Omm turns to Mmm when yogis strip and stretch. But it’s not a sexual purr—it’s pure spiritual, sensual satisfaction.

By Michael Liberatore

I remember reading about naked yoga when I lived in New York City. I was new to my practice, and thought the approach sounded novel. And, frankly, pretty hot. I’d like to say I investigated Aaron Star’s Hot Nude Yoga because I was looking to elevate my spirituality. Honestly, I was looking to elevate other elements of my body/mind connection — namely the one nearest my “hara chakra.” But what I found upon investigation was a completely different experience from what I’d anticipated. Sure, the room was filled with nicely toned yoga bodies, but after the initial “whose got what” glances subsided, and Aaron’s soothing voice led us through breathing and chanting, I felt a shift in my consciousness. I no longer cared if the yogi next to me had six-pack abs or a 10-inch member. I cared about my practice. I loved the freedom of being naked. I became very keyed into my body, and less in touch with the bodies surrounding me.

By the time I moved to Los Angeles, I was a devotee of nude yoga. I’d been on several naked retreats, where we yogis practiced from sunup to sundown, and shared wonderful vegan meals and spiritual ceremonies. I was becoming stronger and more adept at my practice, and I was positive that I would never again wear clothing while executing a “downward dog.” Needless to say, I was thrilled when I discovered Naked Yoga L.A., a club for men to practice yoga without clothing. At the time, Phillip Roth was the owner (and founder), and he welcomed me with open arms to my new yoga community. In 2006, I sat with Roth and interviewed him for Unzipped magazine, where nude yoga had been named the “hot trend” of the year. Roth articulated his philosophy on naked yoga, including how he found relevance in stripping down and limbering up (“[Post-Stonewall,] homosexuality became more open, [but] the opportunities for homosensual bonding, unfortunately, all but disappeared”) and what a yogi does when he encounters, um, shall we say ”wood” during “crow pose” (“There is often a sensual energy in our classes that we encourage everyone to accept and explore...”).

Recently, Luca DiCorso has assumed ownership of Naked Yoga L.A. DiCorso is genial, intelligent and damn easy on the eyes. Not surprising, as he was crowned Men magazine’s “Man of the Year” in 2005.

I chatted with DiCorso about his philosophy and how he expects to hone Naked Yoga L.A. into his ideal image of a spiritual retreat from the madness of life in Los Angeles.

“Believe it or not, nudity is not the star of the show at NYLA!” DiCorso laughs. “Naked Yoga provides a unique platform for men to come together and be both physical and spiritual. Our classes are meant to connect us in a way that is often lacking in other aspects of our lives. Along with that spirit of kula—or community—it’s our great classes that keep people coming back.”

As a practitioner of Naked Yoga L.A., I can attest to DiCorso’s statement. The classes are challenging, informative and not for gawkers. Though levels vary from beginner to pro, those hoping to come and simply stare at swaying schlongs had best hit the Hollywood Spa instead. In short, you’ll work your body at NYLA. Hard.

Aside from superior classes, DiCorso, I must admit, is a motivating factor in the rabid dedication yogis have for Naked Yoga L.A. How did this handsome hunk find skyclad stretching? And what inspired him to assume leadership of the L.A. chapter?

“I became involved with naked yoga because I realized that Phillip [Roth] and Aaron Starr before him had created something that was truly special,” he explains. “I saw this amazing group of men who were celebrating their physical and spiritual natures at the same time, in a very sensual yet nonthreatening environment. And I just knew that there was a great potential to make a positive impact in people’s lives and create positive change in the world. I became the owner because I truly believe that we are pioneering a way for men to come together and enjoy the feeling of movement, a sense of community and self discovery.”

Like Roth and Star, DiCorso shares a philosophy about nudity during practice. “There is an absolutely unique and uplifting quality to practicing yoga naked. We are more connected to ourselves, and each other, without clothes. Clothing, primarily, is meant to protect the body, and secondarily, hide it from others. By shedding our clothes along with our inhibitions, we remove this layer of protection, and reveal ourselves as we truly are, to ourselves and to others. And soon, an interesting thing starts to happen: Usually by the time someone has taken four or five classes, they [not only] start to feel the physical effects of yoga, but they also have become more empowered as men, and begin to open up to others. I honestly wish that everyone could experience the powerful sound of 'om' being chanted in a room full of naked guys who have just connected with each other in this one-of-a-kind environment.”

As a naked yogi, I’ve experienced all kinds of skepticism among friends who don’t trust the validity of nude spirituality. A motivating factor, I’ve found, is that most assume the classes are designed for pretty, West Hollywood muscle gods, and that Joe Average is not welcome. This couldn’t be further from the truth. True, Aaron Star at one time required photos of potential yogis before allowing participation, but this was a vehicle to validate that those interested in participating were doing so for athletic/spiritual reasons, not masturbatory fantasies. In other words, if your body was toned, it was a pretty safe bet you’d been to a gym, or a Pilates class, and knew what to expect.

“There’s a wide range of sizes and shapes in all of our classes,” DiCorso says, “and in no way are we trying to promote an idea that you have to be a perfect Adonis to be able to practice yoga. We accept 95 percent of the guys who apply for membership, and only assess a candidate’s personal fitness level as a matter of health and safety.”

So, pick up a yoga mat, check out www.nakedyoga.net, and consider finding a healthy, nonthreatening way to unwind. Once you strip off your Calvins, you’ll never go back to clothed asanas again.