Odds are you’ve seen or heard about it in passing, either on your Insta feed or through that quirky cubicle-mate of yours. But what is goat yoga, exactly? What may have once sounded like a quickly expiring trend has since emerged as one of the workout world’s most enviable, enjoyable, and downright cute experiences. Yes, it’s a little unusual; however, so are many other exercises that have become more popular in recent years. Here’s a taste of what you can expect of them.
Goat Yoga
If you’re a regular yogi, then you can visualize yourself in a goat yoga class. Imagine yourself doing your thing, living your best life, and drowning out the internal noise while on your Om yoga mat — surrounded by goats. Basically, the concept is simple. It’s yoga with goats!
On a deeper level, however, it’s an opportunity to relax, unwind, and connect with animals in a more intrinsically beneficial way. Studies have shown that interacting with animals can be incredibly therapeutic, so it’s no wonder that the soft, calm goat has made its way into the yogic realm.
As you pose, don’t be surprised if you feel the gentle caress of a goat next to you. Your furry friend might even climb onto your back! Just be prepared and know that it’s easy to get a little distracted — which is perfectly fine and all part of the charm of the experience. Pro tips: Bring along a solid-color yoga mat that you’re completely cool with getting a little messy, and wear something comfortable and appropriate for the occasion. Yes, now is the time to wear those “Goat Yoga, It’s a Thing” yoga pants.
Drumming Cardio
Think of this as a chance to finally bring those rock star dreams to life. Drumming cardio is precisely what you might expect — an intense workout that mimics the motions of playing drums. Originally created by someone who suffered a hip injury that rendered her unable to work out properly for months, the exercise involves using drumsticks to pound on exercise balls (the “drums”) to work up a sweat.
The reason this is so effective is simple: It’s fun, it works a bunch of your core muscles, and it’s a lot like getting lost in those fantasies you had of touring with your favorite band when you were a kid. The added benefit of shedding a few pounds and burning some body fat is just the icing on the cake. Wearing a cool drummer T-shirt and a pair of comfortable joggers or leggings is perfect for this fun and unexpected workout!
Plogging
Just when you thought you’d seen it all, the Swedes introduced plogging to the fitness world. The word takes its inspiration from “jogging” and the Swedish term “plocka upp,” which means “pick up.” Further broken down, you’ll find that plogging quite literally means jogging pick up. So what does that mean?
Basically, you’re jogging and picking up trash. It’s the kind of trend that deserves more attention, if for no other reason than to encourage cleaner habits and a more eco-friendly planet. The idea is to jog just as you would during your regular routine — be sure to wear something hyper-comfortable on your feet, like these Nike Galaxy Roche One sneakers — and pick up litter along the way. For the win, you’re getting both yourself and the planet in shape.
Why Try Weird Workouts
Weird workouts can be inspiring because they give you a reason to get back into your routine. If you’ve been bored with the usual stuff and want to venture outside your comfort zone, you’ll find no better way to do that than to embrace something unexpected, whether you’re working out with goats or grabbing litter on the run!
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