Yoga makes me feel gangster. And by gangster I mean duck lips.
True Story: I was once approached about doing a first-person article about the “new” “trend” of Naked Yoga. (I think this may be a right of passage for female fitness journalists?) But in all honesty I’m a prude and the only thing that sounded worse to me than doing Down Dog whilst airing out my lady bits was watching someone else do it. I’ve never typed a “no thanks!” so fast in my life. And yet I’m not necessarily opposed to naked yoga on principle, if you’re in your own home. I do think the human body in all its forms is a beautiful creation and yoga can be such a wonderful mind-body experience that I think if you feel like doing a birthday suit Bird Dog in your basement then knock yourself out.
You know what else I think is a beautiful manifestation of the wonder of the human body besides yoga? Breastfeeding! So imagine my surprise when a woman recently made headlines for doing both. And yes I mean doing both naked yoga and breastfeeding at the same time. There she was on Instagram doing a nekkid headstand (!) while nursing a young baby. I know, it’s hard to imagine. Go check out the picture here. (While I have no problem with the picture – it feels vaguely Renoir to me, that is if Renoir dropped acid – but I think it definitely falls under the NSFW category so I finally decided to just link it.)
My first thought was “Dang, she looks good for having a baby that little!” which was closely followed by my second thought of “So does she have to hold that headstand as long as her kid wants to nurse?” Because you’d either have to hold a really long headstand or figure out a way to come down out of it without falling on your baby and/or getting your nipple stretched like 3 feet. I’m very practical.
Of course Amy, known as @DaughterOfTheSun on Instagram, made headlines not for her impressive acrobatics or dedication to baby nourishment but because her nudie shot got her account deactivated. It’s the same issue that got some Facebook users banned for posting “tastefully nude” pregnancy pics. Where do you draw the line between appreciation of the human body and crass sensationalism?
I dunno guys. There’s Naked Breast-Feeding Yoga mom doing her thing in her backyard (albeit posting it on Instagram) and then there’s, oh, Miley Cyrus at the VMAs (which I refuse to even link to). I mean Miley had on way more clothing (er “clothing”) than NBFYM but I found her way more offensive. Myself, I tend to err on the side of never-post-anything-remotely-naked-of-yourself-on-the-Internet-ever camp so this is more philosophical than anything. In Amy’s official statement her photog/boyfriend/baby daddy said, “If we are encouraged to repress our own bodies and think of them as unworthy to be naked in the sunlight and other earth elements, it creates a pathology.” Then he added we need to think of this “from a planetary level” which, let’s be honest, is awesome. I think we should consider everything from a planetary level. Does it have to be Earth though?
At any rate, as I’ve already fessed up to being a never-nude, I’m all about clothed yoga and I figure if I’m going to be dressed, why not make it cute? Which is how I got introduced to a new yoga/sportswear clothing brand Body Language Sportswear. (Do I win the award for most awkward segue??)
They gave me some capris, a hoodie and some sweet aviator sunnies to try out. So I got my pose on and went for it:
Super cute! I love all the great detailing in the back with the grey (butt-flattering) stripe and the fun printed waistband.
And they’re cute from the front too! Although I will add that they seem to run small. Either that or I’m just not used to a reallllly low rise on my yoga pants. My shirt is right at the tippy top of the waistband. But the waist is super comfy and doesn’t have that annoying muffin-top inducing elastic like so many other workout pants do. It’s nice and smooth!
And for kicks and giggles, a headstand! Albeit not naked or nursing. Sorry not sorry.
Want to win a $100 gift card to Body Language Sportswear so you too don’t have to do your yoga naked? Go check out BodyLanguage.com and leave a comment here telling me one item you’d like to try. You can have a second entry by following them on Facebook or Pinterest and leaving me a separate comment here telling me you did it. Contest ends 9/9/2013.
FTC Disclosure: I did not receive any money or other compensation for this post other than the aforementioned three items of clothing I got to try out.
PS. This is day 3 of my GFE Week of Giveaways! Don’t forget to enter to win your own copy of Shaun T’s T25 program and the $100 Visa gift card from Walgreens!
The victoria capri looks super cute. Totally agree with you on the Miley thing. 🙂
The lumex capri looks nice!
To be honest, the lyrics of Robin Thicke’s song disgusts me infinitely more than Miley’s performance.
