Suffolk yoga teacher Diana Malone will be starting up her goat yoga sessions again this weekend in Bawdsey.

East Anglian Daily Times: Goat yoga classes in Suffolk. Picture: Diana MaloneGoat yoga classes in Suffolk. Picture: Diana Malone (Image: Archant)

While yoga is something that can be truly beneficial for both the mind and body, it’s not something everyone can get onboard with. Many find it difficult to switch off and find their zen - their mind wandering, getting distracted by even the smallest of things.

But what if getting distracted was half the fun? That’s right, it’s time to do your downward dog a little differently… with goats. This trend is a little different, but its here to namaste!

Experienced Suffolk yoga teacher Diana Malone wasn’t sure about the idea of including four-legged friends into her and her students’ practice at first, but the quirky idea – which started in the USA – soon proved very popular with those who practice (and those who don’t) in the area.

Diana said: “We held our first session in June last year and it was incredible. People who had never done yoga before came and joined in, simply because they had a love for the animals.

East Anglian Daily Times: Goat yoga classes in Suffolk. Picture: Diana MaloneGoat yoga classes in Suffolk. Picture: Diana Malone (Image: Archant)

“The sessions continued through the summer until September and even brought in people from all over the rest of the country, who were on holiday in the county.”

From Skylark Farm in Bawdsey, which is owned by a friend of Diana Emma Aldous, goat yoga classes are set to begin again this spring, starting from Sunday, March 25. Classes are an hour long and cost £10.50 per class.

“I will be holding four goat yoga sessions a month – two Wednesday evening sessions, which will hopefully coincide with sunset) and two Sunday morning sessions.

“As it is also now spring, many baby goats are being born. This means we’ll get to introduce some animals who have only been born a couple of weeks into the classes.”

East Anglian Daily Times: Goat yoga classes in Suffolk. Picture: Diana MaloneGoat yoga classes in Suffolk. Picture: Diana Malone (Image: Archant)

Intrigued by the new trend but think it sounds a little daunting? Fear not. Goats are inquisitive and each have their own personality Diana says, but “we only use female goats as they are kinder and better behaved and we’ll scatter the goat’s feed across the field to keep them moving around.

“You don’t even have to do the yoga really – if you get distracted petting the goats, that’s fine.”

Diana explains both yoga and petting animals release feel good hormones, so however you approach the classes, you’ll likely leave with the same result – feeling relaxed and stress-free.

“Don’t wear your best clothes, and bring your own mat if you have one,” Diana adds. “Also bring with you am open heart and a big smile – although, if you don’t have one at the beginning of the session, you’ll have one by the end, regardless.”

For more information or to book a space on a goat yoga class, visit the DM yoga website.