Hot Nude Yoga Becomes Gay Trend

The Associated Press investigates the trend of "hot nude yoga" in gay communities coast to coast.

The exercise, which the AP calls "a form of sensualized tantric yoga practiced nude," appears to be gathering steam, and presumably sweat, in gay neighborhoods.

"A few classes are coed, but male-only gatherings tend to be more popular and have become a mini-phenomenon in the gay community, with studios in Boston, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Salt Lake City" reports the AP. "A studioless group in Chicago practices in the apartment of a nude yoga enthusiast.

"Fans say the nudity aids in deepening their yoga practice while building a close, and emphatically nonsexual, community. 'A lot of people, especially living in New York, don't get the opportunity to connect with people in an intimate way,' said Aaron Star, who started the naked yoga movement.

"And while participants do occasionally report a frisson of excitement, Star and the practice's aficionados make one thing clear: This is about physical fitness."