I’m kind of partial to the Kylie top, but then I am always looking for something to keep my lady parts in place. Easier said than done.
I’m with you not understanding how naked nursing baby mommy yoga works. Yikes.
And I was just thinking I could really use another pair of capris! Probably the Ryder or lumex ones.
Please, no nudity. Just keep it covered unless you are bathing, in the process of changing, or engaging in your once in a lifetime allowed skinny dipping episode.
Also, this may be sad, but those hough sweatpants look awesome. I don’t own any sweatpants but I love those!
Any of the capris! Especially the ones you have on– so cute!
I agree – any of the capris, but I especially like the Lumex ones!
Cool clothes! Though as a non-yoga person it would be cheaty of me to enter so I’ll make way for people who would actually use them for their intended purpose.
For a shy person, I am weirdly happy being naked in semi-public spaces–hot tubs, locker rooms, clothing optional beaches etc. I think it’s because I was TERRIFIED of being seen unclothed until college, and just had to overcome my fear when the college locker room had no provision for post-shower privacy. Once I got comfortable, I began to enjoy this semi-naughty feeling of doing something that would be totally shocking in an ordinary setting but is all of a sudden allowed. Like I’m getting away with something. Woo hoo, I’m naked but it’s OK!!! Very odd, I know.
I’m loving the scrunchy leggings! And I agree with the whole Miley thing. Surprisingly, this year was the first year ever that I watched the VMAs (I’m 27), so imagine my shock and awe (and disgust) when I witnessed not just Miley, but Lady Gaga. I think I’ll find something else to watch next year when the VMAs come around…
I’d like to try the scrunchy leggings! So cute!
The scrunchy capris do look really low, maybe the lumex ones without the stripe down the side? I like all their accessories too.
No naked yoga for me, LOL! I would love this–http://www.bodylanguagesportswear.com/ryder-capri.html
Thanks for the chance to win!
wildorchid985 at gmail dot com
So, I kind of want everything on this site, but if I had to pick one thing, it would be the Lumex Capri! Those look comfy!
I follow them on pinterest — WildOrchid985
http://pinterest.com/wildorchid985
wildorchid985 at gmail dot com
Just started following them on Pinterest! They have lots of great boards! =)
The Olivia cami looks really cute and comfy
I’ve got my eye on these: http://www.bodylanguagesportswear.com/shop/bottoms/helio-legging-146.html
And this: http://www.bodylanguagesportswear.com/shop/tops/mila-cami.html
And all of it, whatever.
Naked Breast-Feeding Yoga Mom invites a “that’s cool, do you!” reaction from me along with a “really, just keep that private” reaction. I don’t know. It’s beautiful, it’s cool, it’s impressive, but is it for show? I like to err on the side of “that’s cool!” but… whatev.
Also starting following on Pinterest and Instagram!
I love the Lumex capri!
I love the Listen To Your Body tank… my goal in life!
I’d like the lumex capri!
i follow you on twitter 🙂
i just realized that wasn’t a thing, geez, so sorry! however I am a facebook fan 🙂
I love the aviators and forever scarf!
The Hough sweatshirt looks so comfy! Love a nice zippered hoodie for fall!
I’d probably get the Selma jacket, since it’s starting to cool off here.
I like the Victoria Capri!
Also, I followed them on Pinterest. 🙂
I would very much love a pair of the lace leggings because I’ve only one decent pair of pants for the gym and my Pilates buddies are starting to give me the OMG-do-you-ever-wash-those? side-eye.
Thanks for the giveaway! Cat
P.S I have just followed them on facebook for a second shot at the prize….yep, I REALLY want those leggings 🙂
I could really use a complete workout clothes makeover, so I would be thrilled to win!!
I really need some new capris (my faves got a hole in the bum 🙁 ) and the victoria capris look awesome!
I LOOOOOOOOVE the Selma jacket!
(Also love your ensemble, but I’d end up looking like a giant lemon. :))
As fir the naked yoga pose, well, I’d rather look at that than have to see Miley grinding against Robin Thicke again. Oh, how I wish I’d never seen that at all
P.S. You’re not the only one wondering about the practicalities of nursing while in headstand…
I love the Selma jacket!
The Selma Jacket…..i need a mid-weight jacket!
the lumex capri – I am petite with a long torso so am always on the hunt for low rise pants!
