By: Trends Desk | New Delhi | Published: June 22, 2020 1:44:33 pm The viral video impressed many on social media. (Picture credit: Twitter/ANI)

A video of people practising aqua yoga in the Palk Strait in Rameswaram on the occasion of International Yoga Day is making the rounds of the internet.

The video tweeted out by news agency ANI on June 21 shows two men floating in the water and performing various yoga asanas.

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The viral video impressed many on social media. Take a look at some of the reactions here:

Due to the coronavirus, the sixth International Day of Yoga was marked on digital media platforms without mass gatherings with the theme Yoga at Home and Yoga with Family.

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Watch: Men perform asanas in the sea as part of International Yoga Day - The Indian Express

Neha Kirpal

This International Day of Yoga, well-known yoga expert and bestselling author Ira Trivedi cannot emphasise enough the benefits of practising regular yoga for both adults and children, especially during the coronavirus lockdown.

Its really amazing during the lockdown because one doesnt need much space. All you need is a yoga mat. For most other activities, you usually need a ground, ball, field, gym or treadmill. Its very important to strengthen our immune system and respiratory system at this time, and yoga can help achieve both of these for both kids and adults, says the yoga acharya who won the Devi Award in 2015 for dynamism and innovation, and, the same year, led the first international yoga day celebrations in New Delhi that created the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest yoga class in the world.

Named by BBC among its list of the 100 most influential women in the world, Ira is also the founder of Namami Yoga, a not-for-profit organisation that supports underprivileged children and women in India. Namami Yoga does a lot of free yoga classes in the mornings in various public parks. They started in the Lodi Garden and Nehru Park in Delhi, and have also done some in Gurgaon. According to Ira, the response has been great. When you do yoga in a public space, even people around you get inspired, she says.

Recently, Ira also curated and launched Indias first online wellness festival called Being Yoga, which had some of Indias best speakers on wellness and health come together and inspire people. The festival also raised money for Covid-19. Ira plans to continue Being Yoga, while choosing various charities and bringing together well-known speakers to come and curate more online festivals around health, wellness, yoga and spirituality.

Apart from this, Ira also has her own yoga app called Ira Yoga meant for people who spend a lot of time on their desk. The app consists of short five-minute yoga asanas for the neck, back, shoulders and eyes easy for anyone to do anytime. Apart from that, the app also has meditation and breathing modules.

Before her metamorphosis into a yoga guru, Ira authored books such as What Would You Do to Save the World? (Penguin Books, 2006) and Theres No Love on Wall Street (Penguin Books, 2011) and even won the UK Media Award for the best investigative article dealing with bride trafficking in India.

Iras landmark book India in Love: Marriage and Sexuality in the 21st Century (Aleph Book Company, 2014) explored how the nation that gave the world the Kama sutra has now become a closed, repressed society with a shockingly high incidence of rape and violence against women. Her biggest finding in this regard was that there has been a huge sexual revolution in India in the recent past, and that sexual relationships and marriage in India have changed more in the past two decades than in the past several centuries.

The act of sex always remains the same. What changes is how we connect sex to our own individuality. That has changed a lot in the past 20 years in India, she says.

In 2018, Ira also shared her #MeToo stories about Suhel Seth and Chetan Bhagat (against whom she also filed a defamation case). She says she was compelled to speak up in order to support all the women who had spoken up.

I knew personally many women who had suffered under their hands, and as a public figure, I felt it was my duty to step up and say that yes, these men are like this, and this is a movement where women are coming up and speaking about their issues. And if women like me who are public voices do not speak up, then I am doing a disgrace to women around me. Because this is a movement, and if women dont support each other, then who will? she reasons.

Ira is now bringing together her love for writing and yoga with her new book Om the Yoga Dog: Fun and Easy Asanas for Happy Kids (Puffin, 2020). The idea behind the book came about when Ira was experimenting with interesting ways to teach underprivileged children yoga with her NGO. It was at that point that she observed her own dog doing yoga. So, she decided to teach the kids yoga using a fun dog character called the Yoga Dog.

We named the dog Om, because its a beautiful sound energy. I also thought it would be a nice way to constantly keep repeating Om through the day, which is a sacred energy, she explains.

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Editors Note: This story is part of the 50 Businesses, 50 Solutions series that aims to highlight how business leaders have adapted to meet the challenges and disruptions caused by the novel coronavirus in the hopes others may be able to replicate these ideas and innovations

Child Light Education Company is the rare pandemic success story. Before coronavirus, the business ran about 80 in-person teacher trainings for yoga and mindfulness, both at its Dover studio and in partner studios around the country. Since April, Child Light has switched to all online trainings. Since the trainings are not limited by a physical space, people from around the world can attend and the average class size has doubled in some cases. That means for Child Light Education Company, business isbetter than ever.

Its been overwhelmingly successful, said Megan Morris, who co-owns Child Light with Sally Delisle.

