Have you seen the latest yoga trend...goat yoga. I mean come on, what's that all about!?! You're quietly relaxing into child's pose and before you know it the three Billy goats gruff have hopped onto your back. And don't even get me started on the poo factor...
It got me thinking about what other types of yoga there are out there and boy did it open up a Pandora's box when I typed the words 'unusual yoga' into my search box.
Turns out doing bog standard yoga just isn't hip any more, noooooo, if you want to do yoga it's got to have a theme, something a little bit different and quirky - check these out:
Goat Yoga
Practising yoga with animals is nothing new, Doga - that's dog yoga to us mere mortals - has been around for a good few years now and practitioners proclaim that it helps to nurture their relationship with their precious pooch as well as teaching them to be more relaxed and calm. But goats? The most hectic, energetic creatures known to mankind...really? Apparently doing yoga outside in the company of an animal helps to increase those feel-good hormones, lower anxiety and provide comfort. I reckon a trip to the farm would probably get the same benefits!
And whilst we're on the subject of animals, check out this next one...
Horseback Yoga
Say what!?!
Yep you read that right, it is literally doing yoga on top of a horse. Aside from balance, vertigo and the somewhat small issue of the fact IT'S A HORSE, just think of what it'll do to your core. This one's certainly not for the fainthearted and let's face it, you're gonna have to love horses. Just don't make any sudden movements and make sure you wear a helmet!
Laughter Yoga
I know you might think I'm having a laugh, but seriously, yoga whilst full on belly laughing is apparently a thing and it even has its own name. Hasyayoga basically involves prolonged periods of voluntary laughter, ideally in a group environment where jokes, childish behaviour and lots of eye contact is positively encouraged. Laughter is without doubt one of life's best tonics, but you tell me how on earth you hold a one handed tree pose when guffawing at someone's knock knock joke?!
Beer Yoga
This one's for you chaps, because if there's one thing that'll convince you that yoga isn't a 'woman thing', it's doing yoga down your local with a bottle of beer in hand. The concept originated in Germany and has spread across to the UK where you can now sign up to classes in London. Sounds great, so what's next...Gin Yoga...Wine Yoga... Prosecco Yoga!?!
Tantrum Yoga
Release your inner toddler and have a good old temper tantrum with this out with the negative in with the positive yoga sesh. I've always fancied being that mum who throws herself on the supermarket floor because the kids just won't shut up, and if I can combine it with a bit of fitness at the same time, then I am all over that! The theory goes that by releasing any pent up aggression you will leave the session feeling calm, restored and ready to face your next set of challenges. Beats spending time in the naughty corner anyway!
And this is just a few of them, honestly the list goes on and on and on. There's... couple yoga, dominatrix yoga, disco yoga, rooftop yoga, snow yoga (snow-ga), aerial yoga, paddleboard yoga and even Harry Potter yoga. You name it, I reckon there's a yoga for it. So come on, which one do you fancy giving a whirl?
You can read more from Becky over at The Art of Healthy Living.