Goat Yoga – Goods & Goat Market
By: Paul Benevich
Hahaha – I know many people view Goat Yoga as some Crazy Hippy Dippy Stuff, but after trying it, I’m hooked. If you are looking for a unique experience that is loads of fun, then Goat Yoga at Goods & Goat Market in San Juan, Capistrano is a wonderful experience. I was certainly hesitant the first time I tried this, but one time is all it took to make me a lover of this experience. I now take everyone that visits me from another state to this “truly unique experience.” BTW – it is one of the highlights of everyone’s trip.
I always lead with – “Hey, are you up for a crazy California experience that you will talk about for the next year?” I know that this isn’t only in California, but all my friends think it is!
If you’re looking for an experience that includes a ton of laughing and smiles, this is your ticket.
This isn’t a yoga class with a couple of goats that have to be teased on to you. This is a yoga class with almost as many goats as people. Probably the best part of this experience is that the goats look like they are having as much fun in the yoga class as you are.
And fun It Is
This experience attracts a very interesting and outgoing group of adventurers, and everyone we have met during these classes is ready to have a great time. We have invited friends and family members of all ages (from 12 years old to my mom’s age at 80 years old).
Let’s not forget about the goats
All the goats are less than a year old and some are as young as a few weeks old. It’s an experience to see our goat playmates interact with their yoga guests. All backs and shoulders are fair game and wonderful obstacles for the goats. Down Dog and Child Pose are invitations for climbing expeditions. All mats are lined up right next to each other so the goats can easily move from one person to the next and everyone has ample experience to enjoy the goats.
Don’t forget your camera
My favorite pictures are of anyone doing a Warrior Pose with a goat on their shoulders. But the greatest thing is that all pictures involve laughter and pure joy. Loni, who is the owner of this wonderful experience and the “Goat Mom,” suggests that people put their cameras right on their yoga mats so that it is easy to take selfies with their goat guests on their back and shoulders.
Also, non-yoga participating family and friends who prefer to watch are certainly welcome to walk around the yoga class and take pictures. I guarantee you they will have as much fun.
My dad, who is 80 years old, was sitting in a chair in the corner of the outdoor class and even he had a goat jump on his lap. So, he also got to experience the fun.
Goat yoga location
As they say, “Location, Location, Location.” It would be hard to find a more Zen place to do Goat Yoga. Lonie has created a wonderfully inviting environment that is nestled in the hills of San Juan Capistrano surrounded by greenery, plants, and flowers. It is very rustic and removed from the hustle and bustle of the world.
Yoga experience not needed
This class is for all levels of yoga – from novice (first-timers) to advanced.
Make a day of it
I generally like to combine the experience of Goat Yoga with a brunch or a day at the beach.
Please see my brief article on OLD TOWN San Juan Capistrano which is about 5 minutes away as well as my article on San Clemente Beach which is 10 minutes away.
Things to make the experience even more enjoyable:
- Arrive 20 minutes early to interact with everyone and get the lay of the land. This is a farm environment so there are lots to see (several chickens, two awesome dogs that will be excited to greet you, and obviously, lots of goats). This great place is also a market so there are fun things to buy.
- I recommend you wear a long sleeve shirt. The hooves of the goats can scrape you (certainly nothing to worry about) as they jump on and off your back, so it is a little more comfortable to have some cover on your shoulders and arms.
- You will be barefoot in the yoga area. So don’t worry about the type of shoes you have.
- The yoga class is on a dirt floor so expect to get a little dirty.
- Bring your own yoga mat or you can rent one for $5.
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