Naked Yoga

Naked Yoga is simply yoga without clothing. Naked Yoga is increasing in popularity. This is especially the case in western societies where nudity is more socially acceptable.

Most people practice naked yoga in the privacy of their own home. There is an ever increasing number of participants, in group classes. These classes tend to be unisex although there are many children's classes which combine both sexes. Groups tend to be between 10-20 in total and come from various ethnicities, sexual orientations and levels of physical fitness.

There are many reasons as to why people practice yoga naked. Practising yoga naked offers a different but not necessarily better experience than practising fully clothed. Many people enjoy the greater levels of physical freedom that being naked offers. Many people want to overcome issues of shame/embarrassment and issues with their own self-image. Many appreciate observing an instructor’s body and try to imitate this for themselves. Some undoubtedly enjoy breaking the taboo of nakedness for both themselves and others. Some see nudity as a profoundly spiritually intense experience, the removal of your body's armor & any barriers.

Typically for a session you will be advised to take A) Your own yoga mat B) A large towel. C) A protein shake, fruit or yogurt or maybe a snack bar. D) Some water. Before your session it is advisable to A) Not eat for at least 2 hours before the session as this may make exercise more difficult, B) Shower if you are in a group, for obvious reasons.

If you take a class try to take one for your skill level. Normally there are three main levels, beginner, intermediate and advance. Yoga can be very demanding, it is best to only operate at the level you are suited for.

1. Improved digestion
2. Flexibility
3. Balance
4. Stronger heart
5. Abdominal strength
6. Relaxation
7. Weight control
8. Increased energy
9. Strong immune system
10. Stress relief
11. Contentment

1. Believed to calm the nervous system and balance the body, mind, and spirit
2. First recorded existence 3000 BC
3. Began as a Hindu spiritual practice
4. Siddharta Gautama was the first Buddhist to study yoga
5. Introduced in the west during the 19th Century
6. Began as a movement for health and vegetarianism in 1930s
7. Forms of yoga include Naked yoga, Chair Yoga, Acro Yoga and Hip-Hop Yoga

For the first time ever, in 2010 the naked yoga industry is celebrating its practice with a holiday all its own. The first annual World Naked Yoga Day is on August 25, 2010. A Wisconsin yoga teacher named Natalia Hacerola is the creator of the holiday and plans to hold podcasts on August 25 to help instruct people how to perform naked yoga within the privacy of their own homes. The purpose of the holiday, according to Hacerola, is to encourage people to practice naked yoga and become more accepting and in-tune with their bodies within the comfort and privacy of their own homes.http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/health_med_fit/article_54f2f61c-86c5-11df-9afe-001cc4c002e0.html