Fitness Romance Saga
I Did Naked Yoga
August 12th, 2010 • 53 Comments | Leave a Comment »
Oh, yes. I really did it. But I kept my bottom half covered. So that means I went topless. Now allow me to explain.
Naked Yoga has been alive in the States since the 1960s. It might sound gross, bizarre and maybe a little perverted, but according to a recent MSNBC article, it’s proving to be a budding trend with naked classes popping up – whether informally in someone’s home or in a studio – in big cities like New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Boston. Classes can be men only, women only, or co-ed, and some studios admit that their classes are designed to appeal to gay males and may include partner posing. The article states that males tend to favor the practice of naked yoga more than women.
Gay or straight is your own preference – I’m not here to judge that, but I can’t imagine myself doing anything naked in a public setting (anymore), let alone on display with a nude partner. So I did half-naked Yoga while alone in my bedroom. Some admit that public classes can become sexually charged, but many instructors stand firm that it’s all about fitness.
WHY DID I DO IT HALF-NAKED?
I didn’t intend to. As I changed out of my nighttime t-shirt to throw on some fitness gear, I thought, “Eh, what the hell. I do it half-naked instead.” So I did a flowly Yoga routine set to some spa-like, new age music that’s so relaxing. And yes, I did this top-naked routine in front of a full length mirror.
It was great not feeling constricted and squeezed in the upper boobies region from a sports bra. I literally let it all hang out. There was nothing gross or sexual about it. I was doing Yoga, same as any other day.
WHAT DID I GET OUT OF IT?
Today was my first session of top-naked Yoga and there will definitely be more. In just one day of this taboo exercise in front of the mirror, I saw my body in a different light. Because I was topless and completely uncovered from the torso on up, I was able to see the full strength that came from each pose, whether it be in my arms, shoulders, torso, or pecs (chest) region. I normally complain about my less than perky 37-year-old boobs, and I always whine about my midsection, but today while doing half-nude Yoga, I valued every naked part of my body as beautiful.
During this 40-minute session, my so-called body flaws became invisible. Instead, I saw muscles where I thought there was barely any definition. I also noticed a budding transformation taking shape in my troubled zones from all those previous weeks of exercise commitment. I did not see myself as fatty or skin-stretched or flawed in any way. There was only beauty and strength.
Isis Phoenix is a Yoga teacher from New York. In a 2008 UK article on naked Yoga, Phoenix gave her take on naked Yoga and body image: “It’s about loving your body from every shape, size and pose,” said Phoenix. “We’re removing shame from the body.”
What’s your take on naked Yoga? Would you try it in the privacy of your home?
[photo]
Jessica @ How Sweet August 12th, 2010 at 15:23
I would definitely do it at home, but don’t think I’d have the guts to do it somewhere else!
BK August 12th, 2010 at 15:31
Yum Yucky Reply:
August 12th, 2010 at 8:15 pm
ya, that has been the naked problem here many many times.
JourneyBeyondSurvival August 12th, 2010 at 15:41
Yep Yep. I would. I would lock the door if Hubbend were home just so I could concentrate. But when he’s traveling, I have to be able to run at the drop of a pin.
My biggest motivation would be not having to do the laundry. I would appreciate watching my muscle tone and also getting rid of some of those image hang ups. Mostly though, it would be the laundry.
Josie Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 2:00 pm
just do naked laundry. same thing.
KCLAnderson (Karen) August 12th, 2010 at 15:41
That is very cool…I love that it helped you appreciate your body more. Lord knows we can all use more of that!! I’d try it for sure…in fact, maybe I’ll do it tomorrow morning
Yum Yucky Reply:
August 12th, 2010 at 8:16 pm
yes! lemme know how the naked-ing goes.
Skinny Sushi August 12th, 2010 at 15:41
I’d do it at home for sure… though I wonder how comfortable it would be… I am generally more comfortable in a bra, not because of exposure but because I need the support. I’d try it though.
