Posted by Jeff S on May 30, 2006 at 19:01:24:
In Reply to: Naked Yoga classes posted by Ray on May 25, 2006 at 09:06:31:
I've only been about 8 or 9 times since it started - a little over a year ago. Recently, I attended 3 weeks in a row.
First, it's 1-1/2 hr. class, and it's a real yoga class. It is pretty demanding, but since it's yoga, you're not supposed to push yourself to the max but work moderately at challenging yourself at your existing level, and rest or modify the poses as needed. It's open to all levels, and all levels attend, including newcomers or relative newcomers. The instructor, Britt, is very good, both with instructions and making adjustments. She is a very self-possessed young woman, genuinely and completely comfortable in her own skin and completely at ease. It is a pleasure to have her as an instructor.
It's all men doing the class right now. The group is trying an experiment with a clothing optional night to try to attract some of the women from Britt's other (clothed) class. Some of her other students told her they might try it if they could be partially clothed. (Apparently, they wanted to wear bottoms.) It's a one shot opportunity though, and otherwise nakedness is required, except of course that women may wear bottoms during that certain TOM.
Most of the men are in their 30s or 40s, but with a few in their 20s and a few, like me, as old as 50 (zounds!). Not only are there various levels of yoga experience, but there are also various levels of fitness, including ultra fit to average to those who are really struggling. There is a strong contingent of regulars of about 12 - 15 guys, and a number of others, like me, who are more irregular. The group is friendly, welcoming to newcomers and there is good camaraderie in the group.
It meets one night a week, Mondays, but there is talk about expanding to Wed. as well.
The "irony", which of course is no irony for nude activities, is that in regular yoga classes, the female to male ratio can be counted to run at 4 or more to 1, while nude yoga in NYC runs 1 female to 15 or more men and that's only if you count the instructor. If you're in it primarily for the chance to exercise while nude in a group, though, and not for other reasons, it's fantastic.