Morris and Delisle purchased the company in October, although both had worked for the business before then. At the time, Morris thought of Child Light as a local business with a national reach, since about 85% of revenue came from teacher trainings, many of which took place outside of Dover. Now, Morris thinks of Child Light as a national business, with an international flair. Since the pandemic, people from Asia and the Middle East have signed up for Child Light classes.

Broadening their pool of potential clients has opened the door for the business to expand. Child Light will conduct roughly the same amount of trainings this year as it did in 2019 about 80 but with the number of participants up and the price of training the same, Morris expects revenue from private trainings to be higher than it was last year.

Morris and Delisle had toyed with the idea of offering virtual teacher trainings before the pandemic, but they worried that some of the value of face-to-face interaction would be lost. In April, they looked at their calendar and realized that they needed to either cancel trainings, or switch to virtual.

We never really took the leap to online until we had to, Morris said. The trainers were able to adjust their curriculums and feedback was very positive. After that, Morris and Delisle were confident in their virtual trainings.

Having the space to be creative and see what was possible for our future was a blessing, Morris said. Its what allowed us to see the big picture in a different way.

Child Light offers certification through the Yoga Alliance, a trade organization that doesnt allow for virtual trainings. The Yoga Alliance made an exception through September because of the pandemic, but in the future Child Light will likely return to some in-person classes, especially if thats required by the Yoga Alliance. However, Morris believes online classes will be a bit part of the business during and after the pandemic.

Theres still so much value in being together in person, but it will always be part of our curriculum that people have the option to learn online, Morris said.

In addition to offering public trainings, Child Light also runs continuing education trainings for school teachers. That side of the business has decreased significantly, even though Child Light has offered some of those classes online. Because of that decrease. Morris expects overall revenue to be consistent with 2019.

Thats what is keeping us around the same range, she said. Were adding more public trainings, but the private trainings are much lower.

Child Lights participation in online yoga classes for kids has also decreased. Kids short attention spans, parentsoverwhelmed with online obligations, and competition from free online yoga are all at play, Morris said.

Morris has some reservations celebrating her success when many other New Hampshire businesses are suffering.

Thats the part thats hard for me to reconcile, she says. In turn, shes tried to give back, supporting other local businesses and helping to promote causes like Yoga In Action, a New Hampshire non-profit.

At the same time, Morris is focused on continuing to grow Child Light Educational Company, taking advantage of a newly unlocked pool of potential customers.

I know this has been earned, she said. This is hard work paying off.

From sole proprietorships to large corporations, we want to hear from all New Hampshire business leaders whove found solutions to their Covid related challenges. Tell us your story here. A reporter may follow up for a future article in this series.

These articles are being shared by partners in The Granite State News Collaborative. For more information visit collaborativenh.org.

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50 Businesses, 50 Solutions: Dover yoga instruction goes from national to international - Concord Monitor

Given our current stay-at-home orders, establishing an at-home yoga practice is no longer an afterthought for yogis, its necessary. Whether

Given our current stay-at-home orders, establishing an at-home yoga practice is no longer an afterthought for yogis, its necessary. Whether its self-guided or online, yoga students have been forced to roll out their mats at home. And for good reason.

Practicing yoga regularly is a lifestyle choice that can help boost your immune system by keeping your body lean, flexible and pain free. Yoga also helps with memory and mental health problems such as depression and anxiety, which could surface for anyone during this time of uncertainty.

While a home yoga practice is a game-changer for your health, there are certain dangers to be aware of as you develop your home yoga routine.

[READ: How to Maintain a Yoga Practice at Home.]

Here are the most common at-home yoga mistakes and how to fix them:

Mistake: Looking up During Poses and Compressing Your Neck

Why it happens: In an effort to follow your teachers instructions while practicing at home, youll be tempted to look up at your screen. Besides checking your alignment, you may find yourself continuously looking up to see if your technology is working correctly. Its the most common misalignment during live classes at home. This torques on the back of your neck, especially if its done suddenly. While it may seem slight, it could be detrimental for your shoulders and neck in poses where you should be looking down, such as down dog, standing forward-fold, pyramid, pigeon and seated forward-folds.

Solution: Practice yoga at home with teachers whom you already know using online apps like Zoom. Because youre familiar with their cues and perhaps even the way they modulate their voice, it will help prevent you from looking up and hurting your neck. Listen to the instructors cues and follow along carefully. Most experienced teachers will say the name of the pose before they give you refinements.

Trust your experience but have an open mind, knowing that every teacher is different. During class, when you need to see the teacher on your screen, take your time and lift your whole torso as you look up. Make sure your neck is always in line with your spine. Place your device where its easy to see while you practice. Somewhere about three feet off the ground, ten feet away and facing the side-edge of your mat. Trust your technology is working and practice letting go of checking on it obsessively.

[Read: Best Fitness Apps and Home Workouts.]

