BILLINGS — There’s a new type of yoga in Billings. It’s called Bare Roots Yoga, and participants are asked to bare all in a clothing-optional class.
“Ultimately, we are a yoga studio focused on wellness, not just fitness,” said Clementine Lindley, owner of Limber Tree Yoga & Wellness.
Designed to increase body confidence, build community, and release trauma from the body.
“This is an opportunity for people to really get involved in new things that are empowering in the Billings community. The class continues to grow,” Lindley said.
“The core of yoga is liberation, and I try to bring people into a space of recognizing what they may be carrying inside their bodies, and everything from trauma to joy.” Limber Tree said yoga teacher and owner Erin Anderson. Edem Arbor.
Students say that striking big poses helps them find great relief from everything their bodies are carrying, from bullying to domestic violence, sexual assault, and body image.
“I first fell into it a few years ago when I lived in Kalispell. I have Tourette’s syndrome, so I try to be pretty active, but when I’m active and have some kind of outlet, Tourette’s It helps calm and calm down,” he said. Orin is a student at Limber Tree Yoga & Wellness.
“Today’s society makes us so self-conscious, so I was always interested in taking a dress optional class. Like most people, I’m a little more bouffant than I’d like to be, so I’m pretty self-conscious in general,’” Olin said.
In this class of body shaming, sexualization, and removal of all judgment, Olin says her confidence in a safe space has grown.
“A few of us started out in sports bras and shorts, and then gradually we moved to more like topless spaces, and then some of us ended up completely naked outside,” Anderson said.
Bare Roots Yoga has rules and expectations. You have to be part of a community, not a one-time spectator. Before Bareroot registration, he must attend at least two other classes. The lights are dimmed and the curtains are drawn. Changing clothes is only allowed on the mat, and cameras and cell phones are not allowed. There are no inappropriate conversations or gestures, and everything that happens in the room remains in the room.
“If you feel like this isn’t the class for you, that’s fine, but at the same time, in the same breath, don’t sexualize or shame anyone who comes to your class, the studio you host it. Because it essentially puts everything back into the cycle of abuse that we’re trying to avoid,” Anderson said.
“There’s nothing like this in Billings, so it’s very unique and I’m grateful to be a part of its origins,” Olin said.
