Puppy yoga? Yes it is a thing! I tried it and here’s my thoughts.
I have seen puppy yoga videos floating around the internet for a few years now from all around the world, so when I found out I could attend a class near me through Puppy Yoga Newcastle who partner with different yoga venues to create yoga classes with puppies I just had to give it a go.
Yes it is as cute as it sounds! What is the purpose of this? The combination of physical and spiritual benefits gives you that mental boost relaxing you through a gentle yoga flow with added serotonin. This also helps to socialise the pups and introduce them to new things.
I attended my first class at Yoga X Life Studios Newcastle in Newcastle and had the pleasure to be accompanied by 6 week old French bulldogs with Puppy Yoga Newcastle. Starting with some puppy play time I had the opportunity to play and take pictures with the puppies. We were not allowed to take anything in the room with us except water bottles and phones for the puppies safety. After initial puppy play time we went into a beginner friendly 40 minute vinyasa flow being very careful to avoid fast movements around the dogs, of course not much yoga happens during this class and I personally would not recommend attending one of these classes if your intentions are for workout purposes only, but if you are looking for something more adventurous this might just be your answer.
With the distraction of these adorable puppies it is hard to say no to them when they wander over for some attention rest assured you will get the occasional interruption to your yoga flow. By the end of the class all of these four-legged fur babies were passed out fast asleep on one of the attendees.
After the yoga portion of the session is complete there is more opportunity for puppy play time and a chance to get polaroid pictures with one or multiple pups which you can keep to remember the class.
After my first class I just had to book more! So I followed @puppyyoganewcastle on social media to keep up to date with all of their upcoming events. They have done classes with adorable Boxer pups and lovable Pomsky’s at Pinetree Health & Fitness in Jesmond which was a pleasure to be able to attend. They have also done classes with litters of cockapoos and dachshunds which you can find on their Instagram.
As someone who practises yoga regularly I have found these sessions to be a nice change that boosted my mood instantly and definitely reduced stress levels. As well as this there is the chance to meet like-minded puppy and yoga lovers.
All of these classes are beginner friendly with various pose options given throughout for more advanced yogis. Depending on the yoga instructor you will be taken through a slow moving vinyasa or yin yang flow to feel the physical benefits of the experience.
How much do these classes cost? Each session for a single person is around £30 covering the cost of the yoga session, puppy play time and Polaroid pictures taken.
The benefits:
Puppy socialisation
There is opportunity for both humans and pups to bond through this experience as well as creating a positive atmosphere the dogs can pick up on.
Boosts physical and mental health
These sessions help to improve flexibility and balance alongside reducing anxiety. It’s a win win!
Entertainment
With all of the benefits of these sessions of course there will be some entertainment, with these adorable young pups, all they want to do is play! There is no doubt some mischief will happen whether it be nibbles, hair pulling on stolen water bottles, there will be lots of laughs just watching these puppies be themselves learning new behaviours.
So would I recommend puppy yoga? Yes absolutely! For someone who struggles with mental health I found this experience to boost my mood and make me feel good physically after the workout. Seeing these cuties are guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
It’s the perfect gift for that friend who wants to try something new or even to spend the day with yourself to benefit your mental wellbeing and meet new people.
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