(All Levels) In this series, we will be focusing on the beneficial aspects of certain dance moves; we will not be focusing on how we look when dancing, but rather how we feel. It is recommended that you do not watch yourself in a mirror, and that you use a yoga mat or other non-slippery surface to stand on. This is a video lesson utilizing dance concepts from Cobra style, one of the many styles in street dance. We will focus on breath awareness, isolations, and proper placement. This may feel very foreign at first, but is great for opening up your hips, and building better awareness of your core. I recommend watching this series in order, since each video will build upon the last; however, feel free to jump right in and start with any video marked “all levels”. Go at your own pace, and have fun!
Naked Weight Loss Yoga 5: Compassionate Journey (Naked Yoga School)
(LEVEL: Beginners) We begin with sun salutations to center ourselves and warm up. This is followed with core strengthening poses plow and shoulder stand. In addition to working the core these traditional poses work the endocrine system stimulating the necessary hormones to promote weight loss. These poses also ask us to come to terms with our bodies and to develop compassion for the process of losing weight.
Naked Weight Loss Yoga 4: Loving Ourselves (Naked Yoga School)
(LEVEL: Beginners) Sun salutations are a joyful way to burn calories while lifting our spirits. There is a strong relationship between stress and unhappiness and weight gain. Yoga is brilliant for weight loss because it not only works the body but it also works the spirit. Again we explore further options for reducing that troublesome belly with cycling moves and standing bow.
Naked Weight Loss Yoga 3: Rediscovering the Joy of Movement (Naked Yoga School)
(LEVEL: Beginners) Sun salutations are highly beneficial for promoting circulation and weight loss and should be incorporated into any yoga routine which is being done to support weight loss. In this video we modify the sun salutation to have additional calorie burning benefits. Again we address the troublesome belly area with plank and side plank pose. Additionally we explore how breath work can be used to aid weight loss.
Naked Weight Loss Yoga 2: Exploring the Core (Naked Yoga School)
(LEVEL: Beginners) Rediscovering or embracing our innate love of movement is one of the greatest outcomes of embarking on a journey to transform your body. This practice is intended to mindfully create awareness to release the excess weight around our mid sections which compromises our lower back and joints). In this video we explore the sun salutation and ways to modify it to increase the ability to promote weight loss through yoga. The belly is a vulnerable area for most of us. Hopefully those of you embarking on this journey will take the time to supplement your fitness regime by reading up on all of the interesting research as to the benefits of eliminating certain foods. In this video we explore some abdominal work that will help to tone and bring awareness to the belly.
Naked Robotic Dance 3: Intro to Robotic Movement (Naked Yoga School)
(Level: Super Beginner) Robotics is a form of street dance that became popular in the late 1960’s, with Michael Jackson bringing it more into mainstream culture from the underground dance scene. It involves movement with definite stops, called DIME STOPS. Robotic movement is the foundation to most other styles- popping, waving, cobra, snaking, tutting… once you have robotics down, you gain valuable skills that will aid you in any other street dance style. In this video, we will learn some basic robotic moves to practice that is appropriate for all levels and ages. You are encouraged to move at your own pace, and use these moves to become aware of your range of motion. The key to robotics is to find the balance between being in control of your movements without getting too relaxed or too tense. Keep the moves you do slow and controlled, and most of all have fun!
Naked Yin Yoga 7: Writer’s Pose – Sphinx and Seal (Naked Yoga School)
(All levels) Yin Yoga is a quiet practice where poses can be done independently or in a sequence which fits in really well to a writer’s practice. Known for their odd and long hours in a seated position incorporating a writer can often find themselves blocked physically and mentally. Sphinx and Seal are excellent poses as they stimulate the sacrum and allow the body’s energy to flow while the mind to rests. This pose is also good for anyone such as an accountant or designers whose work requires long periods of time by the computer. Practitioners are encouraged to use whatever props are necessary to allow them to surrender to these poses and free their minds while loosening joints and connective tissue.
