FitSugar

Hot Naked Yoga

FitSugar — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 13:58:37 PDT

I've done hot, sweaty yoga before, and I'll admit that I've even done some yoga poses while naked in the shower, but combining the two and doing a Hot Nude Yoga class just seems, well, a bit too racy for this yogi. Call me prude, but I'm just not into sweating it out spread eagle in my birthday suit. Not to mention, I wear a sports bra for a reason, and I think seeing my jiggly parts as well as others would be a total distraction.

Apparently though for some, and it's mostly men, Naked Yoga classes are very popular. Some classes are co-ed, but most are male-only, and are common in gay communities. Studios that offer naked yoga can be found in cities such as Boston, San Francisco, LA, and Salt Lake City.

Why naked yoga? Unclothed yogis say it helps to deepen their yoga practice, encourages ultimate appreciation, acceptance, and love for their bodies, and also builds intimate bonds with the people in their yoga community. I can only imagine what kinds of "intimate bonds" they are creating. They say it's also fun and a great workout.

One thought that comes to mind though is how awkward it must be to move and sweat on my mat next to other naked folks. I think it'd make me more self-conscious about my body. And what about the sexual energy floating around the room? It'd be tough to concentrate on my breath if there was some hot naked guy in front of me (no offense to my hubby). Plus clothes not only cover up your business, but they're also practical - the fabric absorbs sweat to prevent slipping, and it protects your delicate skin from mat burn.

It's clear that naked yoga just isn't my cup of tea but tell me, would you be into a naked yoga class?

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Why Naked Yoga?

FitSugar — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 03:30:48 PDT

Honoring your body is an aspect of practicing yoga, and it's a powerful thing to connect your breath with your body's movements. Once you're in the groove, you feel strong, alive, and content. Some yoga devotees take this to a whole new level by practicing their asana completely free of clothes.

To find out why folks prefer to practice yoga in the buff,

read more. Practitioners of naked yoga explain the lack of clothes frees them from negative feelings about their bodies and allows them to be more accepting of their physical imperfections, like stretch marks, love handles, or cellulite. Others are nudists to begin with and feel more natural in their birthday suit, so practicing naked yoga seems more natural. Whatever the reason to strip and stretch, teachers and practitioners of naked yoga feel it's a way to find a deeper connection with yourself and the world around you. Plus, if you're naked, you don't have to worry about your gals falling out of your top in Down Dog, or wedgies from your underwear. Many classes are geared solely toward men or women, but co-ed classes are also offered. I like my yoga clothed, but to each her own. Does this sound like something you'd want to try?

Naked Yoga: Expose Your Asana

FitSugar — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 03:30:00 PDT

I love practicing yoga alone or in a class, with friends or strangers, indoors or outside on the grass, but I'm not so sure I'd ever strike a pose without my clothes. Naked Yoga classes aren't anything new, but lately they're becoming more acceptable.

I'm sure you all have your visions of what goes on in a Naked Yoga class, that it's one big group orgy. Just because people are naked in a room together doesn't mean that the focus has to be on sex. Believe it or not, there are many non-sexual reasons people choose to practice without their capris and halters on. Some veteran yogis are looking for a new and different experience, while others are trying to overcome weight or body image issues. Some appreciate the clarity of seeing the instructor's body, and some just like Naked Yoga because it's "taboo." Others feel that being naked is very spiritual and healing, and the physical shedding of their clothes allows them to emotionally shed negativity and judgments.

Fit's Tips: If Naked Yoga appeals to you, get info about the class ahead of time. While most classes aren't about sex, there are definitely some Naked Yoga classes offered that may be on the touchy-feely side. So if you're looking to have a spiritual experience and definitely not a sensual one, it's best to find out before you show up.

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If you're interested in finding a studio that offers Naked Yoga classes read more. These studios offer classes that are either all male, or all female, or co-ed. New York: Naked Yoga NYC Florida: Naked Yoga Miami Texas: Austin Naked Yoga Source

Cool or Not: Nude Yoga & Tai Chi DVD

FitSugar — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 14:30:00 PST

I was perusing the fitness videos in Barnes & Noble and I came across this - Nude Yoga & Tai Chi. Hmmm . . . I know there's Naked Yoga classes out there, where yogis practice their asana nude because they think it is more natural and emotionally and physically freeing. So the response in the past from you all to the naked yoga was fairly negative. So I am thinking you'd probably be a little reluctant to attend a live nude class, but what about going naked with a video?

Taking Risks Can Be Healthy

FitSugar — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 17:30:00 PST

I am all for taking risks - safe risks - of course. They help us grow emotionally and intellectually. When you break out of your comfort zone and work your edge, it builds self-confidence which helps us become happier, well-adjusted, flexible people. I truly believe this no matter how corny it sounds.

Some people choose to try new things like ice climbing or white-water rafting. Some people get up and sing at "open mic nite." Some people would rather try out a Naked Yoga class or learn to surf.

All that said, this risk might be a little over the top for me (this is one brave girl). But it might be just the thing to knock you right out of your comfort zone...

Fit's Tips: If you're interested in something like this, check out this ride.

Healthy Dose Link Time: Is 2011 the Year of Naked Yoga?