Mistake: Pushing Yourself Beyond Whats Healthy

Why It Happens: Overexerting yourself during a home yoga routine is a common and costly mental-error, especially if youre an experienced student. Seasoned practitioners find that their physical practice plateaus more easily, even while they have a strong desire to advance. If youre in this category, you may become overzealous and your ego can cloud your judgment.

It happens when you disregard safety landmarks or push yourself while youre short of breath. Ignoring physical pain to achieve a pose is another common misstep. All of these scenarios are more likely to happen while youre practicing at home without a teacher present to keep you honest.

Solution: The most important tool in your yoga practice is your breath. It is a built-in gauge to make sure you are not forcing yourself into poses. Always breathe deeply in and out through your nose. It should be intentional, but it shouldnt be harsh. The person next to you shouldnt be able to hear it. Its OK to exhale out your mouth if you find yourself clenching your jaw or if youre pushing your limits. But if you cannot breathe deeply, come out of the pose and re-establish your expansive breathing technique. When it comes to physical pain, move slowly and always trust your intuition. Even if it means going against what the teacher is instructing.

[SEE: What to Expect at Your First Yoga Class.]

Mistake: Not Challenging Yourself Enough to Keep Your Practice Rewarding

Why it happens: When you are left to your own devices at home, it is challenging to stay motivated. Without an instructor to encourage you or hold you to a certain standard of effort, you may become complacent. This is more prevalent with beginners. You may find that you attempt certain poses with a healthy work-ethic while others are more of an afterthought. It could become such a bad habit that you only practice the poses you enjoy and neglect the ones you dislike, but need to do. This leads to bigger problems like physical asymmetries, tightness and injuries.

Solution: Consider enrolling in a yoga course or live classes. Almost all yoga teachers have started teaching online since the pandemic started. If youre taking live classes, set-up your camera so that your teacher can see you and give you tips and support. Teachers usually mix-up their sequences frequently enough, so that within a months time, youll attempt a variety of poses. If you have to practice without any guidance, go through a weekly focus of poses. I generally cycle through sequences that target hips, hamstrings, twists and shoulder openers or backbends.

Mistake: Allowing Interruptions

Why it happens: If you do not organize your day to accommodate for your yoga practice, distractions will inevitably derail you. Whether its your kids, phone, tablet or computer, theres many ways that your technology-saturated life pulls you away from what you want to get accomplished. Without a reserved time and space for your home yoga practice, other seemingly more urgent things take precedence over taking care of yourself.

Solution: Create an uninterrupted home yoga experience by planning ahead. Establish a morning yoga routine, so you minimize the chance that something will change your schedule. Reverse-engineer your day around your yoga practice. Set out your yoga clothes and mat the night before, eat dinner earlier, get to bed earlier and wake up earlier to ensure you get your practice in. Designate a separate area for yoga, free of technology. If you are using a device to take a class, then that is its designated purpose for that time. Keep all of your other devices in a different room or shut them off all together, so you are not tempted to look at them. Even if you only have time for a 15-minute yoga session, commit to getting it done without stepping off your mat for the entire time.

Mistake: Inconsistency

Why it happens: When youre not in a community, its difficult to hold yourself accountable. Without a social or financial commitment, theres often not enough at stake for you to stick with your practice.

Solution: Join a class that meets up regularly and invite a friend to go with you. Invest in a monthly pass to an online live class or pre-recorded course. Yoga International offers many quality courses with a variety of teachers and styles to choose from. Sign-up for or establish a 30-day yoga challenge to keep you focused and excited to practice. Most importantly, take the time to acknowledge that youre worth the time and effort spent to keep yourself healthy and happy. Stick with your home yoga practice, and you will see profoundly positive effects on your mental and physical health.

More from U.S. News

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Common At-Home Yoga Mistakes and How to Avoid Them originally appeared on usnews.com

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Common At-Home Yoga Mistakes and How to Avoid Them - WTOP

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Yoga, often brushed off as easy by people who enjoy more intense forms of exercise, actually holds the power to change your whole life: A consistent yoga practice can significantly reduce aches and pains, improve balance and flexibility, improve your fitness, keep your brain sharp, relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety, reduce stress, help you sleep better and, unsurprisingly, considering those benefits, improve your overall quality of life.

If you've been thinking about starting a yoga practice but feel too intimidated, don't be: Yoga is for everyone. Big or small, young or old, flexible or not, you can do yoga -- and you can do it in the comfort of your own home.

Having yoga tools and props can help you get started, but know that you don't necessarily need any of these items to cultivate a yoga practice at home. For that, all you truly need is yourself -- think of the items on this list as tools that can strengthen your yoga practice and make it something you look forward to each and every day.

This is the one thing you actually do need. Whereas the rest of the list serves as a guide to tools that can make yoga more fun or relaxing, a quiet, uncluttered space is necessary for a distraction-free yoga flow.

Your space can be indoors or out, cold or warm, decorated or bare, but one thing remains essential: Your space should help you relax. You should feel at home wherever you decide to do yoga. Set it up in a way that fosters focus and comfort for the entirety of your yoga flow.

