When they’re not producing milk for sought-after soaps, you may find the Ryder Family Farm's happy herd of goats in a yoga class on the farm. In fact, people across the nation are embracing this quirky workout. Chances are, there’s a goat yoga class near you – including in the Land of Lincoln.

The unique practice brings together the proven benefits of yoga and animal-assisted therapy. According to the UCLA People-Animal Connection Program, merely petting an animal promotes relaxation and the release of mood-elevating hormones. (Just try not to giggle when a baby goat climbs on your back during Table Top pose!)

“Goat yoga gets you outside and connects you with animals and nature,” Talina Ryder says. “People want to do a pose and have a baby goat climb on them. It’s a lot of fun.”

Scroll through the slideshow to find out where you may be able to join in a goat yoga session in Illinois:

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Original Goat Yoga

Illinois goat yoga
Photo credit: Facebook/Original Goat Yoga

Cedar Point and Galena

(888) 992-GOAT (4628)

goatyoga.net

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