Michele Foley — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 10:25:26 PST

Is 2011 the year that naked yoga went mainstream? - Blisstree
Treat yourself: a yoga paradise in Thailand - Mind Body Green
Now you can get a backside just like Pippa Middleton's - Newser
Have yourself a very veggie moo shu Christmas - Vegetarian Times
From eating to spending - how to not overdo it during the holidays - YourTango
Hurt yourself? How to take care of a sports-related injury - Real Simple

Tales From the Fit Community: Unintentional Naked Yoga

Anna Monette Roberts — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 11:03:22 PST

Here is a hilarious yet totally embarrassing hot yoga story from reader FunSally, who shared her wardrobe malfunction in our Yoga Stretch and Tell group.

This is a little story of my first hot yoga class. I was surprised to see mostly men there and, out of a class of 20, only three other women. I was already sweating before we even got started. It was really hot, and it wasn't long before sweat was dripping off me. My mat had a pool of my sweat on it, and I was really having trouble not slipping as I did my moves. For one move, I was sitting on my mat, and we reached for our big toes, spread our legs apart as far as we could, and rolled onto our backs.

I was feeling really exposed. When we stood up again and turned to the front of the room. I saw myself in the mirror. I couldn't believe it. My white Danskin was just that - a skin. I was embarrassed that my shorts and top were totally see-through. It was as if I was doing the class naked in front of everyone; everything was in full sight. My nipples were bare, my ass was completely visible, and my lower lips were open and on full display for the entire class to see. I was so shocked to see that every time I turned around. The men around me all smiled and seemed to be loving the show.

I was so humiliated. Finally when the class was over and I had to turn in my mat, my instructor smiled and ask me how I liked my first class. I told him I was so embarrassed. He told me not to worry about it and that it happens to a lot of first timers. I left the building still wet and exposed. I will never forget the moment when, as I was leaving, all the men said, "It was nice to see you."

Are you worried about experiencing a major wardrobe malfunction during a hot yoga class? Read our tips on how to avoid dressing for an unintentional naked yoga class after the break.

Namaste in the Nude? Yoga Poses I'd Never Want to Do Naked

Jenny Sugar — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 10:35:03 PDT

Naked yoga isn't for everyone - hanging out in your birthday suit is probably not something you normally do unless you're showering or gettin' busy. Call me traditional, but I'm a fan of workout clothes, for a few reasons. Aside from keeping your business covered up, fitness clothes prevent your parts from jiggling about, absorb sweat and wick moisture from your skin, and as a bonus, they also keep you warm.

There are plenty of awkward yet beneficial yoga poses, but in my opinion, doing them without clothes would counteract the serenity and sense of strength I'm hoping to achieve. Here are 10 poses I could never imagine doing in a room full of other naked yogis - the postures would be way too revealing for my comfort (I'm blushing just thinking about it).

Beginner Tips For Hot Yoga

Heather Dale — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 02:16:59 PDT

Hot yoga, aka bikram yoga, can be quite intimidating for those who are either new to yoga in general, or haven't been to a hot yoga class before. If the 105ºF temperatures aren't enough to scare you away, the thought of getting sticky and sweating with a group of strangers can be enough to turn you off of it. But, once you get past the heat and the sweat factor, hot yoga classes can provide you with some of the best workouts of your life. Here's what you should know before attending your first hot yoga class.

What to bring: Unlike traditional yoga, hot yoga requires a few more accessories to make the class more enjoyable. I like to bring a big bottle of water so that I can stay hydrated throughout class; my own yoga mat; a slipless yoga towel to help keep me in place during the practice; and a smaller towel for face/neck sweat. Note: towels are not required, but with all of the sweating you do, they are nice to have.
What to wear: I tend to just wear my regular yoga clothes to class which are made out of sweat-wicking materials. I would suggest steering clear of baggy or articles of clothing made out of cotton because anything baggy will just become a nuisance, and cotton actually traps sweat, so you'll feel even more uncomfortable.

Keep reading for more tips.

Best of Yoga: Hybrid Classes

Self — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 04:28:37 PDT

We are pumped to share one of our fave stories from Self here on FitSugar!

Still think yoga is for hippies? Think again! Instead of chanting, there are lots of yoga styles that fuse elements of other workouts to make a killer two-for-one workout for any exercise personality.

Since you've never been one to play by the rules, why should your yoga practice? Think of this as your yogi cheat sheet of fusion classes to help guide you through National Yoga Month. And be sure to brush up on first class tricks of the trade to look like a pro!

AntiGravity Yoga: Having trouble mastering the handstand? This is for you. Also known as cocooning and aerial yoga, AntiGravity yoga, created by former aerial acrobat Christopher Harrison, involves using a giant hanging fabric (think of a hammock) to assist with yoga pose and stretches.

AcroYoga: Need a spot? AcroYoga combines traditional yoga with Thai massage and Acrobatics for a partner-based practice. You'll massage, flow, invert, spot and asana with a buddy who is the ying to your yang.

Breakti: It's yoga with a beat! Founded by Anya Porter, Breakti is the fusion of break dancing and yoga.

Learn about more hybrid yoga classes after the break!