Co-Ed Naked Yoga

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The fitness community has certainly seen it’s fair share of strange trends that seem to adapt well among its followers. Today, we have achieved a new level of weird. Evidently co-ed naked yoga is a popular trend that is gaining many followers around the world. I have to admit that I’m actually surprised at the fact that people enjoy it. It is definitely one of these things that might be surprising to many but for others it’s a way of life!

Why Co-Ed Naked Yoga?

The premise of this phenomenon is definitely interesting and might surprise some. The health benefits of yoga are pretty obvious, but what is the actual reason for getting naked? Proponents defend the practice as a progressive and communal activity that promotes better body image and self-confidence. It helps people accept who they are and feel comfortable in their body. It also removes judgment directed towards other people’s body and accept them the way they are as a person.

I have to admit, I’ve never been naked in public and, like most of the people, the idea terrifies me. We live in a world where society has accepted that humans wear clothes and not run around naked. This concept is so ingrained in everyday life that when you hear the phrase “co-ed naked yoga,” it sounds weird and out of place. Especially, when it involves doing flexibility activities such as those required by yoga.

How It Started

This trend started when “Bold & Naked Yoga” opened up in New York City. The studio has been around for some time now, but not until last year they introduced their first co-ed class. If nothing else, you have to admire the fact that they don’t mess around with their name. The only thing I wonder about is what their name serves for. Is it for those bold enough to do naked yoga? or is “bold” something that you have to do in addition to be naked? In any case, I have to respect those who are “bold” enough to do it.

My Take

The whole concept strikes me as a great way to push your own psychological limitations. I feel like if you can do co-ed naked yoga, you could do pretty much anything. Imagine if you’re the only dude in your group of friends who has done co-ed naked yoga. You basically conquered the world and you might as well climbed Mt. Everest – or perhaps saved the world from a zombie outbreak.

… but with all seriousness. I think it is really admirable that there are people who are willing to defy what society tells them is normal and push the boundaries of what being in community with other human beings mean. Yes, the preceding sentence might sound a little over the top but the fact that an institution like Bold and Naked Yoga is successful points to a positive change in how people are willing to relate to one another. A world where people aren’t as conscious about their body and are encouraging each other to practice a healthy lifestyle is a world I don’t mind living in. Co-Ed naked yoga is definitely a great way to get out of your comfort zone too, which is something I recommend everyone do from time to time.

I’m still too afraid to try co-ed naked yoga, but maybe someday in the near future. How about you? Did you try it or are you going to try it? Please share your thoughts.