The calming influence of baby goats helped yoga enthusiasts “reconnect with nature” as part of a unique fitness workshop held in Suffolk.
Instructor Diana Malone brought her goat yoga classes to the Fit East event held at Trinity Park, near Ipswich, on Saturday - where it proved a big hit with those taking part.
Ms Malone, who started holding goat yoga sessions at Skylark Farm in Bawdsey last year, said it was the first time the classes had been held in a new setting.
“The idea is that we bring yoga and goats together,” she said.
“Both are bringing us a sense of wellbeing.
“Being with animals releases oxytocin, that feel good hormone. If you have pets, you know how that feels.”
She said the goats helped people taking the classes to “reconnect with nature”.
Emma Aldous, who owns the goats at Skylark Farm, said the sessions were good for the animals as well as the people taking the classes.
“The babies were getting bored, so we started doing goat yoga with them,” she said.
“They love interaction with people, they’re friendly, they’re inquisitive. It’s ideal for the goats.”
The classes are suitable for beginners and participants are welcome to follow the instructions, or simply pet the goats as they roam around the field.
DM Yoga holds two goat yoga classes a fortnight on alternate Wednesdays and Sundays.
The sessions have attracted visitors from as far a field as Milton Keynes and Teeside, and have also proved popular with holidaymakers visiting the Suffolk coast.
More recently, Ms Malone, who is also a qualified reiki and thought field therapy instructor, has begun holding corporate sessions and has also booked her first hen party.
The two sessions on Saturday afternoon were held alongside more than 30 other workouts and workshops at the Fit East event.
Visitors to the event were able to sign up for classes ranging from Beatz Fitness, Dancercise and Zumba to Fight Klub and Drum and Bass Workout.
DM Yoga is holding a “Sun Salutation Yoga Practice” for charity next Saturday, July 21, at the FTC Gym in Ipswich in aid of Autisim Suffolk.
Visit DM Yoga for more information.
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