June 16th 2024.
In recent years, animal-themed yoga classes, such as goat yoga and puppy yoga, have become increasingly popular and have seen a surge in bookings. These unconventional forms of yoga have added a new and playful twist to the ancient and spiritual practice that has become Westernized and mainstream in the modern world.
According to Eventbrite, the rise in attendance at yoga events over the past year can largely be attributed to these novel yoga formats, including goat yoga, paddleboard yoga, and laughter yoga. In fact, there has been a 55% increase in attendance and a 33% increase in the number of yoga events on the platform. Even yoga retreats have seen a significant rise in popularity, with an 88% increase in attendance and a 55% increase in bookings.
These innovative forms of yoga, such as alpaca yoga and forest yoga, have brought new elements to the traditional practice, such as asanas, meditation, and breathwork. For example, goat yoga involves practicing alongside friendly goats who climb onto participants and join in on the stretches. Paddleboard yoga, on the other hand, takes place on a paddleboard in the water, adding an extra challenge to the already demanding balancing postures. And forest yoga allows attendees to connect with nature in a serene and peaceful setting.
Forest yoga retreat leader Charlotte Skipton has noticed the positive impact of practicing yoga in the natural world. "Attendees tell me that the forest helps them feel more meditative, calm, and relaxed, and the stunning location helps people feel more connected," she shares.
However, some traditional yogis have expressed concerns that these novel yoga practices may distract from the core techniques of the practice. While paddleboard yoga may be a great way to connect with nature, some worry that it may be seen as a mere gimmick for social media likes. Yoga teacher Puravi Joshi explains, "Gimmicky yoga practices may look good on Instagram, but yoga is about much more than just showing off impressive stretches next to cute animals. It's a spiritual and cultural practice that should not be turned into a commodity."
In fact, these trendy forms of yoga may not only harm the essence of the practice, but they can also have negative consequences for the animals involved. Last summer, the RSPCA warned against participating in puppy yoga after an investigation revealed the potential harm to dog welfare and the possibility of supporting unethical puppy traders.
However, Joshi also acknowledges that for some people, these unconventional forms of yoga can be a helpful gateway into the practice. "Growing up in an Indian household, I've been exposed to various types of yoga my whole life, but it wasn't until I tried hot yoga that I truly became invested in the practice. It helped me realize what type of yoga I wanted to pursue," she shares.
It is important to remember that yoga is an ancient practice that aims to improve breathing, flexibility, and strength. It originated in India and has been embraced by millions of people worldwide for its physical, mental, and spiritual benefits. Approximately 300 million people practice yoga globally, with an estimated 10,000 teachers in the UK alone.
Joshi believes that everyone's journey to yoga is unique, and we should respect that. "I think people will find their way into yoga in their own time. We should all practice non-judgment and honor each individual's journey. After all, one of the key lessons of yoga is to be non-judgmental," she says.
While some may argue that stretching on a paddleboard or practicing yoga with animals may not truly be considered yoga with all its ancient elements, the surge in bookings suggests that it may still be a positive thing if it gets people interested in connecting with their bodies. And perhaps, it is a reminder that we should all respect and embrace the diverse ways in which people choose to explore and experience yoga.
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