Goat Yoga Is Real, And Now You Can Do It In Newtown

NEWTOWN, PA — Yes, goat yoga is a thing and now you can do it right here in Newtown.

Nammaaaste Goat Yoga and Organnons Natural Market have partnered to provide goat yoga at Carousel Village. Classes, offered for both adults and families, are held at the shopping village off Rt. 413.

So what exactly is goat yoga, and what are the benefits of mingling with these farm animals in such a setting?

It's simple, explains Eileen Bowden of Nammaaaste Goat Yoga: The premise behind goat yoga is adding animal and laughter therapy to enhance one's yoga practice. "Studies on animal and laughter therapy have shown animals have a measurable effect on our physiology," she explained in an email to Patch.

Because seriously, who can look at a face like this and not smile:

Bowden, who lives on a farm in Pipersville with her family and goats, said Namaaaste Goat Yoga strives to provide small class sizes and plenty of baby goats. Their yoga instructors are all certified and there are goat handlers in every class. Participants can interact with the baby goats in various ways throughout class, she said.

Not only is goat yoga cute, fun, and relaxing, but it's also good for your heath, Bowden says.

"Interacting with animals (sometimes just observing animals) will have a positive effect on the immune system by reversing the stress response with lowered levels of cortisol, lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels; reducing anxiety and depression; improving sleeping habits, memory and mobility; and increasing survival rates after life-threatening diseases," she said.

Specifics on class schedules and pricing can be found on Eventbrite. Carousel Village is located at 591 Durham Rd, Newtown.

Image via Patch