Naked Yin Yoga 6: Channeling the Dragon (Naked Yoga School)
(All levels) According to Chinese mythology the Dragon indicates good luck and strength. The practice of the Dragon allows the practitioner to address the challenges which physically manifest themselves in the hips thus placing the Practitioner in the unique position of simultaneously embodying the spirit of the Dragon and the spirit of the knight who is brave enough to face the dragon. It is not uncommon to have a strong emotional experience while holding a pose for extended periods of time thus contributing to cleansing both the body and the mind and facilitating a freer state of being. We then move into snail pose inviting tranquility through the release of the spine. Practitioners are encouraged to use whatever props are necessary to allow them to surrender to these poses and free their minds while loosening joints and connective tissue.
Naked Robotic Dance 2: Adding the Feet to Robotics (Naked Yoga School)
(Level: Super Beginner) The last video, we learned how to isolate either the head or arms in the robotic style; now, we will begin to use the feet. Again, do not worry what this looks like yet; the focus of this is to get the FEEL of it! The feet in robotics never lift off the floor; have an image of a toy robot that a child would play with that “shuffles” across the floor. There are many ways to use the feet, but in this video we will focus on the most natural way- robotic walking. A good way to start is to walk across the room normally; notice that when your right foot steps out, your left arm swings forward. Now, try to slide your right foot directly in front of you, and bring your left arm forward in whatever way feels natural to you. Make sure that for now the motions are coordinated- when your foot starts moving, your arm starts moving; when your foot stops, your arm stops. Practicing this for just 5 minutes a day will help bring it into your muscle memory.
Naked Robotic Dance 1: Arms and head in Robotics (Naked Yoga School)
(Level: Super Beginner) Robotics is the foundation of all styles related to popping. It is a great way for dancers and non-dancers to build better body awareness, mental acuity, and muscle control. The focus of this exercise is to isolate different parts of the body while leaving all other parts of the body motionless; a good picture to keep in mind is a painter using a paintbrush. In order to give a definitive mark, you should be very precise. Before you begin, it is advisable to stand on a yoga mat, or another surface that you will not be tempted to move your feet on.
When learning, focus on only a few body parts at first; in this video, we focus on the head and arms. Find a comfortable starting position (see the suggested one in video), and move one arm, until it naturally comes to a stop; with practice, you will become more in tune with when this natural stop is. When that arm is still again, move the next arm until the natural stop. Then, move the head, and so on. Try to be aware of which part you are moving, and which parts you are not. Do not worry what this looks like, focus on how it feels!
Naked Yoga School (Trailer)
Naked Yoga School is a weekly online yoga instructional video series where you will be guided through nude asana sequences in the privacy of your own home.
The series was developed with unity in mind and with the aim for each participant to reconnect with themselves and others in an open way. Removing your clothes in your practice is a liberating experience but it can be unnerving at first. The teachers in the videos will guide you through the experience and help you cultivate security, strength, centeredness and wholeness. Nakedness is often viewed with shame and fear. This practice is geared toward removing this shame, fear and other limiting self perceptions and instead bring you closer to pride, respect, honor, openness and acceptance. Our instructors will guide you through the practice to help you gain confidence with your body. We are all born naked. It’s OK to be naked. There should be nothing to hide. Let’s do naked yoga and feel free!
Naked Yoga School (trailer)
https://Twitter.com/NakedYogaSchool
Naked Yin Yoga 5: Salute to the Self (Naked Yoga School)
(All levels) Yin Yoga is a quiet practice which allows the practitioner to increase their level of self awareness through the retention of positions for up to five minutes. Stillness is a profound teacher. The Yin practice is an exploration of stillness from a variety of different perspectives. Unlike traditional seated meditation, where the mind eventually settles into the habit of a single position, the Yin practice challenges the mind to scan the practitioners internal life from multiple angles. This lesson focuses on releasing the spine and hips with the butterfly pose and the child’s pose. Like a grain of sand under a microscope these seemingly simple poses, often regarded as basic in Hatha yoga classes, are both healing and challenging when held for extended periods of time. Practitioners are encouraged to use whatever props are necessary to allow them to surrender to these poses and free their minds while loosening joints and connective tissue.
