Naked Yoga: The Ultimate Equalizer
by: Daily Texas Staff
Early on Saturday morning, a group of men entered an ordinary-looking yoga studio on South Congress Avenue across the street from St. Edwards University. The men walked into a dimly lit room filled with incense, stripped, laid out their mats and did yoga — in the nude.
When it comes to self-expression and exercise, Austinites entertain some unique and sometimes controversial practices that might go against social norms.
“If you are not comfortable with your body, you will be,” said Todd Gibbs, a manager of Austin Naked Yoga, as he swept the floor of the cramped studio. Gibbs said he volunteered to be a manager two years ago when the original founder of the studio left.
The idea for a nude yoga studio came from a similar establishment in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., which opened in 2004. Prospective patrons join an online group to receive information on class locations and times.
Gibbs said people are drawn to naked yoga classes because of the liberation they feel when not wearing clothes. For some, Gibbs said, being naked has a sort of spirituality attached to it, and classes promote the idea that every person and body type is beautiful.
“Clothes tend to be sort of a mask,” he said. “We are all equal when [they] hit the floor.”
Despite the good-natured intentions of the studio, managers and patrons live with the understanding that there is a misconception of yoga and nudity in the United States.
Combine them, and people get preconceived notions of what goes on when the studio doors close.
“Some people can’t separate sexuality from nudity,” Gibbs said. “We are not looking around. We are working out.”
Chris, 61, who did want his last name printed, said nudity has always played an important role in his life, and some people can not come to terms with that.
“People get this strange notion when guys get together and undress,” Chris said. “We are one of the most puritanical countries in the world. The human body is a huge taboo in this country.”
Jack, 45, who also did not want his last name printed, said he has been to seven sessions at the studio and goes to exercize his hips, ankles and other joints.
“I used to be a professional ballet dancer,” Jack said. “I went to stay in shape.”
Jack said he has no qualms about performing yoga alongside other naked men.
“I’m a home nudist,” Jack said. “People do things in the nude — we were all born that way. It’s not sexual. We are not here to get picked up. I’m not gay.”
Most of the yoga sessions, however, cater only to men, and only one class during the week is coed and clothing-optional.
Anywhere from 12 to more than 25 people participate in the sessions.
Gibbs said the people who usually attend the classes are those who generally like being naked.
“Not everyone that comes to our classes can be called naturists, but you would see them out at Hippie Hollow,” Gibbs said. “They are confident in their own skin.”