Need something fun to do with your girlfriends? Or maybe a unique bachelor party event idea? Well, Yoga With Goats could be perfect, it’s boatloads of fun and great for creating great memories. But there are some things to know before you go.
Find out below all about yoga with goats so you can be fully prepared before your first class.
What Exactly Is Goat Yoga?
Goat Yoga is exactly what it sounds like, it’s a regular yoga class with the addition of baby goats. Classes are usually held outside in the grass or in a barn setting to keep the “kids” contained in the yoga area.
During class, the goats are free to roam around the yoga space. They are curious and love to interact with people. What they’re most famous for is jumping on people’s backs while they’re in poses like downward facing dog or plank. Of course, this can be quite entertaining and cause some laughs.
The flow of the class is usually what you would expect from a regular vinyasa class, but goat yoga is way more light-hearted and laid-back. It’s hard to stay serious and focused when there are literally a dozen cute furry distractions running all over the place.
Goat yoga is usually hosted by a certified yoga teacher at a local farm or outdoor venue. The unique location makes goat yoga a fun and memorable experience for a group of friends or someone looking for a new experience.
When Did Goat Yoga Become A Thing?
Goat Yoga was started by Lainey Morse in Oregon in 2016. She discovered playing with her goats brought her immense joy while dealing with a divorce and serious health issues.
Many in the yoga industry thought that yoga with goats would just be passing fad, but almost 10 years later, yoga with goats is still going strong. There are new goat yoga businesses popping up all the time and people are still seeking out this unique albeit slightly silly experience.
What Are The Benefits Of Goat Yoga?
Goat Yoga is very similar to regular yoga, but really it is more of a special social event. Goat Yoga is like a mixture of animal, nature, and laugh therapy all mixed into one. And of course, there are the benefits of a traditional yoga class (although you may be more distracted than usual!)
Here are some of the benefits of yoga with goats:
- Lighthearted fun
- Create unique memories with friends
- Perfect for events like a bachelorette party etc
- Laugh Therapy
- Exercise
- Connection to the animals
- Time spent outside in nature
- Stretching
- Stress reduction
Why Is Goat Yoga So Fun?
Yoga with goats is so much fun because it’s a time to take life less seriously, laugh, and have fun with sweet animals. Animals also force you to be in the present moment, letting all of your worries and anxieties melt away.
Goat Yoga can also turn your day into an adventure. Usually, goat yoga is held out in the country at a ranch-like location. You can make a trip out of it and explore a new area. It brings more adventure to your day than just going to your local yoga studio in the city.
Can Anyone Do Yoga With Goats?
Goat Yoga is practically for anyone who is generally healthy. “All ages and abilities are welcome at all of our classes. We just ask that everyone be able to stay on their mat (or chair) and participate for the entire class,” says Korinne Johnson owner and operator of Downward Goat Yoga in Jupiter, Florida.
You don’t really need to be an avid yogi to try goat yoga, it could even be your first time. Since goat yoga is such a lighthearted experience, it might be a good way for someone who has never tried yoga before to give it a shot.
There are no rules in goat yoga, you can just hang out on your mat and watch all the shenanigans happen around you. It’s a judgment-free zone and it’s all about being happy and carefree, just like the goats.
Cons Of Yoga With Goats
Sure goat yoga is a super fun experience but there are disadvantages too. It might not be an event for everyone.
Since the goats are curious and friendly, they will come to you looking for attention. Yoga with goats might not be best for people with animal allergies or for those who really don’t like pets or animals in general.
During goat yoga, you are not able to concentrate as much as you normally would in a regular yoga class. So if you are really looking solely for a yoga class, Goat Yoga might not be for you.
You may also need to drive a far distance for a Goat Yoga class as they are typically held out in the country.
There are some who believe that Goat Yoga is animal exploitation. To make sure the goats in your class are treated fairly, do your research about how they are sourced and find out as much information as possible about the welfare of the animals.
Most likely, if you are visiting the farm or barn yourself, you will get a firsthand look at how the animals are treated. If you see anything you don’t agree with, approach the owners or leave a review about what you witnessed.
What To Know Before Your Goat Yoga Class
There are a few things to know about Goat Yoga before you go. Just like any animal, these little “kids” are not potty-trained. At some venues, the goats wear diapers, at others they do not. You might want to be mindful about where you step before and after class.
For this reason, it’s advised not to use your own mat, for fear it might get pooped on. Most venues provide mats for you to use.
During class, the goats might jump on you, so don’t be alarmed.
“The goats are very friendly and love meeting new goatie yogi friends but they do get nervous and move away if they feel chased,” adds Korinne Johnson of Downward Goat.
If you have back issues or an injury, it might be best to either skip Goat Yoga or try letting the instructor know before class so they can try to keep the goats away from you.
You want to make sure the location you are going to uses baby goats, generally not over a year old. When they are small, they won’t hurt you when they jump on your back.
If you have tried Goat Yoga, leave a comment below about your experience!
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