There are as many answers to this as there are people who do yoga naked. Practicing naked isn’t necessarily better than practicing clothed—it’s a different experience, and people have different reasons for doing it. Some folks enjoy the greater physical freedom. Some people want to work on issues of shame and self-image. Some appreciate the clarity of seeing the instructor’s body. Some enjoy the taboo-breaking thrill of getting naked. Still others see nudity as a profound spiritual experience—a shedding of armor & barriers, and the social masks we present to the world, an opportunity to shed our judgments of ourselves and each other. Taking off our clothes—consciously and ritually—is a way to create sacred space that can be intimate and healing. And if you come to class, you’ll discover that this happens quite often. Check out the articles for more information about the Naked Yoga movement in general.
Classes include an eclectic mix of yoga styles. Most of the instruction is drawn from traditional Hatha poses, held either for short intervals or done in flow. From time to time, we may explore breathing practices from the Tantric and Kundalini traditions, as well as partner yoga, chanting improvisational movement, and various other exercises designed to help us connect with ourselves and each other.
Classes are currently offered Monday nights at 7:30 PM, Wednesday nights at 8:30 PM, and Saturday morning at 10 AM. All classes are held at a fitness studio in South Austin. Classes usually run about an hour. No commitment or reservations are required. Join the free Yahoo Group for specific time and location details.
Who teaches the class?
Classes are taught by certified teachers, who are announced in advance through our Yahoo group.
Usually about 10-20 men of varying ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations and levels of physical fitness.
Yes, everyone including the instructor is naked. Most people are surprised by how quickly they get over any anxiety they might have about being naked. If you would like to see some examples of Naked Yoga and you’re not ready to shed your clothes, check out Aaron Star’s Hot Nude Yoga Videos.
Our classes are open only to men. We’re exploring offering women-only and co-ed classes and we’re interested in talking to yoga teachers who would like to help create these programs.
How can I prepare for class?
You’ll need to bring your own yoga mat and a large towel. We suggest not eating for the 2 hours leading up to class (no need to be rigid about this—just use common sense). If you feel you need to eat before class, choose something light like a protein shake or yogurt.
We ask that you shower just before class—your cleanliness will be a gift to your partners. Please don’t wear cologne. Filtered water is available, but you may wish to bring your own water bottle. There are restrooms, but no showers. Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early, since doors are locked promptly at the scheduled class time.
The first time you attend, you’ll be asked to show identification (e.g. driver’s license or passport) and sign a liability release form.
Payment is collected when you arrive—we accept cash, check or class cards. People generally find a spot for their mat, get undressed (leaving their clothes along the back wall) and gently stretch, meditate, quietly visit with friends or rest on their mat while waiting for the class to begin. Occasionally everyone remains clothed until the class starts and we undress together as an opening ritual. It all depends on the mood of the night.
Come with an open mind and a willingness to be surprised, and don’t worry about being new. We’re all new. We arrive a bit harried from the day, a bit awkward about taking off our clothes...we all spend some time arriving before we’re actually there...and then it becomes what it becomes, different each time, and different for each of us.
Monday night is primarily yoga with a little Pilates. Wednesday and Saturday's practice is almostly exclusively yoga. Sometimes we incorporate partner work, movement, vocalizing or breathing practices, while other times it’s more straightforward yoga. You’re invited to let the instructor know when you arrive if there’s something you’d like to focus on or learn that night. Our goal is to honor “what’s alive in the room.” Special programs will be announced in advance via our Yahoo group message board.
It’s generally easier to balance on a thin mat (1/8”), but if your knees are sensitive, you may wish to use a thicker mat (1/4”) for extra cushioning. While standard (68”) mats work for most people, longer (72”) mats are more comfortable if you’re over 6 feet.
Occasionally, classes will include partner work. You do not need a partner to attend any of our sessions. In general, the instructor will assign partners (sometimes randomly or sometimes based on height). The reason we assign partners in class is to avoid the awkwardness of looking around the room to find someone to work with, and to eliminate the anxiety of possibly not being "picked."
However, we realize some are already
anxious about attending naked yoga and even more concerned about
partnering with someone they hardly know. If this is your
concern, we
encourage you to bring a friend or partner with whom you are
comfortable
working. Just let the instructor know prior to class if
you already have a
partner.
If you’re not comfortable or not physically able to do poses with a partner, tell the instructor before class so he can plan accordingly. We will do our best to suggest alternate poses that you can do on your own.
Depends what you mean. Do people have sex? Absolutely not. There is no intentional genital focus or contact. Most people find that naked yoga is a profoundly non-sexual experience because we’re not thinking about looking attractive. We put ourselves in exposing positions that reveal all of us, instead of just what we want the world to see.
Sometimes. There may be times when working with a partner that you feel sexual energy. That’s perfectly okay. We can enjoy sexual energy as it comes and goes in our body, without needing to act on it. We can channel the energy to inform and expand our yoga practice, as opposed to trying to suppress it.
Truly, erections are natural and okay. Part of this experience is learning not to be ashamed of your body and learning to integrate your experience as a complete human being. Bodies do what they will—they burp, they fart, they get erections. It’s an opportunity to be kind and accepting toward yourself and others.
While the majority of our members and teachers identify as gay or bisexual, some of us do not. What we share in common is our life journey as men and our desire to practice yoga naked. Whether you think of yourself as straight, gay, bisexual or “not-so-sure,” you’re welcome to do yoga with us.
Not formally, however sometimes people may go out for dinner after class, or use the Yahoo message board to invite the group to go to an event.
You’re welcome to invite friends to come to class. We just ask that your friends read these Frequently Asked Questions first, and remember to join the Yahoo Group after class.
Please email us if you have any questions about participating.
Wonderful! For time and location details, join our free Yahoo Group—Austin Naked Yoga, which is open to men 18 years and older, who live in Austin or visit the area regularly. We look forward to seeing you in class!