While you can do yoga on any surface, a good yoga mat may make all the difference. This is especially true for people who struggle with achy bones or joint pain: A dense yoga mat can support and cushion your body while still offering support and stability. To learn how to choose the right yoga mat for you and browse some of the best, head over to CNET's guide on the best yoga mats in 2020.

Yoga blocks are a must for anyone who struggles with limited flexibility or range of motion. Place these foam blocks beneath your hands, chest, hips or back -- wherever it makes sense for the pose -- to help get into position.

You can find yoga blocks all over the internet. Most companies that sell yoga mats also sell yoga blocks: Gaiam, Manduka, B Yoga, Yoga Hustle and many other yoga brands sell branded blocks. Other online retailers stock them, too: Find some at Amazon, Yoga Direct, Walmart, Target and YogaOutlet.

Gaiam's yoga blocks are simple and durable yet aesthetic. They're also affordable, making them a great choice for the everyday yogi.

Another great yoga prop for improving flexibility is yoga straps. A yoga strap, like this one from Manduka, hooks around your feet or ankles to assist in poses that require a wide range of motion, particularly in poses that open up the hamstrings, hips and upper back.

A yoga strap can help beginners avoid the common mistake of trying to force themselves into a pose their bodies aren't ready for, thereby assisting in injury prevention and establishing good yoga technique. Even people who have long had a yoga practice can find benefit in a strap, especially when trying to branch out into more advanced poses.

Tend to slip all over your mat during yoga sessions? You may benefit from a yoga towel, which wicks sweat as you practice, preventing your hands and feet from slipping around. An extremely grippy mat usually cuts it for most people, but for some, no amount of nonslip mat material will do the trick.

A yoga towel is a thin, moisture-wicking piece of material that's about the same size as most yoga mats. You simply place it on top of your mat before you practice and you're good to go. Some yoga towels are thick enough to replace a mat, but most are not.

Like yoga blocks, you can find yoga towels at most retailers that sell yoga and wellness gear. Amazon has a nice selection, as do Walmart and Yoga Outlet.

No more shivering in savasana: A cozy blanket is the cherry on top of your at-home yoga practice. Keep one nearby your dedicated yoga space so you can slip under it when it's time to end your practice in savasana, or corpse pose, the act of slowly relaxing your body one joint at a time.

You can also use your at-home yoga space for deep breathing practice or meditation, both of which are great complements to yoga. Any blanket will do as long as you find it comfortable, but many yoga brands have their own blankets for sale, such as Kakoas, Lotus Crafts and Open Road Goods.

A bolster pillow can support your body during restorative yoga, particularly during flows that include a lot of supine (upward-facing) floor poses. A yoga bolster is basically a support pillow but firmer and usually closer to the size of a full-body pillow. Like yoga straps, a yoga pillow can help you sink deeper into postures without compromising form. It can also be your pillow for an afternoon nap -- hey, it's your home yoga studio, so anything goes. Yoga Direct, YogaOutlet and YogaAccessories all have a big selection of yoga bolsters.

You wouldn't go out for a run or hit the weights in workout clothes you hate, so don't try to practice yoga in clothes you hate, either. Good yoga clothes are stretchy, cool, moisture-wicking, comfortable and somewhat form-fitting -- you don't want your shirt slipping over your head in a forward bend.

There's no need to buy yoga pants that cost upward of $100. In fact, you can find inexpensive but high-quality workout or yoga clothes from many stores online. What you have in your closet already will probably work, too. Start there and treat yourself to some new yoga clothes when you're sure you'll stick to a practice.

Starting yoga at home can feel intimidating and overwhelming. If you're not quite sure where to start, consider using an at-home yoga app or at least following along with some yoga videos on YouTube. You can find many yoga apps out there for free, but a premium subscription might be worth the money if you're really ready to commit to an at-home yoga practice.

Here are some yoga apps I love:

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.

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How to do yoga at home: What you need and what you don't - CNET

Throughout a yoga session, youre bound to hear certain phrases each and every time you flow (the best of which is come down into savasana). One instruction yoga instructors commonly use involves taking your gaze to a specific point. As it happens, the position of your eyes in yoga is about as important as where you position your body parts in a pose. Its called a drishti gaze, and its a tactic that improves your practice.

In Sanskrit yoga terms, its called drishti, which is a focal point where youre bringing your focus, says Haley Steinhauser, a New York City-based yoga instructor. This focal point supports everything from your balance, alignment, focus, and concentration, according to Jordan Ashley, founder of Souljourn Yoga. When you use your vision with intent, it indicates to the rest of the body how the shape should follow, she says.

When you use your vision with intent, it indicates to the rest of the body how the shape should follow. Jordan Ashley, Souljourn Yoga

The drishti gaze helps you in every pose that you hold, but youll really notice its effects when youre balancing. Ashley points to tree pose as one example of this. If you are balancing on one leg, like in tree pose, the gaze needs to be focused at something that isnt moving, she says. So by zeroing in your vision with one focal point, it boosts your concentration and gives you something tangible to focus on while the body adjusts, she explains.

