Goat Yoga: A Zany, Can’t-Miss Experience

Usually namaste concludes a yoga practice, but when you’re doing goat yoga, baaaamaste just feels more appropriate. As I rolled up my yoga mat, leaning into another friendly goat nuzzle, I silently wondered why I hadn’t tried this before. This zany activity not only had tears of laughter streaming down my face, is also left me utterly relaxed. There’s something about hanging out with adorable, friendly animals that really lifts the spirit.

Goat Yoga?! Huh… What’s that?

You’re probably wondering what the heck is goat yoga? I was too – and that’s precisely why I had to try it! I’m no yogi. I’ve taken exactly one yoga class in my lifetime, but this session at Reverse the Kerrs Farm had no prerequisites. All you need is a sense of humor and a love of animals. Goat Yoga FAQs toward the end of this post.

Goat Yoga: What is it?

Part petting zoo, part yoga class, goat yoga puts you face-to-face with charismatic creatures who are more than happy to be part of the action! These natural-born climbers might join you in a “downward dog” or stop to rest next to your mat. They wander freely between class attendees, clearly eager for the cuddling and head pats they receive.

Yes, it’s a yoga class. But make no mistake – the goats are the main event! Some people just sit on their mats playing with the herd.

Perfect for a girls’ getaway!

Goat yoga has been around for a couple of years, so I’m a bit late to the party. But this exercise craze is still going strong. In fact, it was perfect for a girls’ weekend! Consequently, I headed to Elgin, Illinois to give it a whirl with two of my closest gal pals.

I met Katie and Ruth in my first post-college TV news job. Now, 13 years and 7+ television markets later, we make a point to reunite at least once a year. Goat yoga was an ideal way to have some unexpected, experiential fun together.

This post is not sponsored by Goat Yoga Chicago or Reverse the Kerrs Farm in any way, we simply had such an awesome time, I feel compelled to sing this farms’ praises. If you’re ever in the area I highly recommend it!

First, the farm is gorgeous! It sits on the edge of beautiful wetlands, where you’ll hear birds and wildlife providing a chorus from sunrise to sunset. Reverse the Kerrs has nine goats, plus precious babies. How adorable is this little guy below? All of the goats are genuinely excited to interact with people.

The $35 dollar class includes a half-hour yoga session and “meet-and-greet” with the goats. Basically, it’s a “selfie,” cuddle and photo-session. The animals that seem to enjoy posing as much as the humans! I swear my favorite goat smiled for the camera. The farm owners and yoga instructor were also exceptionally kind and friendly.

Goat Yoga FAQs

• Do the goats smell? Surprisingly no. I totally expected to smell like a barnyard!
• Do they bite? Nope, but they will nibble at your hair, zippers, buttons or earrings. Therefore, the farm discourages earrings/jewelry.
• Do you need to know yoga? Not at all! Goat Yoga Chicago designed this for newbies.
• How many people per class? Class sessions with Reverse the Kerrs are limited to 25 people.
• Do the goats poop on you? Possibly, but their poop comes in small, easy-to-clean pellets. Just brush it off the side of your mat. The farm owners provide you will wet wipes and wash clothes after and during the class.
• Are kids allowed? Children must be over 8-years-old. Those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Have you tried goat yoga? Would you?

Feel free to drop any questions in the comments below!