It's the latest fitness craze people can't get enough of: yoga with goats. Now the workout has made its way to Northeast Ohio.
Downs on the Farm, a non-profit organization, located in Amherst, is hosting the classes for adults and families. The instructor, Tanna Torkelson, said spots in the classes filled up within just a few days of the announcement.
"Adults like to have fun and I don't think we plan good fun for ourselves as often," Torkelson said. "And [eople like yoga. Yoga is something everybody can kind of make time for because we all need it."
YOGA WITH GOATS.
Yep, it's now being offered here in NEO. But @downsonthefarm offers so much more. I'll have details in just a few mins. pic.twitter.com/4f37xwvvyc— Meg Shaw (@MegDShaw) May 24, 2017
She also blamed Facebook for its popularity. "Everybody wants to do it. It's almost a novelty on that aspect," Torkelson said.
Some of the footage that didn't make air this morning.
Yoga with goats is awesome & you should try it. @WEWS pic.twitter.com/2dknx0jkIo— Meg Shaw (@MegDShaw) May 24, 2017
The organization also said the workout also provides relief for people dealing with stress.
The classes are kept to the most basic yoga poses to ensure everyone is able to participate. But it's not all work. Participants are also encouraged to snuggle with the goats.
But Downs on the Farm was created with a much bigger purpose.
Shawna Hodges and her husband David began the farm in 2010 after they gave birth to a son with Downs Syndrome.
The organization offers activities and classes for children with special needs or disabilities while also adopting neglected farm animals.
"We learned quickly that animals were therapeutic for kids with special needs but we also learned it came with a high price tag," Hodges said. "So we wanted to be able to offer that to everyone without having the high cost."
Hodges said the farm is also a place for parents to come to take a break.
"I really think it's just about support. Just listening to one another, sharing stories. You're not in this alone," Hodges said. "We have to connect with one another. Life is hard, you know, and we need to journey through it together supporting each other."
Click here for more information about yoga with goats.
