The Day I Learned to Levitate, by Ron Wood At one of my first yoga classes, elsewhere, years ago I learned I could do things I did not believe I could do. It was interesting, but really very profound. Our instructor began with a slow gentle warm up. Sun Salutation A: Breathe in. Arms up, […]
How to Slow Down to the Speed of Life
As I sit here writing to you, I am resting my healing foot on a hot water bottle and I am sipping on my Chinese herbs that are helping my bones and ligaments heal. I feel blessed to have the loving support of the NYM community that has allowed me to take it easy over the […]
Pose in a Proud Warrior…Be a Proud Warrior: How to be a Man
Pose in a Proud Warrior…Be a Proud Warrior: How to be a Man by DC Benn Yoga, for me, not only makes me physically healthy, but afterwards, I feel emotionally calm and serene. Additionally, my internal issues come from my unconscious mind to my conscious one. When I do physically any of the proud warrior […]
The NAKED Truth about COMPERSION
Did you notice the transformation in most retail store displays back in December from red and green to red… and more red? In February we are not so subtly reminded of Valentines Day and encouraged to purchase chocolates, roses, or a teddy bear for a loved one. Sometimes that teddy bear or edible underwear […]
June is P.R.Y.D.E. Month! How are you celebrating?
June is P.R.Y.D.E. Month! And what does P.R.Y.D.E. stand for, you ask? Please read on to find out… As a self-identified gay man who had to figure out his own path, I have so much respect for others who make it through the often rough and painful path of self-discovery. Back in the 1970’s, sexual […]
What’s the Difference between Restorative and Yin Yoga? by Christian Kunz
Have a yoga question ? Ask a Yogi ! Question: What is the difference between Restorative Yoga and Yin Yoga? Answer: Restorative and Yin Yoga are both passive yoga practices where postures are held for longer times without any muscular effort. Both practices typically use props to assist with maintaining the poses. In […]
A very special OPEN LETTER from James Doherty
Greetings and salutations, Change is in the air, I feel it abuzz, do you? This time of year is one of metamorphism, when old husks are shed as green peeks through. Spring is in the air, and perhaps you feel the stirrings within. Let’s give new growths space to expand, and supportive earth to take […]
Taiwan’s Living Room Yoga, my childhood Light Bright set, and YOU! by Ken Breniman
“No matter where you go, there you are.” -Buckaroo Bonzai For me, yoga is as much about alignment of the body as it is about the energy we connect within ourselves and within the community in which we practice. I have been a part of the San Francisco Naked Men’s Yoga community since 2006. It […]
“Something to be Thankful for…” by David Oliphant
I wanted to pass along a story that really touched my heart and encouraged me to keep doing what I am doing. After a men’s naked yoga class one evening a new attendee came up to thank me for class. As we chatted for a minute he told me that his psychologist gave him […]
Demystifying the NYM experience….a descriptive observation by soon-to-be Yoga Teacher Justin Ross
About Justin… Justin comes from an island off the west coast where he saw some awesome moss. He took this moss and explored the world while practicing yoga of all types for 15 short years. This moss then nourished itself with a Forest style yoga teacher training led by Les Leventhal at yoga tree in […]
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Testimonials
I was interested in trying this for a long time when a friend invited me to join him for a naked men's yoga class, and I've been back several times now, on different days and with different teachers. It's always a good experience, and sometimes it's a stellar experience. The vibe is really accepting and not intimidating at all. The guys who go are welcoming and friendly, and they come in all shapes, sizes, races, and ages. There aren't a lot of venues where you can say that. The teachers are caring and helpful, and they know their stuff. The yoga itself is sometimes challenging, sometimes not challenging enough for my taste; but I always get something out of it, and I always leave feeling renewed. -Dave R.
Why do naked yoga? Besides the obvious question of "Why NOT?" and the freedom of moving through poses without the restrictions of clothing, there's something very gently intimate about taking down the layers of fabric we use to wall ourselves off from each other in subtle but real ways. Moreover, mens naked yoga provides a healthy space in which to do so. As far as I can tell, it doesn't matter what age you are or what your body is like. It's not about that here. All the teachers I've worked with have been super sweet, created a very safe and accepting environment, and took us through great yoga. The folks in class have likewise been sweet and open... the vibe is very down to earth and real. I have never experienced a creepy sexual vibe or encountered anything that felt like judgment in this space. -Josh A.
Whenever I am in SF, I make sure I do at least one session of Naked Yoga. My first class was with Darren Main in 2006. As someone who is somewhat of a wallflower, I was very nervous and apprehensive that first time and am still not 100% comfortable with my nude body in front of others until ten or so minutes into the class and then I eventually get over myself. All of the instructors are very professional and all of the guys I have met in the classes are nothing but kind and supportive. When everyone is naked, it seems to bring everyone's guard and walls down. There are men in the classes of all different shapes, sizes, colors, backgrounds, and with varying degrees of yoga experience. Nobody will judge your body or the amount of yoga experience you have (except maybe yourself). I recommend everyone try Naked Yoga SF at least once. -Brian A.
Ken is responsible for me starting my yogic journey and I finally had the pleasure of taking his Tuesday naked yoga class in San Francisco Sun Room. I have known Ken on/off for a number of years and have always thought of him as a gentle soul with a kind heart. His actions in class proved my impression of him to be accurate. Ken is courteous, professional, kind, gentle, playful, and attentive to all. He provided modifications continuously so everyone could attempt the poses irregardless of our yoga experience. It's a honor to call Ken a friend and now (another) one of my yoga teachers who inspires me....I look forward to taking more of his classes. -Peter W.
I've been going to Naked Yoga now for about a year and a half and I love it. All the teachers have a different style and are great in their own ways. It is a completely liberating experience and I always leave feeling rejuvenated. The environment is always respectful and the people that attend create a wonderful social atmosphere. After having attended this studio, I have a hard time ever wanting to do yoga at another location or with my clothes on. Can't recommend this studio and these teachers enough! -Daniel
- Starting a Home Practice Video October 1, 2014
- The Day I Learned to Levitate by Ron Wood October 1, 2014
- How to Slow Down to the Speed of Life September 24, 2014
- Pose in a Proud Warrior…Be a Proud Warrior: How to be a Man April 18, 2014
- The NAKED Truth about COMPERSION January 28, 2014
- A very special OPEN LETTER from James Doherty February 23, 2013
- What’s the Difference between Restorative and Yin Yoga? by Christian Kunz March 31, 2013
- Pose in a Proud Warrior…Be a Proud Warrior: How to be a Man April 18, 2014
- Guest Teacher David Moreno is interviewed on Yogiviews June 23, 2012
- Starting a Home Practice Video October 1, 2014