Many yoga classes are designed to challenge you both physically and mentally. (For example, practicing in a room with a temperature of 100 degrees F). These yoga practices are more than just pushing yourself out of your comfort zones. This may require you to allow goats to walk on you or strip naked in front of the class. You may need more courage to take on these forms, but you will enjoy reading about them.
Nude Yoga (Noga)
If you are self-conscious, Naked Yoga — or “Noga,” as it’s also known — can be intimidating. You can’t deny the liberating feeling of stripping yourself down to nothing for an hour. Naked yoga aims to give you that sense of physical freedom.
Noga is a practice that has become popular in the past decade. It can be found across many cities, such as New York City and Los Angeles.
Try naked yoga in the Naked Yoga studios in New York City or Los Angeles.
Goat Yoga
We want to take a minute to thank Lainey Morrise from Albany, Oregon, for the goat yoga. There are now over 200 spinoff classes being offered in America. These classes are similar to traditional yoga, except for one thing: live goats. In Morse’s original studio or barn, you can practice yoga with goats that Morse has raised herself. They are free to roam around as you perform your poses. The goats may climb up on your back or snuggle close to you as you practice on your mat. They might also make noises. Morse acknowledges that this concept sounds silly but believes it can help people with health issues. She said that people who come to her class have anxiety or depression and are recovering from illness or cancer. There is a 1200-person waitlist for her course!
Yoga Raves
These get-togethers don’t have the typical “party vibe,” but they offer a safe, alcohol-free atmosphere for those who want to enjoy a night out. The Art of Living Foundation is a volunteer-run nonprofit NGO that promotes body stimulation through yoga, music, and meditation. Let’s answer the question: how does the Yoga Rave function?
The party starts with a short yoga session followed by a guided meditation. This is to warm the body up. Then, the participants can dance to the music provided and enjoy the gourmet vegetarian food and alcohol-free drinks at the bar. The night ends with a guided meditation that calms the body. You will have eaten, danced, and practiced your way through the evening in four hours.
Cannabis Yoga
Most people who use cannabis non-medically do so to relax, de-stress and center themselves. This is similar to the reasons that some people practice yoga. For some, this combination makes sense.
Dee Dussault is a San Francisco-based yoga instructor who offers classes on ganja, yoga, tantra, sex coaching, and sexual exploration. In February 2018, she told CBS News combining yoga and weed helps “loosen muscles and lower inhibitions, so you’re likely to try new moves.” Classes open with a “cocktail hour,” where participants can sample different weed products while hanging out. After the first session, there is an hour-long yoga class with short smoke breaks. Similar courses are offered nationwide in Colorado, Massachusetts, Washington, DC, and other states.
Dog Yoga (Doga)
Why not do yoga with your best friend? Doga offers health benefits to both humans and their furry friends. It encourages mind and body healing for dogs in the same way that it does for humans. Doga’s benefits include stress release, concentration, and stretching. Dogs and their humans usually lie sideways on mats as the class begins. Your dog may not be able to master every pose, but it will leave you feeling relaxed and happy.
Tantrum Yoga
Tantrum Yoga wants you to stop being old and throw an adult tantrum. Hemalayaa Behl’s tantrum classes are filled with participants screaming, stomping on their feet, pounding on their chests, etc. You can see this in action by watching her Youtube promo post. After these tantrums, there is a quiet calmness and relief that makes the perfect catharsis. This is the ideal way to release any bottled-up rage.
Aerial Yoga
Yoga in the air. These soft fabric hammocks, made from high-density nylon material, can hold up to thousands of pounds. They are held up by carabiners three to four feet above the ground. The benefits of aerial yoga are similar to those of regular yoga. They include flexibility, increased focus, stronger muscles, and relaxation. The hammock allows you to move deeper into your stretches because it is accessible. To stay balanced, you’re forced to use your muscles.
Broga Yoga
Saturdays are reserved for… brogan. Broga, or yoga for men, is a way to encourage more males to hit the mat. Although the practice includes a vinyasa, it’s primarily a workout for strength training with some cardio exercises woven throughout.
Adam O’Neill is the cofounder and president at Broga Yoga. He believes that this concept was born out of necessity. His mother, a yoga instructor, encouraged him to incorporate it into his training as he grew up. He refused, believing it was a sport primarily for women. He refused to do yoga until he was diagnosed with Sciatica. His physical therapy included many poses similar to those of yoga. He’s not only comfortable with Warrior II, but he’s also ready to share his yoga knowledge with other men.
Acroyoga
This yoga is for athletic couples and friends. Acroyoga involves three different practices: yoga, Thai massage, and acrobatics. Acroyoga comes in two forms: solar and lunar. The two types of acro yoga include working together in different poses. However, lunar is more focused on massaging muscles, while solar has more advanced balancing techniques. Acroyoga can be a fun and playful way to bond with your partner, friend, or someone you’ve just met.