The same happens during crow posewith a gaze towards the floor, your head will follow, which can lead to a tumble. But if your eyes are focused slightly forward, then the body is informed to keep shifting the weight into your fingers. The gaze helps to ground and root these poses, leading to better overall balance.

From an alignment standpoint, where your eyes are looking signifies how the rest of your body settles into a pose, as well. If youre doing a backbend like cobra pose, dropping your vision down forces your entire head, neck, and spine to slump, says Ashley. So by looking forward and slightly up, it will encourage a chest and heart opener to occur. So where you focus your eyesight turns your head, and your body will unfurl and twist more properlyand often more deeplyinto the pose that youre holding.

And its important to remember that your drishti is key on a mental level just as much as a physical one. With yoga, you think about movement and breath, but when you begin to bring in focus with your eyes, it allows you to connect those two components even more, says Steinhauser. During all of the movement in a yoga class, your mind can easily start drifting and your eyes tend to shift around the room. If youre able to focus your eyesight, thats the gateway of bringing your attention inward.

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Emily Schmookler, master trainer with CorePower Yoga, adds that your thoughts follow your gaze: If our eyes wander, then our thoughts will wander, which takes us out of the experience. Having somewhere to put your gaze will keep you present in your body and it helps unite the mind through movement, she says. Next time you step onto your mat,watch (ahem) how the position of your eyes can enhance your flow.

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How the position of your gaze improves your yoga practice in so many ways - Well+Good

SANTA MONICAOn March 15, 2020, Inclusive Yoga, a yoga class geared towards individuals with disabilities offered at The Center Method in Santa Monica was put on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic. In an effort to maintain the benefits of the course, yoga instructor David Smith, 30 turned to online platforms as a way to continue both teaching and learning from his students.

By utilizing technology, video conferencing and facetime, Smith says, we are able to bridge the unexpected gap between us and feel connected again. The hour long class is specifically designed for teens and adults with special needs. In the course students learn to meditate, breathe, practice yoga postures and most importantly relax. Students are now able to experience the benefits of the course in the comfort of their own home.

Sherry Alvarez, the Mother of a yoga student said, I am really grateful that my son (who happens to have autism) has been able to continue his yoga sessions during this trying time. His yoga sessions create a moment of normalcy, allows him the opportunity to regulate his body, relieve some of the stress hes feeling during this time. Its extremely important that he has access to the people in his life that encourage his cognitive, spiritual, and mental growth. Hes always in a better space after his yoga session.

Yoga has countless benefits for all individuals, including and especially those with disabilities. These benefits include; increased social-communication skills, awareness and expression of emotions, reduced anxiety, reduction in challenging behaviors, increased body awareness, and most importantly a positive sense of self.

The Los Angeles local, originally from Boston, has worked as a behavioral therapist since 2014. In the Summer of 2019, Smith traveled to Karpathos, Greece to earn his yoga teacher certificate. When he returned to his home in Los Angeles, he worked hard at combining his passions and started offering yoga classes to individuals with disabilities.

The Center Method is a one-stop wellness facility that inspires people to gain back control over their emotions, bodies, and lives by advancing and connecting self, families and community. The owner of The Center Method, Nicole Moore graciously stepped in to provide a space and opportunity for Inclusive Yoga to grow. For more information on classes currently offered online through The Center Method in Santa Monica, go to thecentermethod.com. To learn more about Inclusive Yoga classes, e-mail BeGoodDoChange@gmail.com.

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Yoga Class For Individuals With Disabilities Moves Online - LA Canyon News

Motivating kids to do homework has been a challenge during the pandemic, so Gilberts Arizona Goat Yoga helped by offering virtual tours for classes to meet yoga goats, alpacas and chickens.

I have three kids of my own and I see how hard it is now that school is online to get motivated to really do it, said Arizona Goat Yoga owner April Gould. I was trying to think of a way that we might be able to help and so we decided to do virtual field trips and that has been so much fun.

Gould takes teachers and students around the Gilbert farm to show them the animals daily lives. The farm has 58 goats, 19 of whom are babies, two alpacas and six chickens.

Goat Yoga expects to reopen June 6 for in-person field trips, though Gould said the online versions will continue because they have become a hit in and of themselves. Her first two online sessions next month are already full as are the first two in-person field trips.

We are so excited, said Gould. Its already full, so we will be adding more and taking all precautions and recommendations from the CDC and Governor Doug Ducey.

We will also be continuing virtual goat yoga classes, Zoom field trips/birthday parties, alpaca meetings and Goat Grams... so there is still plenty to do for those who are not ready to go out or anyone out of state who cant attend a class.

The pandemic kept the farm from hosting goat yoga, during which baby goat parade in rainbow tutus, prance around at guests feet and run across their backs.

