Naked Yoga For Men

What are the benefits of naked yoga?
For many people in the West, yoga is a means to a purely physical end -- and that's fine and dandy, of course, but yoga has emotional and spiritual aspects as well. Many people find that nakedness enhances and alters that part of the yoga experience.

Darren Main describes it this way: "Some men come because they like the feeling of moving and stretching without the restriction of clothing. Others come because they feel a closer bond with other men when there are no clothes involved. Others simply see the profound beauty in a room full of male bodies moving together in a conscious and mindful way. Initially, it's scary to take off your clothes in front of other people, but after the initial adjustment, most people find a greater freedom that allows them to focus more deeply on their poses and breathing."

According to Matt Meko, some of the people who come to his classes are looking for help with body image, sexuality, and nudity issues, adding "Other participants are curious, maybe having practiced yoga in a variety of styles and geographical locations, but not naked. Still others just like being freely nude."

Is this Tantric yoga?
The word "Tantric" is widely misunderstood in the West. Tantra is not just about sex and Sting's stamina. Very basically and broadly, Tantra is a spiritual school of thought involving meditation and ritualistic practices, some of which have a sexual element. Most naked yoga instructors incorporate elements of Tantra into their classes and workshops.

According to Evolutionary Eros's Kevin Kortan, "A lot of what we receive as yoga is sanitized Tantra. It's really a way of embracing all of existence -- everything is part of the flow of life (or a manifestation of the divine, some would say). You can go into anything and discover your divinity. Overt sexual practices are a small part of Tantric technique."

Do the classes have a sexual vibe? And do I have to have a hot body to join?
Most naked yoga instructors acknowledge that their classes do have a sexual or sensual feeling. But most also emphasize that their classes are primarily about doing yoga. Some classes are much "sexier" than others -- for instance, some classes involve partner exercises and touching. And some groups do request that participants be in good physical shape (a couple of them even ask that aspiring participants submit a photograph). Most, however, emphasize that bodies of all types, and students of all skill levels, are welcome.

Darren Main says that in his naked class for men, there is certainly sexual energy in the room. "But it's not a peep show or an opportunity to cruise. The men who come are about building the energy within their own bodies in a way that is fun and liberating. The class feels very sensual without the overt sexual overtones that permeate so much of the rest of gay culture."

(Photos: Patrick Scully)

What are the benefits of naked yoga?
For many people in the West, yoga is a means to a purely physical end -- and that's fine and dandy, of course, but yoga has emotional and spiritual aspects as well. Many people find that nakedness enhances and alters that part of the yoga experience.

Darren Main describes it this way: "Some men come because they like the feeling of moving and stretching without the restriction of clothing. Others come because they feel a closer bond with other men when there are no clothes involved. Others simply see the profound beauty in a room full of male bodies moving together in a conscious and mindful way. Initially, it's scary to take off your clothes in front of other people, but after the initial adjustment, most people find a greater freedom that allows them to focus more deeply on their poses and breathing."

According to Matt Meko, some of the people who come to his classes are looking for help with body image, sexuality, and nudity issues, adding "Other participants are curious, maybe having practiced yoga in a variety of styles and geographical locations, but not naked. Still others just like being freely nude."

Is this Tantric yoga?
The word "Tantric" is widely misunderstood in the West. Tantra is not just about sex and Sting's stamina. Very basically and broadly, Tantra is a spiritual school of thought involving meditation and ritualistic practices, some of which have a sexual element. Most naked yoga instructors incorporate elements of Tantra into their classes and workshops.

According to Evolutionary Eros's Kevin Kortan, "A lot of what we receive as yoga is sanitized Tantra. It's really a way of embracing all of existence -- everything is part of the flow of life (or a manifestation of the divine, some would say). You can go into anything and discover your divinity. Overt sexual practices are a small part of Tantric technique."

Do the classes have a sexual vibe? And do I have to have a hot body to join?
Most naked yoga instructors acknowledge that their classes do have a sexual or sensual feeling. But most also emphasize that their classes are primarily about doing yoga. Some classes are much "sexier" than others -- for instance, some classes involve partner exercises and touching. And some groups do request that participants be in good physical shape (a couple of them even ask that aspiring participants submit a photograph). Most, however, emphasize that bodies of all types, and students of all skill levels, are welcome.

Darren Main says that in his naked class for men, there is certainly sexual energy in the room. "But it's not a peep show or an opportunity to cruise. The men who come are about building the energy within their own bodies in a way that is fun and liberating. The class feels very sensual without the overt sexual overtones that permeate so much of the rest of gay culture."

(Photos: Patrick Scully)