Roni August 12th, 2010 at 15:52
Yikes! I’m not sure about this one! I kind of like “the girls” snug in their place. lol
Michael / South Bay Foodies August 12th, 2010 at 15:53
I would do it! But yes, in the privacy of my own home. That is until i got buff like the Hulk and was ready to show off my radiation-induced “muskulls”. Then I’d be at every single naked yoga class in a five mile radius. But wait, I’d still be scared of “instructors standing firm”!!!! o_0
Yum Yucky Reply:
August 12th, 2010 at 8:17 pm
you crazy
Alexia August 12th, 2010 at 15:57
my boobs are too massive. but definitely at home in my underwear!
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Lisa @ I'm an Okie August 12th, 2010 at 16:24
I’d prob do both! I’ve always felt great peace being in the nude–feels very natural to me.
I think your words about your body were beautiful though.
Yum Yucky Reply:
August 12th, 2010 at 8:18 pm
yes, that’s a great way of putting. I felt serenity and peace. I hope you can try it.
Art August 12th, 2010 at 16:43
In my home, yes, I would absolutely do it. In a “class”, absolutely not.
To me, nakedness on its own, especially my own, is not sexual in and of itself. After all, I was born naked, I bathe naked, and I sleep very close to naked.
Irene August 12th, 2010 at 16:56
Girl, I thought you did it in a public gym. LOL! Thats interesting. I just fear I’d get hit in the head wit hteh DD’s while doing Upward Facing Monkey or something and be knocked unconcious.
'Drea August 12th, 2010 at 17:43
It’s cool that naked yoga gave you a whole new appreciation for your body. Don’t think I’d try just yet though.
Yum Yucky Reply:
August 12th, 2010 at 8:19 pm
well, maybe a few stretches before you put your bra on? hehe
Erin August 12th, 2010 at 17:50
That is so awesome. I’d do it in a class of all women! I think it would be very freeing. Of course I have an art background and am use to drawing and looking at the naked body.
Kevin August 12th, 2010 at 18:15
I could never do naked yoga in a group setting. Co-ed would be way too distracting for me… and doing it with a bunch of guys… uhm… no thanks.
But privately, that would be fine with me. There is a lot to say about the body appreciation one can develop by really paying attention to your own flesh and not judging it by everyone else’s standards. Spending some time working on your body while undressed can really help you become comfortable and happy with the body you have. I’m not in great shape myself but I am very confident in myself because of similar exercises.
I’m glad you enjoyed it and seemed to get a lot out of it. But I am completely with you on the going it alone route. Group naked yoga would be way too… I don’t know… not my style. I’ve been around nudists and other naked (non-sexual) people before but I’ve also not had them bending over and doing yoga poses at the time… LOL
Ernesto (You On a Diet) August 12th, 2010 at 19:12
Naked Yoga is weak! I will accept nothing less than Hot Naked Yoga.
I’m with Michael on this one. As soon as I have my 1980′s Arnold Schwarzenegger body you’ll see me everywhere! Except the stripclub
Josie Reply:
August 12th, 2010 at 10:23 pm
welp, you can also call it Hawt Naked Yoga… if you’re a pervert. First class to be held at the strip club.
Retta @ RunRettaRun August 12th, 2010 at 19:48
I would totally do it in my home! Most definitely. However, I’m never alone so I’m not sure I would have the chance to do it. I wouldn’t have an issue doing it around The Lover (hullo!) but w/ the boys, not so much.
Yum Yucky Reply:
August 12th, 2010 at 8:21 pm
Maybe you can try 2-3 minutes after get out the shower? Before the family pounces on your time?
Alycia @ Fit n Fresh August 12th, 2010 at 19:56
Naked topless yoga?! You are brave girl! I love it – very inspiring!
Jody - Fit at 52 August 12th, 2010 at 19:56
Naked is fine in the home. I like how you felt about your bod!
Me, well, I keep all the blinds closed here due to high density so I do some naked stuff anyway!