Beginners Naked Hatha Yoga 5 (Naked Yoga School)
(Beginners & All levels) Here we explore some basic, but powerful hip opening asanas and movements. Hip opening is another layer that I feel is essential for a successful yoga practice. The hips hold so much information and are the bridge between our lower body and upper body. Opening the hips allows us to feel more connected to the earth, supports opening the pathways for the vital energy to circulate into the rest of the body. Opening the hips also allows for a more comfortable and deeper meditation. Make sure to really deepen the breath in these poses. Long steady complete breathing, really guiding the awareness into the mystery of the hips.
Nine More Months till Bathing Suit Season! (Naked Yoga School)
(All Levels) Nine months! Nine years! Nine lifetimes! At the end of the day having a belly does not really matter. In fact a belly is far more sweet then a terrifying fitness model with a six pack!!! Still, if we dig beneath the surface and the barrage of ads focussing on the cosmetic aspect of having a strong core, maintaining a strong core is important. The belly – back connection comes up a lot in the practice of Chinese medicine. This practice is intended to warm up the body get the blood flowing and strengthen key core muscles!
Beginners Naked Hatha Yoga 4 (Naked Yoga School)
(Beginners & All levels) Here we move into standing poses supporting strength building, focus and balance. Balancing is important for finding our ground, they build focus, core strength and are helpful for developing proper alignment awareness. I feel they are an essential part of a dynamic yoga practice. In this series we explore two basic balancing poses. For strengthening we explore a couple of warrior variations as well as down ward facing dog. Warrior poses offer a lot of the same benefits of balancing poses, while also opening the hips hearts and discovering our sense of power. In downward dog its really important to discover how our unique body fits into this pose (*this is true for any pose, but especially this pose). This pose frequents many modern vinyasa flows and is often done incorrectly. Here we discover the proper way to sink into this powerful pose.
Naked Yin Yoga 4: Dragonflies and Frogs (Naked Yoga School)
(All Levels) This practice is intended to focus on the front and back of the groin area. The dragonfly is a deep hip stretch which also addresses the lower back and the hamstrings. Practitioners are asked to let go of presumptions and judging where they should be and to accept where they are and melt into it. This pose is followed by the frog pose which is excellent for the groin area. Practitioners should feel free to use cushions and blankets in a manner that will allow them to give in to the poses and let go. The practice closes with a meditation inspired by the Sufi Poet Rumi.
Beginners Naked Hatha Yoga 3 (Naked Yoga School)
(Beginners & All levels) Here we continue the journey into the basic postures. We move into the seated forward bend (Paschimottanasana) and the basic seated twist (ardha matsyendrasana). Forward folding is complementary to back bending. The forward fold is great for calming the mind and it reduces vata (wind) and tones the kidneys. Make sure to let your heart is lift and spine lengthens in this pose. Twisting tones all the organs and central nervous system. Practice regularly and it will bring much balance to your internal alignments. Allow yourself to keep your heart lifted and open from the hip in your seated twisting. Breathe deep and slow.
Naked Yin Yoga 3: Dragons (Naked Yoga School)
(All Levels) The dragon series of the Yin Yoga practice is the most rigorous of the asanas. The variations on the dragon address the hips through the Yin equivalent of the crescent poses which feature prominently in Vinyasa yoga. While lunges are often a means of transition dragon asks us to contemplate the journey by remaining in this pose between five to eight minutes. Practitioners should ensure that they have any necessary props in particular a blanket for those with sensitive knees or two blankets if you have sensitive knees and ankles. The dragon is followed by some gentle twists in the deer pose which is excellent for stimulating the body’s internal cleansing system. The practice closes with a meditation inspired by the Sufi Poet Rumi.
Beginners Naked Hatha Yoga 2 (Naked Yoga School)
(Beginners & All levels) Here we learn the basic principles of yoga on a physical level. Forward bending, back bending, twisting, and lateral postures. Later on inversions, balancing, strengthening and grounding poses should be introduced to ones practice. Here we explore the proper positioning of two essential basic poses, cobra (bujangasana) for back bending and seated side bend for lateral stretching. The main intention for asanas is to be able to sit in meditation longer with comfort. Back bending is great for building the strength to sit up right, while a cross legged side stretch begins to lengthen the torso in those tight unfelt spaces in the hips, pelvis and lower back.
