Have you been wanting to attempt Yoga, yet not certain where to begin? Sense that your pet's looking for something more energising than just everyday walkies? Why not try a new unique experience and introduce Animal Yoga to your routine!
Doga (Dog Yoga)
Show your power and be the leader of the pack with this move. Wag your tail as you stretch those hamstring and calves whilst strengthening your quads and ankles.
1. Beginning on all fours with your hands shoulder-width apart and knees hip-width apart, push both hands firmly into the floor. Ensure both inner elbows are facing each other and set your shoulders over your wrists. Keep your knees behind your sitting bones to maximise the length in both your torso and spine when you move into the position.
2. Curl your toes under, and gradually bring your knees off the floor, bringing them in line with your ankles. Keep your knees bent and at the same time, stretch out your arms to lengthen your torso. Lift your sitting bones to tilt the top of your pelvis forward and keep the natural curvature of your spine.
3. Should your hamstrings start to feel tight then keep a slight bend in the knee to make it more comfortable.
4. Hold for 30 seconds and return
Feline Flexibility (Cat Yoga)
Feline a little stiff? Strengthen your paws, loosen up those hips and lower back with this purr-fect pose.
1. Starting on your hands and knees, breathe out and tuck your tail bone under, round your spine and let your head gently drop
2. Lean into your palms to move your shoulders below your ears and the middle/upper back up
3. Breathe and hold for a few breaths
4. Release or repeat
Equine Excellence (Horse Yoga)
Giddy-up! Feel energised with this move, guaranteed to work the legs, and strengthen your core.
1. Standing straight, spread your feet slightly wider than shoulder-distance with your toes pointing outward
2. Reach your arms overhead while pressing your palms together and take a deep breath.
3. As you exhale, bend your knees 90 degrees and pull hands to chest sliding your shoulder blades downward.
4. Keep your knees pointed over your feet and keep your tailbone tucked under your body. Hold for 30 seconds and breathe.
Graceful Goats (Goat Yoga)
You've Goat to try this move! Nudge away your stress with this pose, stretching the chest, neck, and spine.
1. Lying on your back, bend both knees and place your feet flat on the floor, roughly hip width apart. Place your arms alongside your body with your palms facing downwards. Aim for your fingers to just touch your heels.
2. Press your feet into the floor, take a deep breath and bring your hips up, gently rolling your spine off of the ground
3. Press down with your arms and shoulders to bring your chest up whilst engaging glutes and legs to bring the hips higher
4. Breathe gently and hold for 10 seconds, slowly lowering the spine back to the ground
The Do's
•Do take care that the animal is comfortable
•Do ensure they are not nervous
•Do keep materials to one side should you need to clean up after them
•Do make sure your location is calm, relaxed and won't scare them
The Don'ts
•Don't force the animal to do anything it can't or doesn't want to do
•Don't push the animal too hard
•Don't get stressed if the animal becomes a distraction
•Don't attend classes or events if you suspect the animal may be subject to harm
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