with hippies in the 1960s and gay men in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Even now, it’s a fad that’s mostly popular among young people who live in larger metropolitan areas.

Is it Sexy?

Although sex appeal tends to be a matter of individual tastes and preferences, most participants will tell you that nude yoga isn’t sexy in the least. It’s intended to be an experience that breaks perceived boundaries and encourages yogis to develop a new appreciation for the physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of yoga.

The goals of naked yoga are as follows:

• Encourage proper alignment during various yoga poses
• Promote a sense of openness among class participants
• Eliminate concerns about physical imperfections
• Help participants develop self-esteem

If you are interested in yoga with some sex appeal, you’ll want to search for information related to tantric yoga or classes for couples.

Is it Right for Me?

Before you sign up for a class, you’ll want to make sure nude yoga is right for you. Generally, this form of yoga is best suited for people who agree with the following statements:

• I have a serious interest in understanding the benefits of yoga.
• I want to become more comfortable with my body.
• I enjoy trying new things.
• I understand the difference between nudity and sexual behavior.

Many yoga studios in larger communities offer nude yoga classes that are intended for people with intermediate level yoga skills. However, if your studio doesn’t have a class, you might need to speak with your fellow yogis to determine if there’s enough interest to start a program. Since naked yoga is not quite mainstream, there’s a good chance nobody’s thought of offering this option before.

One word of caution: don’t decide to practice nude yoga wherever you feel like it. In 2004, San Francisco’s George Monty Davis earned the nickname “Naked Yoga Guy” for his instance on striking various nude yoga poses on Fisherman’s Wharf.

Naked Yoga Etiquette Tips

Although nude yoga is a bit out of the ordinary, there are still a few rules you should follow when attending your first class:

• When it’s time to remove your clothes, don’t hesitate. Most nude yoga classes expect all participants to remain in the buff.
• Don’t stare at your classmates. It’s simply not polite.
• Be prepared to work. Nude yoga is just as physically challenging as any other type of yoga class.
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the best way to perform a particular pose.
• Don’t let your discomfort about being naked keep you from enjoying the class.
• Bring your own towel and yoga mat.