Its really sad right now that were not able to do goat yoga because we have so many babies who need lots of love and attention and human interaction, Gould said. Its unfortunate for them that theyre not getting a lot of human interaction from hundreds of in-person people.

During a field trip I just walk around and show the animals and talk about them and then theres a lot of Q&A, Gould said. I get questions as simple as, What is their name? to How long do they live? A lot of questions are super cute.

According to Gould, some teachers asked their students to research the animals first and then they discuss what theyve learned with the class. This makes the experience both fun and educational.

The kids were coming back with all these facts about alpacas that I didnt even know, which is pretty neat, Gould said.

Gould said the virtual field trips, which were free for teachers, were well received.

The best thing for me is seeing the kids having fun and it being so different for them, Gould said. As soon as we get on, all I hear is, Aww. I just love the excitement of the kids.

Teachers thanked Gould for breaking up the monotony of their new everyday life having school online.

Since its virtual its fantastic because you can do it anywhere, Gould said. Kids can get to see not only the goats and alpacas and things like that, but they also get to see another place in the United States of what life is like right now in Gilbert.

Besides the teachers free field trips, guests can visit virtually for 10 minutes for $35; have a customizable goat gram for $35 or a 30-minute alpacalypse conference call for $75. The conference call brings alpacas Kip or Napoleon to virtual business meetings for 30 meetings.

Ive been getting a lot of requests for birthday parties, which is a whole new level, Gould said. Im excited for that because, apparently, virtual birthday parties are going to be kind of the thing for right now.

Gould is anxiously awaiting her first goat breakup gram customer. The goat comes online with a sign that reads, We can still be frieeeends.

Im super excited for it when that day comes, Gould said. Let a goat break up and do all the dirty work. It makes the let down a lot easier that way.

Aside from the fun, Gould and her team had a tough time through the pandemic.

For us, like many small businesses, it really hurts, Gould said. Our whole business is based on a lot of people in close gatherings, everything that were not allowed to do right now.

Its been really tough on us, but also really hard on the animals. I know that sounds funny, but the goats are getting really depressed. Theyre not used to just grazing and being bored.

The animals are still playing, sleeping, eating and nursing throughout the day as if they were still doing goat yoga without an audience.

As for continuing the online trips, she said, I think its just become a new creative thing and maybe keeping it on going for the people out of state or out of the country.

I think it would be so neat to have a virtual tour or field trip to see somewhere different and this kind of opened up a door for new ideas in that aspect.

Information: 480-269-4144, goatyoga.com, owner@goatyoga.com

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Goat Yoga now has real and virtual field trips - East Valley Tribune

Pandemic or not, goat yoga is coming back to Lancaster County.

This summer, the outdoor classes will be half the size, giving more space to for mask-wearing yogis plus bouncing baby goats.

Since they started in 2018, goat yoga sessions have been a popular addition to Amish Farm and House, for both tourists and locals. They even brought in celebrities like Our Lady J, from "Pose" and "Transparent."

Because of the state shut-down, the site closed in mid-March and reopened Friday, June 5.

Initially, staff werent sure about what would happen at the attraction over the summer, says Jamie Burkhart, the sites social media and events coordinator. As they learned more about the safety of outdoor activities, they decided to offer yoga with baby goats again.

After all of this happened, we realized that everyones dealing with a lot more stress and anxiety than normal, Burkhart says. Goat yoga is way too much fun.

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The yoga classes will star seven sets of siblings: Pip and Squeak; Forrest and Bubba; Rocky and Rambo; Marky and Luke; Gizmo and Gadget; Leah and Jaxson plus Enzo and Echo.

(Story continues below photos.)

Bubba (left) and Forrest (right) are siblings.

They were named by Jeni, a 3-year-old who is a frequent visitor to the farm.

These brothers are Luke (black) and Marky (brown). They are named after a staff member's grandchildren.

Luke (and his brother Marky) were thefirst newborns of the year on the farm.

Marky (and his brother Luke) were born overnight in late April. The next morning they were joined by two more baby goats.

During the shutdown, Gizmo has joined some of the business meetings at Amish Farm and House.

Gadget is Gizmo's sister.

Jaxson (left) andLeah are siblings.

Pip and Squeak are siblings.

Pip has "angry eyebrow" markings, as staff call them.

Mikayla Horst, who used to work at Amish Farm and House, bottle-fed Ellie (middle) when the goat was a baby. This spring, Ellie gave birth to Echo (left) and Enzo (right).

Enzo, born May 21, will be one of the baby goats at goat yoga.

Ellie, born May 21, will be there too.

Rambo and Rocky are siblings.

JamieBurkhart, social media and events coordinator at Amish Farm and House, shares photos and videos of the goats, including Rambo. She's wearing a mask that's being sold to supportthe King family fund.

Bubba (left) and Forrest (right) are siblings.

They were named by Jeni, a 3-year-old who is a frequent visitor to the farm.

