35-year-old Helen Smith was inspired after taking a trip to France with her partner. The couple went together to the south of France where they ended up finding themselves on a “naturist beach,” where all the visitors went around without any clothes on.
Smith and her partner hadn’t expected to end up in this spot, but when they realized, they simply looked at each other, shrugged, and went for it. “It turned out to be a really enjoyable afternoon. I think people are starting to embrace naturism more and more,” Smith said afterward.
When Smith returned home to Britain, she happened to see a question on a fitness forum site, asking if anyone taught nude fitness classes – and that’s where the idea began.
Still feeling the energy high and comfort of the naturalist beach in France, Smith realized that there were also advantages to exercising naked.
“The main benefit of exercising naked is that you can really see what the instructor is doing in the exercises,” she noted. And at the same time, removing clothes removes the need to constantly wash sweaty gym clothes.
After some more thought, Smith realized, "The focus [of her class] is to allow people to take part in a normal activity, but naked, so people don't feel they are doing anything unusual.”
This past Saturday, Smith finally finished all her planning and taught her first nude fitness class. Her students: people between the ages of 33 and 70.
Everyone participated in gentle exercises including jumping jacks, sit-ups, push-ups, and partner fitness work.
One of the students, Mr. Campbell (who has asked for his first name to remain anonymous) reviewed the class very well, “The class was really fun and interactive as Helen has a delightful way of getting everyone involved. She caters to all fitness abilities, so you can do the different activities at the level you want.”
Helen is hoping to continue teaching this class regularly, and add on more sessions as demand calls for it.
Would you sign up for one of these classes?
