Yoga Adventures with Animals Around Atlanta

When I texted my friends about goat yoga, (“goga,” for short) I wasn’t sure how they would react. While we have spent plenty of time together on the mat in traditional studios, adding unpredictable beasts with no boundaries did not seem very, namaste. Luckily, they agreed without hesitation, and off we went.  It turns out that it was the most fun that any of us had in a long time.

There have been extensive studies around animal-assisted, therapeutic activities, and, not surprisingly, the conclusion is that they contribute to feelings of better health and well-being.  I absolutely can vouch that this is true.  My friends and I belly-laughed, posed for silly pictures – one of us even got pooped on – and felt a glorious high that I held on to for days.

The source of our joy was GGA Dwarf Goat Yoga. I found the class on the event schedule at The Phoenix & Dragon Bookstore.  If you venture out to their property in Tucker, you’ll also encounter goats in pilates, hiking, and meditation, as well as – wait for it – a Moo-Moo Hour of cow cuddling!

Here are other Yoga Adventures with Animals (many are kid-friendly too!):

GOATS:

• Atlantis Dream Farm – Come for the goga, stay for the capybara. Classes are located at The Halcyon, North Georgia Wildlife & Safari Park, or bring a group for a private lesson to the farm, where you can meet all of its residents.
• Red Wagon Goats – Once you’ve finished your zen time, you can hire them to clear the weeds from your lawn.  Be sure to check out their calendar of themed events.
• Goat Yoga Georgia – For those who celebrate, make it a Christmas holiday memory at Double Durango Farm! Plan and get ready for dressed-up goats and yoga with Santa!

LLAMAS & ALPACAS:

• Alpaca Treehouse Atlanta – Their offerings include yoga, walking tours with storytelling, grief and wellness retreats, and a wine-tasting in November – all while interacting with these majestic “pasture dolphins.”
• Lost Mountain Alpaca Ranch – If yoga isn’t enough, you can try your hand at alpaca wrangling camp, or grab a picnic and enjoy dinner with ranch residents under the stars.

PUPPIES:

Many local yoga studios will often have special puppy yoga classes to help various rescue organizations.

• The Atlanta Humane Society – This is your prime source for an authentic hour of “downward facing dog” for a good cause.
• Puppy Yoga and Wine – Come out and support FurKids on October 9 with this special fundraising event.

FISH:

• Wellness on the Water – Against the backdrop of the Georgia Aquarium’s Ocean Ballroom, you’ll “slow flow” with the fishes, and do “mantras with the mantas.” There is a Lululemon giveaway at the end of class.

So, there you have it – yoga isn’t just for humans anymore. Discover your inner “baa-maste” and find out what happens when you share your “om” with the animals.