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Naked yoga, a concept which probably has Indian origins (inspired by Naga Sadhus) but is more popular and accepted in the West, is back in the news after a yoga studio in New York has offered co-ed nude yoga classes. Called Bold & Naked Yoga, it would offer a full schedule of no-clothes classes - including men's, women's and co-ed. But does practising yoga in the nude have any real benefits, we wonder.
Why naked yoga?
According to the owners of this yoga studio, It's about being comfortable in your own skin and the amazing confidence that comes with it.
'It frees you from negative feelings about your body and allows to be more accepting and deeper connected with yourself and the world around you,' Joschi Schwarz, who owns the studio with partner Monika Werner, was quoted as saying.
According to their website, 'While many equate being naked with sex, this could not be further from the truth in a naked yoga class.'
'It's about knowing, accepting and loving yourself at your core. Part of yoga is to honour and connect with your body,' it added.
'When you have more confidence in a naked body, you have more confidence in your clothed body,' added Werner.
Though one hasn't heard about naked yoga classes in India, we do have a teacher known by the name of Vivek Mishra. He's trained many celebrities like Edward Maya, etc.
According to practitioners of this form of yoga, it brings about a greater level of awareness and sense of freedom inspiring a more mindful and connected practice. Though there is an inhibition in the beginning, it all goes away after 1-2 classes. As far as the hygiene quotient is concerned, it is advised that people get their own mats and towels so that there is no scope of infection by sharing these with others. Read how to choose a yoga class.
While the trend is gaining popularity in the US, European countries, etc, it is hard to predict if this trend will catch up in India. For starters, people interested can try it out in the confines of their homes to seek its benefits.
Though they claim to have very many benefits than the traditional yoga, it has its fair share of detractors as well. Payal Gidwani Tiwari, a yoga instructor told DNA, 'I have heard of naked yoga but I do not encourage it at all. These are all stupid fads and we all come from traditionally bound backgrounds with strong values, I do not think to practice yoga you need to be naked! I practice a combination of traditional and high intensity and I feel this is good as it works for all age groups and you can acquire the desired results.'
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With inputs from IANS.
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