I love the scrunchy capris!
Randomly enough, I just read an article about naked yoga! I, too, would’ve typed a “no thanks!” in a heartbeat. I like the BL tank.
*This is way longer than it was meant to be at first. 🙂
As a male I normally shy away from all subjects best left to the ladies to figure out, but I’m also stubborn, otherwise, a guy. Maybe experience of growing up in a large family full of babies has resulted in nurising just being a perfectly normal, but beautiful, part of life.
It may sound strange to some but yes, in fact, men can just deal with nursing as a natural public function, that of a woman feeding her child (and babies don’t usually wait to get hungry when appropriate). Heck if men get to find trees in the forest, or snow to ‘write’ yellow on, women get to nurse, that’s more than a fair trade.
I’m not sure sensationalized pictures like yoga-nursing are really progressive, it doesn’t really do much of anything but perhaps call more attention to something that should be, well, just normal by being strange. I’m not sure I know any women who could or even would hold any sort of acrobatic position while nursing anyway!
As far as the Yoga gear I’m a little afraid of what my hairy legs would look like in yoga pants. After watching the Lululemon disaster of 2012 I am a strict loose gi sort of guy. As with most things fashionable I will have to consult one of my lady friends for yoga-clothing advice.
Artsy was the first thought I had about the naked yoga breastfeeding mommy… I agree there is way more non-subtel images out there (raunchy). I was never much of a showing my body kind of girl, wonder if itcomes with the perfectionist/ED personality?
I liked bodylanguage on FB to enter, but havne’t been able to access te wsite yet to pick my fave… well, I’ll add another comment, super cute stuff from what Isee in your pictures.
Wow, I was able to browse on my phone, cute stuff for sure. I never (ever) wear leggings of any type cox of how I feel about my thunder (tree trunk) thighs, but I’d be willign to try on a pair if they could hold my “saddle bags” in. Maybe even the capris (whch I also never wear due to other body dismorphia issues regarding my calves/cankles).
But I also love the hough jacket!
I love those aviators! And the Scrunchy Leggings in the super bold print would be fun to wear. 🙂
love the lumex crop!
Love the windy jacket! I need some new warm weather workout gear now that I’ve migrated north!
Since i am absolutely obsessed w/ workout clothes i would probably take anything!! But if i had to pick i would say the Victoria Capri is super cute w/ the roll down waist. It looks really flattering for my big hips. 🙂
I need some new capris – although agree that they do look like low riders so may be a bit nervous about that. Interesting that they have size XXS but no XL. I wear an L but after many years of barely fitting in XL I am very aware of sizing availability. Makes me wonder if that is going to be the new trend – we sell multiple sizes: S, XS, XXS, XXXS… And wouldn’t an XXS just be a kid’s top then? ok rant over. Still would love to try out there stuff.
Agreed. So disappointed that activewear designers don’t think that XL women need cute clothes!
Eeeven though I can fit into Lululemon now, I won’t.
LOVE those capris!
The scrunchy leggings are super cute.
followed on Pinterest
I can’t decide between the Lumex and Victoria Capris! They’re both super cute!
I need the Scrunchy leggings in that fun tie-dyed print for my trapeze classes! I love to dress in crazy colors there. Goes with the circus feeling 🙂
I giggled at the range of topics on this article. The clothes are super cute!
I kind of love the helio leggings!
I would go with the Scrunchy Capri in Heather/Sunshine and the Aviator Sunnies in brown. Cute stuff!
Oh, and I love your ghetto-fabulous pic!
Their capris are cute! And the body tank top too!
I am following them on Pinterest 🙂
I love the outfit Roselyn Sanchez is wearing. I know I will look nothing like that in it though. 🙁
Love the Selma Jacket!!!!
following on facebook
following on pinterest
I would LOVE to try the basic leggings… they look really comfortable!
And, I liked them on Facebook! 🙂
Comfy clothes!!! I need to go shopping!
I love the Olivia CAMI and the Ryder Capri.
I think I’d get the same capris you have on in the picture! They are super cute and look comfy. 🙂
So my first thought was does her milk come out fast when she’s upside down!!! Hahaha! Your mailbox is always interesting, isn’t it Charlotte?
Even if the picture should be artfully done, I don’t think I’d agree on doing naked breast-feeding yoga. Doing so seems awkward for me.
