Welcome to our article about yoga with goats! Find out what it is and why is it trendy and… effective!
In recent years, more and more people are looking for unconventional forms of relaxation and physical activity. One such unusual proposal is goat yoga, or yoga with goats. Although it may sound like a joke, this form of exercise is gaining popularity around the World. What is the goat yoga phenomenon and why is it worth trying?
What is yoga with goats (or so-called goat yoga)?
Goat yoga is a combination of traditional yoga practice with the presence of… live goats. Classes are usually held outdoors – on farms, pastures or in specially adapted spaces, where participants perform relaxation and stretching exercises while small, friendly goats stroll freely among them. The animals not only watch the people, but often climb on their backs, cuddle or simply accompany them during the session.
The idea for this type of class was born in Oregon in 2016, when a yoga enthusiast and farm owner, Lainey Morse, combined her passion for animals with a relaxation practice. It quickly became clear that this unusual combination had great potential – both therapeutic and social.
Why is it worth trying?
While goat yoga may seem like fun, it has many benefits. First of all, yoga itself has a healing effect on the body and mind – it helps to stretch, calm down, improves balance, concentration and breathing. Adding to this the presence of animals, participants feel even more relaxed and content.
Contact with goats has a therapeutic effect. These animals are extremely curious, gentle and sociable. Their presence helps reduce stress, improves mood and enhances the sense of “here and now.” For many people, goat yoga is a way to temporarily escape from daily chores, screens and urban hustle and bustle.
It’s also worth noting that such classes don’t require much experience – goat yoga is suitable for both beginners and advanced students. Many people treat these sessions more as a form of fun and relaxation than an intense workout.
Where to find Yoga with Goats in English-speaking countries?
Although goat yoga originated in the United States, over time it has gained popularity in other English-speaking countries as well.
Currently, the largest number of offers of this type of classes can be found precisely in the US, Australia, NZ, Canada and the UK. In these countries goat yoga has become a real trend – it appears both on farms and at urban wellness events or outdoor festivals.
In the United States, goat yoga is almost a separate branch of the fitness industry. Hundreds of farms offer regular sessions, often in charming natural locations. In California, Texas, Oregon or New York, it’s not hard to find a place to experience yoga with goats.
In Australia, New Zealand and Canada, the trend is growing just as rapidly. Many farms are holding special events, and goat yoga sessions are even appearing as tourist attractions in rural regions.
As for the United Kingdom, goat yoga is appearing mainly around major cities such as London, Manchester and Edinburgh, but also in rural regions where farm owners see it as a way to attract visitors.
Summary
Goat yoga is an unusual but increasingly popular form of relaxation that combines the benefits of traditional yoga with the presence of friendly goats. If you’re interested in this form of activity, try typing the phrase “goat yoga near me” into a search engine and see if there is such a session in your area. It may be just the perfect way to relax you need!
I hope you enjoyed this article! Have a goatie day!
Namaste!