These brothers are Luke (black) and Marky (brown). They are named after a staff member's grandchildren.

Luke (and his brother Marky) were thefirst newborns of the year on the farm.

Marky (and his brother Luke) were born overnight in late April. The next morning they were joined by two more baby goats.

During the shutdown, Gizmo has joined some of the business meetings at Amish Farm and House.

Gadget is Gizmo's sister.

Jaxson (left) andLeah are siblings.

Pip and Squeak are siblings.

Pip has "angry eyebrow" markings, as staff call them.

Mikayla Horst, who used to work at Amish Farm and House, bottle-fed Ellie (middle) when the goat was a baby. This spring, Ellie gave birth to Echo (left) and Enzo (right).

Enzo, born May 21, will be one of the baby goats at goat yoga.

Ellie, born May 21, will be there too.

Rambo and Rocky are siblings.

JamieBurkhart, social media and events coordinator at Amish Farm and House, shares photos and videos of the goats, including Rambo. She's wearing a mask that's being sold to supportthe King family fund.

The regular sessions are one hour, with most time for yoga poses and time with the baby goats. These sessions cost $20 and include access to the farm site. New this year are Saturday morning sessions.

Family goat yoga classes have a shorter yoga class, plus time with the goats and access to the farm. These are good for children with short attention spans, Burkhart says. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children ages 5-11.

To avoid spreading germs, yogis will be asked to wear a mask and stay at least six feet from others. The outdoor yoga area will be cleaned often. Class sizes will be cut in half to allow more space.

Tickets went on sale Thursday and many of the June dates almost sold-out, Burkhart says. The sessions will continue through Aug. 30.

Original post:
COVID-19 hasn't stopped goat yoga; meet the baby goat stars of this Lancaster County farm [photos] - LancasterOnline

Yoga can be a great way to banish sluggishness and give you a boost. Even a quick, simple stretching sequence can have a big impact on your energy levels and mood. During lockdown many people are working from home, spending long periods sitting in make-do 'offices'. When we do this it can make us feel lethargic as we struggle to maintain an upright, comfortable posture throughout the day. Top that with distractions at home, like your children arguing or your partner expressing themselves loudly on their Zoom meeting in the next room, and it's no wonder you feel frazzled.

Overstimulation of the senses combined with long periods of inactivity can make you feel, well... drained. So why not try this yoga sequence to remove some of those cobwebs from your mind and get your body moving so you can continue your day with a little zest?

You don't need anything for this yoga sequence except for some loose or stretchy clothing. However, if you're planning on doing yoga regularly it's worth kitting yourself out with a yoga mat for extra grip, and to provide some padding for your knees and hands. Here's our guide to the best yoga mats right now.

This is known as cat/cow it helps to loosen up the spine before moving into other postures

(Image credit: Jason Parnell-Brookes / Kat Bayly)

Come to an all fours position on the ground, stacking your shoulders over your wrists and hips over your knees. On an inhale drop your belly towards the floor, lift your tailbone up and look up (this is the 'cat' pose). As you exhale press into your hands, round your back, bringing your chin to your chest (the 'cow' pose). Do this five times, syncing the movement with your breath.

Pro tip: If you have sensitive wrists, move your hands forward ahead of the shoulders to remove the pressure.

Liforme Yoga Mat | View on AmazonIf you're doing yoga or pilates regularly, it's very worth investing in a proper mat. This is our favourite it's made from natural rubber, eco-friendly, super-grippy, and has markers to help you align your body correctly. For more options, explore our guide to the best yoga mats.View Deal

Downward dog helps to increase the blood flow to the brain making us more alert

(Image credit: Jason Parnell-Brooks / Kat Bayly)

From an all fours position, tuck your toes and lift your hips up into what's known as the 'downward dog' position. Spread your fingers, straighten your arms and press your weight back into your legs. Move your chest towards your thighs. Take five slow, deep breaths here.

Pro tip: If you find that your back starts to round when your legs are straight, bend your knees and lift your heels up to keep your spine straight.

Crescent lunges are perfect for waking up the hips and thighs, releasing any heaviness in the legs

(Image credit: Jason Parnell-Brookes / Kat Bayly)

From downward dog, step your left foot forward in-between your hands, stacking your knee above your ankle. Drop your right knee to the floor so you're in a lunge position, and lift your arms up in line with your ears. Draw your navel in, lifting it away from your left thigh and begin to arch back. Make sure you drop your shoulders down away from your ears and lift your chest bone towards the sky. Take a breath.

Now tuck your right toes, press into your feet and lift your back knee off the floor for high crescent lunge. Send your right heel back to open your right hip flexors. Take a breath. Slowly return your right knee to the floor and repeat the sequence with the right foot forward.

Pro tip: If you can't bring your foot in between your hands from downward dog, place your knees to the floor first then step your foot through.