If I wasn’t a broke graduate student, I would have already bought the scrunchy capri. They are way too cute & my 6 year old Target workout capris may or may not be finally falling to pieces….. 😮
Oooh, I love the selma jacket and the aviators…. Their line is pretty cool. And, I’m also a prude. Naked in the shower is fine, but otherwise. not. a. fan. I appreciate that it can lend a different earthy-like power to a person, but not sure I’m willing.
Love the Lumex capri!
And as distasteful as Miley was, I’d rather watch her do that that listen to the rape-y Robin Thicke song anyday (although I guess some of it was simultaneous?).
I love the Selma jacket and the scrunchy capris! ANY of their clothes (or any clothes at all) would be preferable to nude yoga!
I’m following them on Pinterest!
WOWSA! Shorts…super cute!!
I love the Windy Jacket!
Im now following them on FB!
Love the Victoria Capri….and only partially because my DD who is the same age as your Bean is named Victoria 🙂
I would like to have the Windy Jacket. thanks!
I love the victoria capri!
also, following on pinterest!
I would like Body Language Sportswear “Perf Pullover” http://www.bodylanguagesportswear.com/sbl/take-5/
I would like Body Language Sportswear “Perf Pullover” http://www.bodylanguagesportswear.com/sbl/take-5/
I have liked them on Facebook.
I would like Body Language Sportswear “Perf Pullover” http://www.bodylanguagesportswear.com/sbl/take-5/
I now follow them on Pinterest.
I’d love the Lumex Capri!
Loving the scrunchy capris!
Charlotte, you are looking extra fit. Do you think it’s the T25? Should I break down and try it (I just can’t do much bouncing because since I had a baby…)
I would love the Hough sweatshirt, btw, only I didn’t find it on the site, just in your picture.
Aw thanks! And no, quite honestly, I do not think it’s the T25. (More on that in my final review post but no…) Seriously I think it’s just good posing and strategic lighting. Anyhow, here’s the link to the Hough sweatshirt: http://www.bodylanguagesportswear.com/shop/tops/hough-sweatshirt.html It’s still there!
I lovelovelove the lace leggings!
love the v scrunch capris!
You are freaking adorable and I love you in yellow!
Those capris with the rouched waistband – the scrunch capris – are super cute! I want.
I saw that article about the lady breastfeeding while doing yoga naked. I saw no problem with it and thought it was cute that the baby took it upon themselves to have a little drink. lol It’s funny that things like this get banned but Robin Thicke’s Blurred Lines video is allowed with just a click acknowledging you’re 18. SMH
Oh and the yoga clothes are cute! I think I’d get the Hough Sweatshirt if I won. It’s really cute!
I followed them on facebook!
followed on facebook
Love Wowza Short
I’d go for the Hough Sweatshirt. Because while I love working out, the next best thing is to cover myself in large sweatshirt and lounge around like I deserve it!
I like the helios leggings and they have some cute color combos.
Cute clothes! I really like the Mila tank.
I dunno, Charlotte. I kinda like the scrunchy capris in the crazy print. Breastfeeding handstand? I think boobs would sag so low, they’d be dragging on the ground and I could nurse myself. No thanks!
The victoria capris!
I liked Body Language on FB
I think I would like the hough sweatpants and sweatshirt. The Victoria capris are cute, but I’m just not a Capri person.
NBFYM can do what she wants, more power to her – I’ll be over here, right side up and clothed, thanks.
Love the Kylie Top! Would love to try something new for workouts and that would hold everything in place from the looks of it. 🙂
Following their Fitness Fashion board on Pinterest now – thanks for the info!
Because I like bang for my buck, I only went to the sale page. The Victoria Capri is dang adorable, even at full price!
I’d like to try anything in the “hangin’ tough” look category…cuz this chick is always hangin’ tough!
The mila cami looks way cute!
Love the Selma jacket!
And (not to butter you up, I’m being completely honest) you look like Cindy Crawford in the first pic, your duck lips are amazing 🙂
And re naked-yoga-breast feeding, I’m all for whatever works for each mom/baby pair. Having recently completed breast feeding my baby for a year, I can tell you we fed in some strange places, but it was sort of “whatever we need to do to keep this up for as long as its working for us” situation. Although I’m 4,000% positive my balance would prevent a headstand feeding session.