Yum Yucky Reply:
August 12th, 2010 at 8:33 pm
Jody, you are one of my favorite naked women… oh wait, that sounded weird.
Jody - Fit at 52 August 12th, 2010 at 19:57
PS: Not gonna do any public classes though.. NOT!
Suzanne August 12th, 2010 at 20:23
When I first started reading I thought you were at the gym! BRAVE!
In the privacy of my own home with all the blinds closed and the doors triple locked, absolutely. Not sure I’d be gutsy enough to ever join a class and to be honest I’m not sure I want to do a naked downward dog for all to see.
Ryan @NoMoreBacon August 12th, 2010 at 20:41
Ha! You talked about being naked and said “instructors stand firm.” This comment brought to you by the 14 year old boy inside of me.
Anonymous Fat Girl August 12th, 2010 at 20:42
Very interesting… Girl you certainly have balls!!! Not sure if I would have the balls to do that… Well maybe someday…
Keith August 12th, 2010 at 21:23
Hello,
Well, I have to admit that you certainly know how to choose a headline for a blog post! LOL
I think it is awesome that you did this for yourself. You became even more comfortable with your own body, which is very important. There’s a “naturalness” to it as well.
You’ve worked hard to get where you are and it is a beautiful thing that you could this, watching in the mirror, and feel at peace.
Lance August 12th, 2010 at 22:54
Dear Princess of Naked-ness,
I took my shirt off the other day (well…actually I do THAT everyday), and my kids got some sort of weird laughter and joy out of the “wiggles”. Hmmm….I guess I won’t be doing topless yoga with them trouble-makers around (or wait….maybe that just what I need to do to scare them off!).
Oh…and did I mention…my daughter is also grossed out by me in short shorts (okay…and they are not even that short).
Wow! I think I might have issues with naked yoga…
….maybe I’ll start in the backyard…where the squirrels won’t make any fun of me…
(I think I’m onto something!!) (…or is that…I think I’m ON something???)
Josie Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 11:19 am
well think of it this way. The squirrels are naked, too. So ya’ll will be right at home with each other, and all the other naked animals in the backyard together. Like a nudist’s party.
Marisa August 13th, 2010 at 2:51
Awesome stuff! Maybe I should give it a go?
Keep Fit by Doing Yoga | Health Fitness Adventure August 13th, 2010 at 3:06
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Miz August 13th, 2010 at 5:44
hmmm. home for sure
anyone else home Im not sure!
all made me think of a constant reference we make here to the seinfeld episode with the BAD NAKED?
for me I think it mightcould cross into bad nekid.
Karen@WaistingTime August 13th, 2010 at 8:18
I don’t even walk around naked in my own bedroom! Nope, not for me.
Emergefit August 13th, 2010 at 9:41
Uhm, no. Naked pizza? Count me in.
Josie Reply:
August 13th, 2010 at 11:17 am
Naked pizza? Been there, done that. Will do it again…
Fran August 13th, 2010 at 18:00
Well, we don’t mind running around naked in the privacy of our own home, and in fact, when it is socially acceptable, I don’t mind being naked. I’ve been to the hot baths in Japan and everyone is naked there (though they tend to look at foreigners and giggle, especially when they have bruises covering half of the back of your legs from snowboarding!) so I’ve quickly gotten over the whole being naked thing. The only problem I’d have with naked yoga is that I’m not sure how sanitary it would be on carpet considering that not even the deepest of shampoo cleaning sessions will get everything out. I honestly don’t care if people are naked or not. We weren’t born with clothes on and I find that our habit of wearing clothes tends to make people more perverted. The naked body isn’t inherently sexual. I really doubt the Greeks were thinking about sex during the Olympics as their genitalia flopped around in the wind.
