What is the point of goat yoga? It is a reasonable question since this strange fitness fad first hit the scene.
Goat yoga combines two activities that people love: Yoga and animals.
So what could be better than combining the two to create a fun and unique workout experience?
What’s The Point Of Goat Yoga?
Goat yoga is a type of yoga that involves doing yoga while goats roam around you. The goats are usually very friendly and love to be around people.
Some people think that the goats help to relax them and make them feel more Zen.
Others think it is just a fun and unique way to do yoga. Regardless of what people think, goat yoga is a growing trend and doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon.
So why goat yoga?
Well, that depends on who you ask. Some people do it for relaxation, some for laughter therapy, and some for Instagram likes.
But at the end of the day, goat yoga is what you make of it.
If you want to try something new and unique, goat yoga might be for you. But if you’re looking for a serious workout, you might want to stick to regular yoga.
Either way, there’s no wrong answer – it’s about what makes you happy, though some experts advise against goat yoga.
What Is Goat Yoga & Goat Yoga Benefits?
Goat yoga is a relatively new yoga trend that is sweeping the nation.
Unlike traditional yoga in a studio or gym, goat yoga is outdoors with live goats roaming around.
The goats are generally friendly and enjoy being petted and played with, which can add extra fun and relaxation to your yoga session.
There are several physical and mental health benefits of goat yoga:
First, it can help you connect with nature. Being outdoors and surrounded by animals can help reduce stress or blood pressure and promote feelings of well-being.
In addition, goat therapy can be a great way to bond with friends or family. The goats are often very social creatures, and interacting with them can be a great way to create lasting memories.
Finally, goat yoga can be beneficial for your physical and mental health. The gentle stretching and deep breathing associated with yoga can help improve flexibility and circulation and relieve stress.
So if you’re looking for a unique and enjoyable way to improve your health, goat yoga may be just what you need!
Read More: What Are the Benefits of Yoga For Men?
What Are The Goat Yoga Origins?
The history of goat yoga is a bit fuzzy, but the trend seems to have started in the United States in 2016.
Since then, it has spread worldwide, with people of all ages and fitness levels participating.
So what is the origin of goat yoga?
There is no one answer to that question, as the trend seems to have started spontaneously in several places.
But we know that goat yoga is here to stay, and it’s only getting more popular by the day!
Read More: What Is The History Of Yoga?
How To Do Goat Yoga?
As mentioned, yoga with goats has become increasingly popular in recent years.
Combining gentle yoga movements with the playful antics of goats can be a fun and unique way to experience yoga.
But what exactly is goat yoga, and how do you do it?
Goat yoga is simply yoga that is done in the presence of goats. The goats are free to roam around and interact with the participants.
Some people may find the goats a distraction, but many find their playful energy enhances the yoga session.
There are no specific guidelines for how to do goat yoga, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, creating a safe environment for the goats and the participants is essential. The goats should have plenty of space to roam around, and the area should be free of obstacles that could trip them up.
Second, choosing a gentle yoga practice that does not require too much movement is essential. Slow and steady movements are best, as the goal is to relax and connect with the goats, not to exhaust yourself.
Finally, remember to have fun! Goat yoga is all about enjoying the moment and connecting with nature.
So what are you waiting for? Consult a goat yoga instructor and some goats and give goat yoga a try!
Goat Yoga Poses
Looking to add a little zen to your yoga session? Why not try goat yoga? That’s right, goat yoga classes are a thing, and it’s as fun as it sounds.
Goat yoga poses are similar to traditional yoga poses but with the added challenge of a furry friend.
Here are a few famous goat yoga poses to get you started.
Downward Dog:
Start in a hands-and-knees posture with your hands and knees about shoulder-width apart. Next, exhale and tuck your toes as you pull in your stomach. Next, raise your hips and straighten your legs while exhaling in an upside-down “V” stance.
Let your head hang freely between your arms. Relax into the pose and hold for 1-3 minutes.
Warrior I:
Gradually lower yourself forward, pressing your palms into the floor and bringing your arms around to support your chest. Place one foot in between the hands and step it forward. Squaring off your hips to the front of the yoga mat while aligning your right knee over your right ankle
Extend your left leg straight back, keeping the thigh muscles engaged and pressing your heel firmly into the mat.
Reach both arms straight, biceps by ears, and gaze up at the thumbs.
Hold for 3-6 breaths, then repeat on the other side.
Side Plank:
Lie on one side with feet stacked on each other and propped up on the forearm nearest the mat.
Place the other hand on the hip or reach it toward the ceiling. Use core muscles to raise hips off the ground until the body forms a straight line from ankles to shoulders.
Gaze up at hand, reaching toward the ceiling, or gaze down at the mat.
Hold for 30 seconds to one minute, then repeat on the other side.
Tree Pose:
All you have to do is climb out of the hole and start to walk across the beams. Start in mountain posture, with your feet a hip-width apart and your arms at your sides. Bring your right foot down against the inside of your left ankle, calf, or thigh (never the knee).
Press your foot firmly into the leg and find your balance. Once you feel stable, raise your arms overhead, palms pressing together.
Gaze up at your hands and hold for 30 seconds to one minute. Repeat on the other side.
Camel Pose:
Start kneeling with feet hip-width apart and knees directly beneath the hips. Place your hands on your lower back, fingers pointing down.
As you inhale, press into your feet and lift the hips, arching the back and looking up toward the ceiling.
Once you have reached a comfortable position, hold for 30 seconds to one minute.
To release the pose, exhale and slowly bring the hips back to neutral.
Whether you’re looking to add a little zen to your yoga or want to have some fun with adult goats, it’s the perfect activity for you.
Goat Yoga Tips
If you’re looking to add a little zen while practicing yoga, goat yoga is the perfect way to do it.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when you’re striking a pose with a furry friend:
- It is best enjoyed in a group setting. You will have more fun with friends, and the goats will enjoy social interaction.
- Wear comfortable clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty. It is a low-key activity, so there’s no need to wear fancy yoga clothes. Just make sure your clothing is loose-fitting and comfortable.
- Don’t be afraid to get down on the ground. The baby goat will want to explore, so you might find yourself doing some downward-facing dog with a furry friend perched on your back.
- Be prepared for some goat shenanigans. They’re playful creatures, so expect them to nibble on your clothes or steal your water bottle. Instead, just go with the flow and have fun!
Fun Facts About Goats
Still not convinced? Check out these fun facts about adult and baby goats that might change your mind:
- Goats are one of the oldest domesticated animals in the world, with evidence of their use dating back over 10000 years.
- There are over 200 breeds of goats worldwide.
- Goats are intelligent creatures and can learn complex tasks quickly.
- Goats are natural climbers who can quickly scale vertical surfaces like walls and cliffs.
- The average lifespan of a goat is 12-14 years.
- Goats are social animals and prefer to live in groups.
- Goats are browsers, not grazers, and prefer to eat leaves, twigs, and other vegetation.
- Goats are known for their unique vocalizations, which include bleating, grunting, and honking.
Conclusion
Goat yoga is a great way to add some zen to your yoga practice while enjoying spending time with adorable furry friends. Animal-assisted therapy is worth trying if you’re looking for a fun and challenging workout.
And don’t worry if you’re not quite ready to commit to a whole little goat yoga class- many studios offer a drop-in goat yoga session, so you can try it out before committing to an entire session.
So what are you waiting for? Give this animal therapy a try today!
Keep Reading:
How To Clean Lululemon Yoga Mat