This yoga class in California invites participants to stretch with snakes up their back. It is designed to help individuals confront their fear of snakes
Attendees participate in ‘snake yoga’
At this unconventional yoga studio in Costa Mesa, California, participants are invited to stretch and breathe while snakes slither up their backs. The idea behind this unique class is more than just a quirky twist on traditional yoga; it is designed to help individuals confront and overcome their fear of snakes through mindful breathing exercises.
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The studio’s 45-minute sessions, priced at $160, feature six ball pythons, each named after a crystal. Participants, limited to four per session, are randomly paired with one of the snakes, which are gently integrated into the yoga routine. While the concept might make some uneasy, the snakes are described as social and friendly, and there’s a pre-class orientation to teach participants how to interact with the reptiles safely.
The studio reassures attendees that the snakes have never bitten anyone and are not aggressive, though initial reactions can vary—from excitement to fear. During the class, the snakes are free to explore the participants’ bodies, even during shavasana, where participants lie still with their eyes closed.
What might sound like a scene from a reality show, in reality, feels surprisingly grounding and calming for most attendees. Many walk in nervous but leave feeling empowered, having faced a deep-seated fear in a controlled environment. For some, the class is taken out of sheer curiosity, while others are determined to confront a phobia.
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PIC/NEW YORK POST
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