Christina Nickle flexed and stretched on her yoga mat, listening to the instructions of the yoga class instructor ... and trying to pet the baby goat walking nearby.
The Cibolo Center for Conservation hosted the final goat yoga class for the year last Saturday in the Historical Barn at Herff Farm. The class was sold out, a common occurrence according to Sarah Berringer, director of farm programs at The Cibolo.
“This sells out in two seconds,” Berringer said. “This is the third (goat yoga class) we had this year, the last one for the year.”
The barn was filled to the brim with women, yoga mats and, of course, goats. The goats, which were adorable newborn miniatures, mingled among the attendees during their yoga exercise. Some even jumped on the backs of the attendees, a common occurrence during the sessions.
So, why goats?
Goats became included with yoga to encourage engagement, reduce stress and improve moods. Indeed, the room was hardly silent — there was often laughter and coos as the attendees pet the goats.
Still, the yoga classes assist in other, more serious areas, like joint pain and fibromyalgia healing.
“Science has shown even the presence of goats help our bodies to release a flood of endorphins, helping us feel happy, calm and in less pain,” yoga instructor and owner of Pipe Creek Soap Company Lilly Allen said.
“Yin Yoga focuses on the connective tissue and fascia, holding poses for longer periods of time. It has been touted as one of the best exercises for pain management,” Allen said.
One not-so-pleasant occurrence is the occasional pee or droppings from the undeniably cute goats.
“Just flip your mat if they happen to pee on it,” Allen said. “Thankfully, the droppings aren’t too messy.”
Goat yoga classes at Herff Farm won’t begin again until next year. But stay on the lookout, because the classes sell out fast.
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