Yogis Uncovered | Meet Mel
Join us as we go behind the scenes with Mel, the free-spirited yogini baring it all – both on and off the mat. From her competitive cheerleading roots to finding freedom and emotional release through naked asanas, this Michigan-born beauty pulls back the curtain on her journey of self-love and empowerment. Get ready to be inspired by Mel’s naked confidence and infectious spirit!
“I just feel so free. I feel like clothes are very restricting … As soon as I get home from being out, I take my clothes off. It’s the first thing I do. I don’t know, I just love being naked.
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Hi everyone. I’m Mel. I’m from LA!
Can you tell us a funny or interesting story from when you were growing up?
When I was really little, I did have an imaginary friend. I used to ride my scooter up and down my road and I’d be talking to them. All my siblings were way older than me, so I did a lot of spending time alone. And I went to a private school, so none of my friends lived in my neighborhood.
How long have you been doing yoga and how did you get into it?
I have been doing yoga for 12 years now, and I started yoga right after I stopped cheerleading. I used to be in competitive cheer growing up, from when I was eight years old until about 18. I just missed it and that’s when I also started going to the gym. My friend told me, “you should try yoga!”. And I fell in love. I just loved it.
What do you like about doing yoga naked vs clothed yoga?
I love doing yoga naked. I just feel so free. I feel like clothes are very restricting. It’s always bunching up or feeling uncomfortable or I have a camel toe or I have to adjust it. I just don’t like messing with clothes. I’m a nudist myself. I’m naked at home all day, all night. As soon as I get home from being out, I take my clothes off. It’s the first thing I do. I don’t know, I just love being naked.
What’s your favorite yoga pose?
Oh my gosh. I like it all. I love inversions and headstands and forearm stands. I think my favorite is Pincha, which is the forearm stand. I love doing back bends, I love arching my back and trying to grab my foot, doing a cool pose. But I also just love to be in a shoulder stand or happy baby or splits.
Why do you practice yoga and other forms of self-care?
I just feel amazing. It’s part of my self-care. Every day I stretch. I go to the gym a lot, so I always make sure to do yoga before, during, after. A lot of people find that they become emotional because it’s like releasing trauma. I feel like self care and yoga go hand in hand, so if you’re ever dealing with anything, just get onto your mat, start stretching, and it just releases.
How did you become so comfortable with being naked?
Honestly, It was after high school. I remember not being comfortable in high school, like in the locker rooms being naked, I felt so awkward. I’m like, oh my gosh, everyone’s looking at my body. It wasn’t until I moved to California (I’m actually from Michigan originally). I saw myself being super open and super confident, but it wasn’t quite until I moved to LA and that’s kind of when I let go. I met a lot of like-minded people, and we’re all nudists, and everyone’s just doing naked yoga and just hanging out naked and it’s just normal.
What brought you to Miami?
I wanted to come and shoot for True Naked Yoga, but also this is my second home. I love Miami. I eventually want to have a condo here and go back and forth, because I love the West Coast, but I also love it here so much.
What’s your favorite food?
Honestly I love smoothies. I like hot food, but I also like really cold food. In the mornings I love smoothies with lots of frozen blueberries and protein so I can get all my greens. But also I really do love pizza and fries. It’s hard for me to choose one thing.
Are you more of a homebody or do you prefer going out?
I am an outgoing introvert, so no one would ever think I’m introverted, but I’m actually very introverted. But at the same time, I’m very extroverted. I love going out sometimes, sometimes more than others, but I would rather stay in. Or I would rather show up to a party, say hi to everyone, and sneak out and go home to be in my bed early. I love sleep. I hate being tired the next day. I’d rather do a day party.
Where can we follow you online?
You can find me on YouTube and Instagram @melspirations
*this interview has been edited for brevity and clarity