I’d love to try the Victoria Capri–looks really flattering!
I also followed them on Pinterest.
I avoid Robin Thicke and naked yoga. I agree with Charlotte, if you want to do naked yoga (Or watch Robin Thicke) in your home, do it. I love workout clothes and would love the capris. oh, if you’re going to do your naked yoga outside in the sunlight, I suggest very strong sunscreen.
I could use a new pair of capris…the lumex probably.
P.S. the thought of naked hot yoga would repulse me!!!
I didn’t think yo would go for it after all you were looking for options to cover your glass shower door!!!
Those Helio legging look really cool 🙂
I could not do hot yoga, or naked yoga…or hot naked yoga…nope. Not my idea of a good time.
The Selma Jacket looks nice!
You’re probably the cutest gangster out there! 😉 I’m definitely diggin’ the lumex capri!
The windy jacket looks super cute for working out or just a spring/fall day with some cute jeans!
Signed up to like them on Facebook as well 🙂
Love, love, love the Lumex Capri, and the Aster Capri, and the Mila Cami. I have been wanting to try capris, but I have not ever found a brand I like. These I like!! 🙂
I do pilates in a tank top and panties, but only at home and because I started doing pilates in the summer and it was too hot in my attic apt to put on pants…
I’m partial to the helio legging as well as the lumex capri.
I really like the lumex capris.
The lumex capris look cute!
I adore the Victoria Capris, but to be honest I am ready for an all-out shopping spree there because everything looks fantastic (goodbye paycheck…yet again)
Following on Pinterest!
I think I like the Elle shorts, though it’s hard to tell without more details about lining, pockets, etc. I agree with others, though – the Lumex capri looks pretty great. I like the grey.
The Hough Sweat Pants look so comfy! Can’t wait to try out this brand. Heading to Pinterest now. 🙂
Now following them on Pinterest. Love their boards!
Helio leggings for the win! You look adorable, Charlotte. I cannot imagine where you think all that extra weight you’ve been talking about is hiding! I mean mean mean that. Your body is ridiculous! I honestly think you look cuter in those clothes than the models on the website. That having been said, I cried (yes, for reals) when I saw these photos because I am 5 1/2 weeks away from delivering boy #3 and I am a WHALE right now. A tired, hormonal, slow-moving, desperate-to-be-able-to-just-bend-over-and-pick-up-my-house whale. I probably should’ve stayed away from the web site cause now I feel worse, dumb I know, but there you have it. Pity party concluded. And, really, Miley? Gross. Also, Robin Thicke, father and husband, even grosser to go along with that. And naked nursing yoga mom, “namaste”. Keep on keepin’ on with your hippy awesomeness. Not my cuppa, but go on with your crunchy self!
The scrunchy leggings look like a lot of fun 🙂
I love the flashdance t-shirt!
I like the Selma jacket. I need a cute jacket.
I like the selma jacket!
I want to try those scrunchy leggings!
Followed, on FB and Pintrest
Really liked the look of the yoga pants, especially the Victoria ones. 🙂
This winter i could live in some hough sweatpants!
following on pinterest (@channynn)
Like on FB (Shannon Finer)
I would totally get the Scrunchy Leggings because we all know tights > pants!
I also follow them on Facebook!
I’d love to try the Mila Cami!
I follow BodyLanguage Sportswear on Pinterest (http://pinterest.com/shala_darkstone).
The scrunchy lounge bottom looks like I could live in them. I’d have to get 2 pair though so I could wear one while washing the other.
Following on Facebook and Pinterest.
I want to try the Olivia Cami in heather/black!
I liked Body Language on facebook.
I’d love to try one of the capri pants.
I’d love to get the Scrunchy Leggings in feather
demureprincess7(at)gmail(dot)com
everything looks cute
I’m currently obsessed with yoga, and would like one of everything. And I think the NBFYM is lovely, but I don’t understand the wrongness of the rainbow behind her. I mean, the colors. They come in a specific order. They just do. Why does this bother me more than the nursing position, which can’t possibly facilitate a relaxed let-down?
I love the sweater you’re wearing!
Thank you for this awesome contest 🙂
I like the lumex Capri and the scrunchy legging.
tannis_z at excite dot com
I follow body language sportswear on Facebook
tannis_z at excite dot com
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