Have you heard the term “goat yoga” before? Do you know what goat yoga is? Goat yoga is a yoga practice that became popular in 2016. At goat yoga, the participants practice basic yoga in the presence oflive goats. Some yoga classes offer two or three goats for the entire class. The number of goats provided depends on the location, event and number of participants. To learn more, continue reading this article.
What is the concept behind goat yoga?
The main concept behind goat yoga is to feel joy from interacting with goats while stretching your body. This unlikely hybrid of activities has become a therapeutic activity effective in reducing stress and increasing mental health, stability and general wellbeing. It is thought that this yoga practice could also be effective for memory care activities in Beverly Hills.
Before goat yoga became popular, animals were being utilized for various therapies in hospitals, senior homes ptsd clinics. It has also been acknowledged that animal assisted therapy helps reduce stress. In addition, children with autism can also take advantage of animal assisted therapy.
How is goat yoga performed?
The main difference between regular yoga and goat yoga is the presence of live, friendly, curious goats roaming throughout class. Participants are guided into “goat friendly” yoga poses by a certified yoga instructor. Goat friendly poses are safe postures that baby goats or kids, like to interact with most. Goats help deepen stretches, strengthen core muscles, test the balance of yogis (as well as their own balance!) and give back massages as participants become a ‘playground’ for the goats. Goats are natural climbers who like to hop onto and balance on the backs of yogis while participants move through a sequence of postures. The furry critters will also crawl under and through the variety of shapes that humans create with their bodies during their practice. Goat yoga is a light-hearted experience with an abundance of laughter, joy and picture taking. That’s right, participants are encouraged to take pictures during this unique animal experience. (Check out over 221K photos on Instagram by searching #goatyoga) Goat yoga is available as a public group class, or can be booked as a private experience for special occasions, team building events and wellness fairs for stress relief. Private bookings are generally held in backyard settings in the greater Los Angeles area as well as animal-themed parties in Beverly Hills. Private and public classes are also offered as outdoor events at country clubs, hotels, museums, botanical gardens, senior living communities, schools and more.
How did goat yoga start?
Yoga has been used for mental and physical health for over 5,000 years. With the popularity of yoga, there are many new trends have come along. One of the new trends is caprine vinyasa or goat yoga. Goat yoga originated on a farm in Oregon in 2016 and was the brainchild of farm owner Lainey Morse. Lainey Morse felt comforted by spending time with her goats after depression due to divorce. Goat yoga continued to become popular across the United States and even reached as far as Australia.
Why is goat yoga beneficial for human health?
Those who work long hours to fulfill their daily life needs, may experience mental stress. Mental stress can cause many other health related issues; both mental and physical.
The gentle nature and entertaining antics of goats has been found useful to treat stress and depression-related issues; when you combine that with a basic yoga practice, the results are even more significant. To live a healthy, well balanced life, it is recommended to try new things. Ignoring your mental health, can create unnecessary life challenges. If you have been diagnosed with stress or are feeling overwhelmed by mental pressure, have a go at goat yoga.
It has been said that memory care patients also benefit from being in the presence of friendly goats. Whether you are planning animal-themed parties in Beverly Hills or
seeking new, interesting and effective memory care activities in Beverly Hills, goat yoga could be just what you need to get the results you’re looking for.
If you have read this far, there is a good chance have a better understanding of goat yoga. If you’d like to learn even more, visit a goat yoga facilitator near you. They say you have to try it to BAAH-lieve it!