Nude yoga is not for the faint-hearted, but for a group of Gold Coast locals it is a chance to let loose while focusing on health and relaxation.

Most people might shrink from the idea of taking their clothes off and doing a downward dog pose in front of strangers.

But for those who regularly take part in nude yoga, it is a liberating and exhilarating experience.

Baring All Yoga facilitator Allie has been teaching yoga for six years but has only been holding nude classes for the past year.

While it can be an eye-opening, nerve-wracking experience for newcomers, Allie said the secret was to just dive right in.

"Take a really big deep breath, takes your clothes off and get on the mat, it's that basic," she said.

"Really, what do you have to lose — your inhibitions?"

The small class in a Currumbin warehouse holds about half a dozen people, with all different body types.

Subtle lighting, incense and gentle pan pipe music combine with a cool breeze carrying a hint of the ocean, to create an intimate and relaxing atmosphere.

Allie said it was no different to other forms of yoga and participants came away with an increased sense of well-being.

"It can be a physical thing like just feeling relaxed; it can be an empowering thing," she said.

"It can be an acceptance thing of their own selves, their own self image."

The class offers a safe, secure place, free of judgment, where people can exercise with an element of fun and adventure.

Allie said it was not all that different from regular yoga and generally everyone behaved themselves.

"You keep your focus on your breath and yourself and on your mat and whatever else is happening in the class is really none of your business," she said with a laugh.

"There's no polite way to put that."

She said it was definitely not a spectator sport.

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