Get even more comfortable with naked yoga.
Credit: Colourbox
Naked yoga is a trend that’s taking the world by storm: You can take yoga classes in the nude in New York and in London.
Does the idea make you blush? “Often when we overcome our biggest fear it empowers us,” says Annette of Naked Yoga London. The trend for bending in the buff is actually nothing new: it’s an ancient discipline still practiced amongst religious groups in India, which was popularized during the Swinging Sixties. Instructor Annette gives us the naked truth on “nagna”.
Do some people assume that naked yoga is a euphemism for an orgy?
I occasionally get an email that seems that they’re looking for something else. The website makes the vibe clear; there’s nothing to suggest that it’s a hot and sexy experience.
‘Downward dog’ is a sexually suggestive pose. How do people deal with doing that one?
[Laughs] Downward dog is the one people always ask about. The way that I teach the class is in a horseshoe, so there’s nobody behind them.
It’s a bold move to get naked in front of people you don’t know, so how do you put them at ease?
I do get quite a few people emailing me to say that they feel nervous but it’s not a big step once you get into the class. You can wear a sarong until you relax or keep it on for the duration if it proves to be too much.
Do people ever lose control of their bodily functions?
Not really, no. Do you mean do they have an erection? [Laughs].
Clearly, I’m too shy to say erection but that’s what I mean.
Occasionally it happens. People email about this sometimes but it’s part of the energy moving around the body. People are so focused on their own practice that they’re oblivious to what’s happening around them.
