What is naturism?

“Oh, I could NEVER do that” is a fairly common reaction from people when introduced to a Naturist. Andy Cremer talks about how naturism can be beneficial to your your health and wellbeing.

Recent research for the national organisation, British Naturism (www.bn.org.uk), indicating that around 4 million people in the UK describe themselves as Naturists, it’s perhaps time to re-examine this position and consider the immense wellbeing that Naturist living confers.

Naturism, the practice of social nudity when circumstances – and weather – permit, has been around for many years and is going through something of a growth period. People are seeking ways of de-stressing and gaining a sense of calm and the Naturist environment ticks all the boxes. Any naturist will tell you that to be truly in touch with nature, to feel the air, the sun and the water on bare skin, is one of the most life affirming and amazing experiences one can have. In fact, once you have swum without a costume, you will never go back – we believe they are pointless. When we shed our clothes, we also shed the constraints of social status that by which we are often judged. Naturists make no such judgements and simply get to know the true person within.

Then of course there are the positive benefits for body image. How many people go through their lives tortured by insecurity about perceived ‘faults’ with their bodies, suffering low self esteem as a result? Our blemishes, scars and ‘imperfections’ are not unique, we all have them. Naturism helps us to understand this and also to realise that the human body is to be celebrated for its rich diversity, not held as an object of shame.

Naturism is a non-sexual environment, there is nothing lewd or inappropriate going on (this would be as unacceptable as in a clothed situation), and as such it is great for the whole family. Our children grow up with a greater awareness of the human body and in fact Naturism offers something of an antidote to the unhealthy yet pervasive images of the ‘perfect body’ with which they are continually confronted and which can cause so many body hang-ups in later life.

My family are members of Diogenes Sun Club in Buckinghamshire (www.diogenessunclub.co.uk), a long established naturist club with a 300 strong membership that spans the generations. Our club is one of over one hundred clubs in the UK and is located in six acres of beautiful grounds nestled around a country house.

So what exactly do we do there? Quite simply what everyone does in social situations, except that when the circumstances permit we prefer not to wear clothes. At Diogenes we have indoor and outdoor swimming pools so that we can enjoy naturism no matter what the great British weather throws at us. We have a sauna with a plunge pool and also facilities for sport; tennis and boule being two favourites (and yes, we do have a volleyball court!). For our younger members, we also have an outdoor play area and a children’s room. With camping facilities and a year round sports and social calendar, there is something for everyone.

Perhaps the biggest benefit though is the tremendous sense of calm, relaxation and wellbeing that being a Naturist brings, particularly among such friendly, like-minded folk. Each year at Diogenes we welcome many newcomers and see them reap the calming benefits of Naturism. While we know that first time nerves are not unusual, please don’t let that put you off. Make the change today and discover Naturism for yourself.