Yogis Uncovered | Meet Yssy
In this edition of Yogis Uncovered, we’re excited to introduce Yssy, a California native whose journey to the mat is rooted in nature and a lifelong comfort with nudity. From the rivers of Santa Cruz to the redwoods of Humboldt County, Yssy brings a grounded, organic energy to the True Naked Yoga community.
A newly certified teacher, Yssy transitioned from a childhood background in Hatha to a professional practice that emphasizes freedom and presence. Whether she is finding stillness in a supported Fish Pose or leaning into her “live in the now” philosophy, her approach is all about stripping away restrictions, both mental and physical. Subscribe to see the full interview about her farm-to-table lifestyle, her love for restorative movement, and how she finds calm in a busy world.
“There’s no restriction from your clothing, but also just... leaning into this area of not sexualizing the body and just being free and feeling really comfortable in your own body.”
Hi, my name is Yssy. I’m originally from Santa Cruz, California, but I live in Humboldt County. I came to LA to eat nice vegan food and also to film.
Do you have any interesting stories from growing up?
When I was younger, my best friend and I tried to go doubles on this swing and we fell off into poison oak. And I got poison oak over my whole body and now I’m immune.
How long have you been doing yoga and how did you get into it?
I’ve been doing yoga for a little less than 10 years. I started because my mom was a yogi and she was really into Hatha. So I would always go to class with her when I was in my teens. I started practicing more frequently in the last couple of years. I became a teacher in April of 2025 and spent a month doing my 200 hour [training] in Mexico.
What draws you to naked yoga?
I think I grew up doing a lot of things nude. Like my best friend’s [family] and my family used to go to the river and we just did a lot of things nude, so it felt very comfortable to transition to [naked yoga].
What did it feel like doing nude yoga naked for the first time?
Surprisingly, really comfortable and very natural. There’s no restriction from your clothing, but also just, you know, kind of leaning into this area of not sexualizing the body and just being free and feeling really comfortable in your own body.
Do you have a favorite yoga pose?
I think that my favorite yoga pose is probably Dancer’s Pose. I’m also really into Yin, so I really like a reclined or supported Fish Pose.
What are the emotional or mental health benefits of practicing yoga?
It can be very calming and it can also really bring you out of your thoughts which is beneficial. And definitely in this crazy busy life that we all live, it helps us slow down and really reconnect.
What advice would you give yourself from 10 years ago?
I guess that it gets better.
What is your favorite food?
I really love pasta and also really am obsessed with roasted broccolini. I definitely cook a lot at home. I used to work on organic farms, so I love produce and making beautiful meals with fresh produce.
What do you do to relax besides yoga?
Not to out myself, but I love ASMR. I watch a lot of people crocheting, sometimes for hours, because I’m usually crocheting too. I’m definitely a homebody. Very introverted for sure.
Is there a motto that you live by?
I don’t think I’m supposed to say this, but when I was taking mushrooms one time, [something that came up is,] “I’m here now and that is okay”.
Where can we follow your adventures?
If you want to find me on Instagram, my handle is @yogawithyssy
*this interview has been edited for brevity and clarity