You heard that right, goat yoga, a new trend sweeping the nation where two very different things, goats and yoga, are combined. Surprisingly, this isn’t just fun and games, as there really are some benefits when it comes to this unusual spin on your yoga practice.
The main benefit of goat yoga is that it is a fun, unique opportunity that acts as a stress reliever. Seeing the cute baby goats in their natural habitat is sure to put your mind at ease and, better yet, give you a few good laughs when they decide to walk on your back during your plank.
This activity is different but something you shouldn’t pass up. So, before you rule out goat yoga, you should read about the benefits of practicing yoga with baby goats below, so you can learn all about why it is definitely something that you need to try out for yourself.
What Is Goat Yoga?
Goat yoga is a unique combination that puts an unusual spin on your weekly yoga lesson. As you and other yogis do your thing, adorable baby goats roam around looking for someone to pet them.
These baby goats, or kids as they are called, are quite curious and will enjoy lying on your mat, climbing up on your back if you have it flat for long enough, and may start nibbling on your clothes.
Goat yoga really is just a super-cute spin on your typical yoga practice. You can watch goat yoga in action in the video below:
Who Started the Goat Yoga Trend?
In 2016, an Oregan farm owner, Lainey Morse, was hosting baby goat happy hours where people could take an hour to hang out and relax with goats.
Later on, at one of her goat happy hour events, Heather Davies, a yoga instructor and friend of Morse, offered to teach a little yoga during the event. There, the idea of goat yoga was born, and goat happy hour turned into the fun activity of goat yoga.
Why Is Goat Yoga So Popular?
Goat yoga or the official term Caprine Vinyasa became a form of yoga that started being practiced all over the United States with everyone flocking to barnyards to do their yoga practice, but why?
The many reasons why goat yoga became so popular have to do with the benefits that practicing yoga with goats offers you. Listed below are all the benefits of practicing yoga with goats that are the main reasons this trend became so popular.
Stress Reliever
When you are feeling stressed out, what better way to instantly feel happy and uplifted than by looking at adorable baby animals? In this case, it is baby goats that, in many cases, are only a few weeks old.
While not much research has been done on if goat yoga actually releases stress and anxiety, it is definitely worth a try. Whether you are a yogi yourself or just looking for a boost in your mood, seeing a bunch of adorable baby goats and getting to interact with them can really make your day a whole lot better.
A Challenge
As you begin to practice yoga more, you begin looking for more challenges to change up your typical practice and make you a better yogi altogether, and what better way to improve your focus during your practice than by putting you in a situation where you are bound to get distracted.
Not only are they cute to look at, but they love to lay on your mats, come up to you to be pet, may find an interest in your water bottle or baggy t-shirt, and best of all, they are natural climbers, and if you find yourself in the plank, you are sure to have one or two goats jump on the opportunity to climb up on your back.
It’s not the usual challenge for a yogi, but it sure is a fun and unique one, which brings us to the next benefit of goat yoga.
Something Fun and Different
There’s hot yoga, hatha yoga, there even are places that offer naked yoga, but goat yoga is still one of the totally out there yoga classes you can take if you are looking for a spin on your typical practice.
It may not be a perfect practice or a chance for you to really master your poses, but it remains a once-in-a-lifetime experience that doesn’t compare to anything else.
You get the chance to spend some one-on-one time with adorable little goats, have the chance to feed them, pet them, and get a few good laughs in before your practice is over.
Is Goat Yoga Safe?
Yes! It is totally safe, as goats are typically fairly friendly animals (especially the baby ones) that most of all just want to get your attention.
Nonetheless, there are some precautions you should take before you enter into your very first goat yoga class that we have talked about below.
- Watch your fingers. If you decide to feed the goats or go to pet them, be mindful of where you put your fingers. It is a really bad idea to put your fingers in their mouths as they have strong teeth and can draw blood if they bite too hard.
- Wear your hair up. If you have long hair, keep your hair tied in a ponytail or in a tight bun. You should do this as the goats may see your hair as a fun toy to pull on or a delicious stringy snack. With that said, they can hurt your scalp or accidentally give you a very uneven haircut if they bite or tug your hair hard enough.
- Bring an old yoga mat. Let’s just say goats, especially baby goats, are not potty trained, and accidents are very likely to happen right on your yoga mat. So, leave your nice one at home and bring an old one instead. Don’t worry too much, though; the instructors typically will have disinfectant ready for use in case this happens.
What Should I Wear to Goat Yoga?
If you are going to goat yoga, opt for tighter and older clothes. Since the goats may be licking you or nibbling on your clothes, it is best to leave your favorite yoga outfit at home and opt for some older pieces you don’t care about getting dirty.
The clothes should also be slightly tighter as if it is baggy and hanging down, the goats will be much more tempted to nibble and bite at it. However, they may still try to do this no matter what you are wearing.
Final Thoughts
All in all, goat yoga is a unique and totally cute experience that every yogi should try out if they have the opportunity to do so. There are many places now around the United States where you can try this fun and a different spin on your yoga practice, and you definitely should.
This stress-relieving, fun, and challenging yoga class will definitely be one you will never forget, and if you get lucky, you may even get to snuggle with and pet a baby goat during your Shavasana. However, keep in mind that they love to nibble and may leave you an unexpected gift on your yoga mat, so keep an open mind when you enter the class, but most of all, have fun!