I’ve had more uncomfortable moments during clothed yoga than I think I would ever in naked yoga considering that my teacher pushed us to invade each others privacy to the point it was more sexual than anything else. I don’t care to share my breathing rhythm with a stranger!
merri August 13th, 2010 at 18:52
I have seen gay men’s naked yoga advertised here in SF. I am pretty sure it’s mean to be erotic, and not just your everyday yoga. The guys I know who do yoga do it for exercise, and they wear regular workout clothes. I’ve never seen any around here co-ed or for women, but it’s SF so I’m sure if I looked hard enough, they exist. I saw another article about this the other month. Its definitely not something I’d want to do..yoga requires a lot of different poses which are fine clothed but are really, really revealing naked. I so don’t want to be looking up my neighbor’s holes when I’m exercising. And I don’t want others looking up mine. Ew. Also it could get pretty unsanitary, especially with shared mats. I would not mind half naked yoga. It’s just breasts. Or chests, for the guys. They’re hot, not potentially icky, and nothing comes out of them (unless you’re nursing). Although I’d probably be waay too distracted to do the poses, I’d be staring lol. If I were good enough at yoga to actually do it myself instead of in a class, I might try it naked at home, if it were warm enough…im not worried about looking at my own self naked. However, if my roommate walked in, he might not be too happy lol.
Shijo August 14th, 2010 at 0:21
I would do it at home or with a group. I believe it would help me to get over some of my shyness. I know that I don’t have a great body, but that’s not what it’s about, I want to explore myself on the inside before judging my outside. The purpose for me doing it with a group I’d know if I’m on the right track with yoga practice. I’m Buddhist but we don’t practice yoga, only chanting.
Merry August 14th, 2010 at 20:36
I’m good with being naked… when I’m in the shower. The rest of the time? I figure the point is to be relaxed and comfortable, and I’m most relaxed/comfy when clothed.
Once found myself in a hot tub that was ‘clothing optional’ and boy, did people get miffed when I exercised the option! I figure if I’m not judging you for being nekkid, then you should return the favor and not judge my choice
Ecastack August 16th, 2010 at 11:01
Do you have photos from the front
?
Josie Reply:
August 16th, 2010 at 1:16 pm
Nope. That might make your eyeballs burn.
ShrinkingGirl (Rhonda) August 18th, 2010 at 7:11
Wow. Naked yoga.
I can say I’ve never thought of such a thing before.
The idea of public naked yoga makes me cringe. It also makes me hope everyone gets a front row spot.
That being said, heck yeah I’d try it at home. Why not? The cats have seen me do far more bizarre things.
Debra September 3rd, 2010 at 7:09
when are if the kids ever move out it’ll be naked-everything-but-cooking at my house. I love the feeling of air on my skin.
charlotte September 5th, 2010 at 23:59
How on earth did I miss this post the first time around? I just found it from a link on No More Bacon and boy have I missed you!! I loooove my yoga. But I don’t know if I’m as brave as you are. I might try half-naked yoga sans mirror:) Loved your take on it. (Am also excited to hear more about your e-book!)
dragonmamma/naomi December 31st, 2010 at 6:25
Followed the link from your new article, so here I am. Naked yoga at home? NO WAY. My floors aren’t vacuumed the way they should be and I don’t need dust-bunnies sticking to my private parts. Plus, my boobies would be flying every which way; might give myself black-eyes.
The idea of public naked yoga is even more horrifying. I really don’t want a stranger’s dangly bits or hairy butt in downward-dog position anywhere near me.
Carolyn August 10th, 2011 at 21:22
I agree that a public setting for naked yoga is not my cup of tea, However the benefits that you described are interesting. I would initially feel silly and yes notice everything wrong with my body. But having nothing hidden does allow you to see what is really going on and yoga is about unity and harmony with your body.
Might have to try it out, at home of course, no reason to waste all my cute yoga pants by taking the off in class!
Matt August 19th, 2011 at 17:03
Naked Yoga!, why not, we are not born with clothes on. I could’nt help noticing the comments of dragonmamma/naomi, they really made me smile, namaste.