Published: Thursday, May 23, 2020
SPENCER, Mass. Three little pigs attended a yoga class.
The human companions of the wolves had a great time.
Wilbur, Charlotte, and Bluey are all part of a growing trend in yoga classes that include animals. They add some fun to the normal physical and mental exercises for wellness at a central Massachusetts class.
The piglets, who were snouts of soft pink, darted and walked amongst the yoginis doing downward dog, cobra and crow poses. Two rabbits and Munchie, a goat, searched for the best shoots.
Stacey Delbridge, a retired New Hampshire dentist and her daughter found the experience well worth their nearly two-hour journey to Spencer.
Delbridge smiled jubilantly and said, “The best part about the piglet-yoga was the cuteness of the piglets.” They were funny. You had a wonderful visitor visit you just when you needed to take a break. Yeah. They’re adorable.”
Ashley Bousquet, owner of Beyond Yoga & Wellness in Toronto, teaches piglet Yoga. She says that there is so much demand for the classes that registrations are usually sold out within a few hours.
Bousquet begins the class by encouraging participants to not worry about interrupting their flow to interact with piglets that come from a farm friend.
Bousquet explained, “During class, you will have piglets running around you and causing mischief. They may even be cuddling you. It’s super adorable.”
Amy Finkel was accompanied by her two daughters, who were huddling a rabbit while taking photos of the piglets.
She said that the best part was “seeing them so happy and joyful”. What was the low point? The low point?
Yoga with animals has unexpected benefits. Rebecca Purchase of the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Animal Cruelty-Angell said that if done with shelter dogs, it could even encourage adoptions.
Is yoga stressful for animals who participate? Purchase stated that it can be stressful if the animal is not right. But for animals who thrive around people, and get to socialize with them, it can absolutely be a benefit.
Finkel loves animal yoga. She said that it kept her mind focused. “I am really focused on what is happening around me. In today’s world, I find it very difficult to be focused.
Delbridge replied, “I wanted to just sit with them.” I could have skipped the yoga and just gone piglet. “All piglet.”
Source: ABC News