Seriously, You've Gotta Try Goat Yoga

Posted by Emily Ho · September 30, 2018

I discovered yoga while I was pregnant, and credit it with keeping (most) of my sanity during my very rough pregnancy. Because my introduction to yoga was alternative, being a gentler/modified form of the sport, I think I’ve always been drawn to the novelty versions. I very much respect the practice and get in my vinyasa flow as often as possible, but I have a real affinity for the yoga paths less traveled!

I’ve had the soul-igniting experience of doing Yoga on the Rocks at Colorado’s storied Red Rocks. I’ve flowed through a private violin solo at Denver’s Botanic Gardens and finished with wine by the lily pads. There has been beer, and hikes, and the like. But of all the “weird” yoga I’ve done, nothing tops goat yoga.

goat yoga

They could rename it Laughter Yoga because I did a lot more of that during my 45 minutes than actual yoga. When two hands should have been supporting my table top, I balanced on one arm so the other could pet the goat that decided to lie down underneath me. As I transitioned between cat and cows I got a kiss from a baby goat. And I trepidatiously fell back into savasana as to not rest my head on their pellet souvenirs.

During both of my experiences, we belly laughed and giggled the entire time. I went in with no expectations that I was going to get a “real” yoga workout, and instead entered the practice as we should any form of yoga - opened minded and open hearted to a new experience. This one left me feeling completely revived, even joyful. The instructor continued on as though nothing was out of the ordinary, and with little expectation that her students were going to be really paying attention.

goat yoga

At my first goat yoga, we huddled up in the goat barn while heaters warmed the space and the goats chewed our mats, snuggled with us, and even hopped up on a few backs posed in table top! My eight-year-old daughter “won” the prize for receiving the first droppings on her mat, which sent the entire barn into tear-stained giggle fits. (And the poop-scooping concierge came right over to take care of the matter.)

The second trip was in late spring and we were able to be outside with the sunshine, easy breeze, and picture-perfect view of the Rockies. The goats frolicked around, just as happy to be in the outdoors, and interrupted our pose instructions with tiny little baaaas.

If you love animals at all, or don’t need to take your yoga too seriously, this lite yoga experience is definitely one to put on your fitness bucket list. This may not be the class to refine your crow pose, but it promises to leave you feeling fulfilled, satisfied, and just damn happy.