6 Unusual Animal Yoga Classes & Why They Will Make You Happy
6 Unusual Animal Yoga Classes. Plus Why They Will Make You Happy
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As soon as I saw the first unique animal yoga class on this list I knew I had to share it with you! Two of my favourite things in the world blended together! PUPPIES AND YOGA!!!
Yes, you read that right. Adorable puppies running around yoga classes!
Even better, animal yoga classes aren’t just fun. They are also great for boosting moods and reducing stress levels. Plus, the puppies get to practice socializing before they head to their forever homes.
I have just added this to my bucket list. I’m not sure how much yoga would end up getting done however, my cat is distraction enough. I know I’m not alone in the fact that the moment the yoga mat rolls out my cat immediately wants to play and have cuddles.
Puppy yoga got me wondering what other types of animal yoga are out there that people have thought of. Turns out you can also do yoga with goats, bunny rabbits, cats, on horses, at the aquarium, and in the zoo! What a fun world we live in.
It’s not too far fetching when you think about it. Apart from being a great exercise and relaxation method yoga also helps us tap into our connection with mother earth. Unfortunately, this connection is being rapidly lost due to an increase in city dwelling (O’Haire, 2010). So, why not boost it by adding some fluffy friends?
Won’t animal yoga just be distracting?
Well yes probably because of the cuteness, but, multiple studies have found that having a connection with animals and nature is great for our health.
Health benefits of hanging out with animals (Jorgenson, 2007):
- Reduced stress
- Lower blood pressure
- Reduced heart rate (aka you will be calmer)
- Overall increase in feeling of wellbeing
Animal yoga classes sound pretty out there. Some of these you have to see to believe. Here’s the proof:
1. Puppy Yoga
2. Goat Yoga
3. Yoga on Horses
I’m not sure how the horses feel about this one. But they don’t seem to mind…
4. Bunny Rabbit Yoga
5. Cat Yoga
6. Yoga at the Aquarium
I love anything with an entrepreneurial spirit that makes exercise more fun becuase sometimes find it hard to get myself started. Findng a local animal yoga class would get me in the door everytime.
Have you tried any of these? We would love to hear about your animal yoga experience. Do you know of any other unusual animal yoga classes? Please leave a comment below.
References:
O’Haire, M. (2010). Companion animals and human health: Benefits, challenges, and the road ahead. Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research, 5(5), 226-234. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S155878781000016X
Jorgenson, J. (2007). Therapeutic use of companion animals in health care. The Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 29(3), 249-254. https://sigmapubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1547-5069.1997.tb00993.x
Baun, M., Oetting, K. & Bergstrom, M. (1991). Health benefits of companion animals in relation to the physiologic indices of relaxation. Holistic Nursing Practice, 5(2), 16-23. https://journals.lww.com/hnpjournal/citation/1991/01000/health_benefits_of_companion_animals_in_relation.6.aspx