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Twists keep the spine healthy as they help to hydrate the discs between the vertebrae

(Image credit: Jason Parnell-Brooks / Kat Bayly)

Come to a low lunge position, starting with your left foot forward. Bring your hands into a prayer position at the centre of your chest. Turn to your left, bringing your right elbow to the outside of your left knee. Press the hands together, helping to lift your chest away from the left thigh, aiming to line your thumbs up with the centre of your chest. If your neck is comfortable, you can turn to look over your left elbow. Take a few breaths. Come out of your twist slowly, and repeat the sequence with the right foot forward in your lunge.

Pro tip: If you can't connect your elbow to your knee, stay upright in your twist with the forearms parallel to the floor, thumbs into the centre of the chest.

Extended child's pose is an active posture and helps to liven up your shoulders

(Image credit: Jason Parnell-Brooks / Kat Bayly)

After the lunges, from an all fours position bring your big toes together and separate your knees so your inner thighs hug your ribs as you sink your hips back to your heels. Keep the arms outstretched in front of you, fingertips or palms to the mat, lifting your elbows off the floor and sending your shoulders down the back, away from your ears. This is known as child's pose. Take three deep breaths here.

Pro tip: If you can't bring your hips to your heels, place a cushion underneath your buttocks. You can also place a cushion under your forehead to soften the neck.

Backbends help to wake up the whole body and boost your mood

(Image credit: Jason Parnell-Brooks / Kat Bayly)

Slide forward onto your abdomen and place your hands either side of your chest. Bring your elbows into the back ribs, placing your forehead to mat. Press the tops of your feet down, lift your knees off the floor and start to draw your navel in. Keeping all of this engagement, as you inhale gently press into your hands lifting your head and chest forward and up. Take three deep breaths here and then lower back to the mat.

Pro tip: This pose is good for strengthening your back muscles try and use your back muscles to lift yourself, with as little pressure in your hands as possible.

Bow pose opens the front of the body, helping to counteract the digital hunchback

(Image credit: Jason Parnell-Brooks / Kat Bayly)

Bend your knees taking hold of the fronts of your ankles. Make sure your knees are apart for this backbend. Place your forehead on the mat. As you inhale begin to move your shins back away from you and feel how this lifts the front of your shoulders up, away from the floor. You can allow your head and chest to follow this movement, perhaps you can even lift your thighs off the mat. Take two deep breaths here before releasing back to the floor.

Top tip: If you can't reach your ankles, you can use a yoga strap or belt place it around the fronts of the ankles, and hold the strap instead. Or if you don't have a strap, you can reach your hands back and keep your thighs on the floor.

Twists give our internal organs a little massage, waking everything up

(Image credit: Jason Parnell-Brooks / Kat Bayly)

Bring yourself to sit back on your heels. Place your left hand behind you and your right hand onto the outside of your left thigh. Inhale, begin to twist to your left keeping your spine lifted as you turn. Take three deep breaths here and then repeat, twisting to your right.

Pro tip: You can place a yoga block or cushions underneath your buttocks to help make it easier to sit back on the heels.

VLFit yoga blocks | View on AmazonA foam yoga block is used as a prop while you're working on your balance and flexibility. They're lightweight, inexpensive and robust, and give you something to lean on or prop yourself up with when you can't yet reach whatever limb you're meant to be balancing on.View Deal

Arm balances help build concentration, as well as producing a little heat in the body a sign that our energy has been lifted!

(Image credit: Jason Parnell-Brooks / Kat Bayly)

Making your way on to your right hip, place your right hand down stacking your wrist under your shoulder. Spread your fingers, begin to press into the floor moving your right shoulder blade onto the back and down, away from your ear. This is essential for a supported arm balance. Have a bend in the knees, stacking your knees and ankles. Place your left fingertips onto the floor in front of your hips. Press into your hands and feet then lift your hips off the floor, straightening your legs as you do so. Lift your left arm up, fingertips towards the sky. Take two deep breaths here before returning safely to the floor. Repeat on the left side.

Pro tip: Check out the video below for full instructions and modifications for this posture.

It's always a good idea to stretch the wrists out after strong arm balances

(Image credit: Jason Parnell-Brooks / Kat Bayly)

After your side plank, come to a cross legged position. Bring the backs of your hands together and drop your elbows, stretching the wrists out the other way. Take two deep breaths here.

Pro tip: If you find sitting cross legged uncomfortable, sit on the edge of some cushions to give your hips some extra help to relax.

Don't forget to end your short practice with some mindful breathing to rebalance the energy of the body

(Image credit: Jason Parnell-Brooks / Kat Bayly)

Before continuing with your day, take a few deep breaths sitting in your cross-legged position. Taking a moment to feel the effects of the practice and bring your energy back into balance.

So there you have it, a 10 minute yoga sequence you can practice any time of the day whenever you need a pick-me-up. Say goodbye to the cobwebs and hello to the rest of your day.

Want to work on improving your fitness? Try one of these articles:

Link:
This 10-minute yoga sequence will give you an instant energy boost - T3