The way I see this season is that I am up for my own journey of exploring some of the most unique fitness classes and revealing the true facts about these classes. We will kick things off with Puppy Yoga. Yes, you heard it correctly, it’s yoga with puppies and it’s a one-time event of happiness overdose for everyone included.
Both my favorite activities – a good yoga practice and the company of dogs – made me feel like I was living my dream. Therefore, the minute I found out about a class that promised me both, I knew nothing could stop me from getting there. See, I wanted to share with you the exact way of being in a 60-minute yoga session trying to focus on what was happening with the dogs all over me—really.
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So, Puppy Yoga Is Exactly What?
If you can imagine a tiny, warm studio and several eight- to eleven-week-old puppies that are flippant, sleepy, and exploring there, then you are currently doing a simple yoga routine. That’s the main idea of a puppy yoga class.
The crew explains to the participants in the pre-session the proper techniques to engage and be safe with the animals. You do not interfere with their sleep if they nap. When they are in the mood for a hug, it is the best thing ever — however, remember to always respect their personal space. Additionally, all mats come equipped with toys so you can attract the little guys even more, for the inquisitive noses.
The part of the class which pertains to the yoga practice is really gentle and is in the design of a beginner’s workout, but let’s be real here, we are not in the picturesque poser business. The real charm is co-starring with real dogs.
What I Felt During My Visit To Puppy Yoga Class
We Kick-off with Puppy Safety 101
Not a single puppy foot had yet touched the floor, and we went through the ways of holding them correctly and when to allow them to have some spaces. It was soothing to witness how the caregivers ensured each and every puppy’s happiness and a growing experience free from anxiety.
Realizing the fact that these dogs came from local, high-class breeders and that the company gives back to shelters made me feel even better. It was evident that animal well-being was the top priority, and that not only eased my mind but made the whole experience more enjoyable.
It Was Really Yoga…in a Way
We did some yoga actually. Our trainer guided us through some simple stretches, seated twists, and beginner-friendly flows. But let’s face it – among the puppy cuddles, the playful bites, and the irresistible cuteness, the yoga quickly fell into the background.
And, to be precise, I was very happy about that. Although we did only a few poses, the whole session felt extremely mindful. Studies have proven that interacting with animals can reduce your cortisol levels, slow down your heart rate, and even increase oxytocin – the so-called “love hormone” that gives rise to feelings of happiness and relaxation.
The Puppies Were Totally Adorable
There are a few words that can actually describe what it looks like to have a few little labrador retriever pups climbing all over you during the session of yoga nidra. I was privileged enough to visit the “labrador day,” and these little cuties were snuggling and exploring all the time.
The puppies would pretty quickly become tired and lay down for some rest on our yoga mats – and occasionally on top of us. The atmosphere resulted in one of my most serene moments in ages.
A Genuine Mental Health Uplift
The aftermath of leaving the session left me feeling more pleasurable, tranquil, and pure inside. Animal-assisted therapy is not just a trend, it seeks to connect us with our very basic biological functions. Human-animals interaction can stimulate your parasympathetic nervous system triggering your body to drop down from the alert-mode to the calm state.
Being someone who generally deals with anxiety, the class was a therapeutic, not just fun, experience for me. The calmness followed me all the way after the session was over, reminding me truth that the most excellent treatment is not always a pill or a conventional workout— it is something accompanied by floppy ears and wagging tails.
Should You Try a Puppy Yoga Class?
Undeniably. However, you should make an effort to find studios at least a little bit. Studios where animal welfare is of utmost importance — where puppies are sourced abstemiously, socialization is not left out, and a share of the income goes to shelters –are the ones to look for.
What are some of these good signs? Besides how few students in the class, there are also such areas where puppies can have a rest, strict and informed instructions about how to hold the animals, and an open dialogue with breeders or rescue groups being the norm.
It was not the case that I appeared too skilled in my attempt to pull off an accomplished downward dog during my puppy yoga lesson; however, I found the experience highly beneficial – if not the ultimate combination of benefits of a full heart, a relaxed mind, and an extra dose of feel-good hormones that it was. It’s something that since gentle movement, mindfulness, and pure joy merges into the class, is hard to be imitated by other fitness classes.
Would I be in for the next time? Without any second thoughts. Would the response be equally positive if I could have taken home a puppy at the same moment? Yes, still.
Assuming you need a method to de-stress, to get a good mood, and to be able to steal some of your workout amidst all, give a try to a puppy yoga class, which will surely be your new favorite!