Intro to Qi Gong 2 (Naked Yoga School)
(All Levels) Here we move into some of the more esoteric and powerful aspects of Qi Gong. Utilizing breathing techniques visualization and strong intent. We continue some of the kundalini raising approaches through a Qi Gong emphasis. Centering in the dan tien, breath retention and mudras (hand seals). We learn how to receive the vital breath and release the old stagnant energy. The key is to grounding in the navel center allowing everything to expand and to circulate through supple joints. Subtle yet powerful movements are explored.
Opening the Throat Lotus: Breath and Movement for the Fifth Chakra
(Beginner Level) The fifth chakra is located at the throat and is the center of communication with others and with ourselves. The fifth chakra is all about expression, and the breath and exercises in this lesson serve to open the areas surrounding the throat and connect us with Satya, the yogic concept of truthful speaking and living. We begin with Anuloma Viloma (Alternate Nostril Breathing), which balances the analytical and creative sides of the brain. We then move into a vigorous series of Kundalini-style exercises that brings awareness to the area surrounding the fifth chakra while opening and toning the chest and shoulders.
Beginners Naked Hatha Yoga 1 (Naked Yoga School)
(Beginners & All levels) Here we are introduced the beginning of our practice. The pronunciation of AUM, Intention setting, the full yogic-breath and basic pranayama. It is essential to connect with one’s center and the ease of breath before starting movement. From here we move into specialized Sun Salutations. Sun Salutations connect us to the cosmic energy of warmth, longevity, openess and focus. Originally sun salutations (surya namaskar) were a series of poses that were intended to be prostrations to the sun. Drawing that ancient wisdom into our awareness we warm the body up, build strength, flexibility and also start to develop more of a relationship between the self and the cosmos.
Naked Yin Yoga 1: Heart (Naked Yoga School)
(All Levels) The practice of Yin Yoga inis an invitation to the practitioner to settle into themselves physically and mentally. Unlike traditional hatha and vinyasa practices YANG STYLE OF YOGA, Yin is about letting go of results and exploring the self. The practice of Yin Yoga focuses on the ligaments and fascia (connective tissues) and involves holding the asana (poses) for between five and eight minutes. In this practice we focus on MELTING HEART which opens the chest and the shoulder blades. Practitioners with sensitive knees should ensure to have a blanket near by. Bolsters are also recommended. This pose is followed by an ankle stretch which focusses on opening the ankles. Practitioners with sensitive ankles are encouraged to use blankets or cushions. The practice closes with a meditation inspired by the Sufi Poet Rumi.
Intro to Qi Gong 1 (Naked Yoga School)
(All Levels) Here we are introduced to some of the basic principles of Qi Gong. These techniques weave nicely into short routines and can even integrate into other yoga practices. Here we learn some highly effective warm ups, proper breathing and softer movements of the distribution of Chi in the body. These movements are foundational in many Qi gong forms. Cloud hands , rocking and swinging.
Cool Yoga: Saluting the Moon (Naked Yoga School)
(Basic to Intermediate Level) In this lesson, we first learn to use Sithali Pranayam (Tongue Hissing Breath) to cool and soothe the body. Next, we move through a rejuvenating Moon Salutation with a circular, cyclical groove that will help unlock the Divine Feminine within, regardless of external gender. Poses are suitable for basic- through intermediate-level practitioners, though modifications and variations for most levels are offered.
Sithali Pranayam is a useful (and fun!) breathing technique for when you find yourself irritated by the summer heat, flushed with anger, or plagued by hot flashes. This practice also reduces fatigue, bad breath, fevers, and high blood pressure. Note that you should not practice this technique if you suffer from constipation, as Sithali Pranayam cools the digestive tract.
Moon Salutations are a soothing yet empowering variation and counterbalance to classical Sun Salutations. They allow us to honor the feminine side of our energy, in contrast to the Sun Salutations, which stimulate masculine energy. Moon Salutations are not just for women! Men can reconnect, realign and cool down fiery impulses with this sequence. Moon Salutations can shift energy without increasing heat in the body and tend to be less stimulating than Sun Salutations, thereby balancing hot emotions, relaxing and calming the mind and body, and restoring balance.
