Wounded Warriors Find Their Baaahmaste at Goat Yoga

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Jan 06, 2020, 10:05 ET

ELGIN, Ill., Jan. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Goats distracted veterans from PTSD, chronic pain, and other issues at a recent goat yoga event organized by Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP). A yoga instructor guided veterans through yoga poses while baby goats roamed about gently bleating and, occasionally, nudging guests.

While focusing on wandering goats and yoga poses, veterans disconnected from stress and found relaxation and positive feelings.

Goats distracted veterans from PTSD, chronic pain, and other issues at a recent goat yoga event organized by Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP). A yoga instructor guided veterans through yoga poses while baby goats roamed about gently bleating and, occasionally, nudging guests.

After class, veterans chatted with each other and enjoyed free time interacting with the goats. Some pet the goats, while others took photos. The loose structure allowed injured veterans to exercise without pressure and have opportunities to connect with other veterans in a serene environment.

Army veteran Bianca Tolbert tried goat yoga for the first time. She had done yoga before, but this experience was different. "The instructors were flexible, and you could choose to do yoga or pause to enjoy the goats," Bianca said.

Bianca first heard about goat yoga through WWP, after participating in other veteran connection and wellness activities. "I love the tiny baby goats, and they do climb on you."

Doing yoga with goats was "a great experience" for Bianca. She also credits WWP with helping her reach a milestone in her wellness goals after attending a three-day health clinic in Chicago. Bianca was able to implement new techniques into her workout with the help of a WWP wellness coach via biweekly phone calls for three months after the clinic. This helped her establish a healthy routine and maintain it long-term.

WWP provides services in both physical and mental health to help warriors thrive in their communities. Learn more about how programs like this help warriors manage mental health through physical activity and connecting with others.

About Wounded Warrior Project
Since 2003, Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) has been meeting the growing needs of warriors, their families, and caregivers – helping them achieve their highest ambition. Learn more.

SOURCE Wounded Warrior Project