Freedom and Flexibility in your own Skin!

Naked yoga is the new adaptation of an old classic which is spreading throughout America. The idea probably isn't that new, many people have after all practised yoga wearing nothing but a peaceful expression in their own homes for many years but naked yoga classes seem to be causing a ripple of curiosity or concern with many. Although naked yoga is a personal choice, there are classes which are gradually springing up all over the country and will begin to catch on in other countries too.

For some people, naked yoga would appear to have some sort of sexual connotations after all, why would people choose to exercise in the nude? The answer is simple; yoga is about connecting with the body and improving mind, body and spirit unity. Clothes are not really necessary to achieve those goals.

So what are the benefits of practicing without wearing any form of clothes?

- It improves and reduces feelings of inhibition
- It increases the sensation of freedom
- Helps to increase a feeling of comfort in the practitioners body
- Increases the connection with those students also practising
- Helps the yoga teacher to check for correct alignment and posture

If you are feeling tempted to attend a class, be aware that some classes can be mixed although there are men only classes for example, but it is worth checking on the individual class policies before signing up if you have any concerns. Although the thought of removing your clothes initially may be a daunting thought, after a while, the sense of freedom and oneness with those other students makes it a worthwhile project. Naked yoga allows the student to move freely within the postures without the restrictions of clothes and freedom of movement can be quite liberating.

Practising outside can also take this form of yoga and expression to a new level, many yoga practitioners think that naked yoga is a way of reconnecting both spiritually and physically with yoga, but this is down to the individual and of course how private a personal space it is.

Yoga is non-competitive and therefore, yoga students are encouraged to focus on their own practice so that they gain greater benefits, it is certainly not about being focussed on others. Whilst this form of yoga is unlikely to change traditional yoga practices, if you are looking for a new yogic challenge, then why not give naked yoga a go?