Nude Kundalini Yoga 3: Grounding (Naked Yoga School)
(Intermediate) It is important to ground oneself after activating such powerful energies. In this series we close the Kundalini Activation with grounding and re-distribution. We revisit some essential principles and explore some very powerful and helpful grounding asana and movements. This series, in an of itself is a very powerful practice. It is quite healing and integrates techniques from different traditions. Practicing these techniques alone can fit well into any other practice and is extremely beneficial.
Naked Prenatal Yoga 15: The Neuromuscular Harmony of Labor
(All Levels: Asana for pregnant women)
Fatigue during labor is often misinterpreted as Pain. In this practice, I will lead through a series of poses in which the psyche, nervous system and immune system have a chance to rest. Both soothing and regenerating, these poses bring balance to our demanding daily lives, allowing us to release tension at deep levels and experience an increased sense of well- being. These are meditative poses in which the body is at rest because it is supported. Props allow the posture (whether a forward-bend, backbend, twist, or inversion) to be held without strain for extended periods of time. An excellent series for those suffering from depression or anxiety.
In this practice, you will learn: Viparita Karani (Belly as Pond Pose) w/ bolster and blanket w/ and w/out Elevated Spine, Setu Bandha (Bridge Pose) w/ variations using bolsters and/or blocks, Supta Baddha Konasana (Queen’s Pose), Side-Lying Pose.
Naked Yoga School – TRAILER – (NakedYogaSchool.com)
Naked Yoga School is a weekly online yoga instructional video series where you will be guided through nude asana sequences in the privacy of your own home.
The series was developed with unity in mind and with the aim for each participant to reconnect with themselves and others in an open way. Removing your clothes in your practice is a liberating experience but it can be unnerving at first. The teachers in the videos will guide you through the experience and help you cultivate security, strength, centeredness and wholeness. Nakedness is often viewed with shame and fear. This practice is geared toward removing this shame, fear and other limiting self perceptions and instead bring you closer to pride, respect, honor, openness and acceptance. Our instructors will guide you through the practice to help you gain confidence with your body. We are all born naked. It’s OK to be naked. There should be nothing to hide. Let’s do naked yoga and feel free!
Naked Chakra Clearing 7: Exploring and Activating The 7 Chakras
(All Levels) The Chakra System directly correlates with the nervous system in the formation of physical, emotional and mental balance. Building a relationship with your Chakras means building a relationship with yourself. It is a never ending and rewarding journey. We will be using a variation of Sound, Breath, Movement, Asana and meditation in this series.
This video initiates the journey of the seven chakras. Its focus is on grounding, activating and clearing the whole energy system. It essential to get grounded in our physical bodies if we are to build a relationship with the more subtle energies that form our seven energy centers. Really connect with these movements and breathing should be full and complete.
Naked Prenatal Tantric Yoga 2: Labor Positions with Partner (Naked Yoga School)
(All Levels: Asana for pregnant women) Pushing through to the end-result = goal-oriented (just like w/ sex) neglects the extraordinary journey, the fullness of lessons we could learn along the way. Giving birth is a creative act, and like all creative acts it cannot be forced to conform to society’s unnatural time constraints. The insistence on pushing in labor is a reflection of our cultural attitude that force and haste are superior to trust and patience. Pushing can be dangerous to both the mother and the baby. When a woman is pushing she is holding her breath. Oxygen therefore, is not going to her uterus which makes contracting more difficult and painful. It is also not going to her baby. This can lead to a drop in the fetal heart rate and possible brain damage. Tearing of the perineum is more common for women who have pushed over a long period of time and studies show that pushing does not necessarily get a baby out faster anyway. Practicing labor positions with your partner ahead of time can help you learn to slow down, absorb the fullness of each pause, and BREATHE.
In this practice, you will learn: Lunge Release on wall; Lunge Release on chair; Standing Hang Release; Forward Bend Sacrum Press on Ball-medial and downward; Hands and Knees Lower Back Release; Chair Back Release; Bonding and Visualization in Upavista Konasana (Extended Straddle); Side-Lying Touch Relaxation Exercise.