DETROIT LAKES — The opportunity to find inner peace with a goat has arrived at
Midwest Gal Mercantile
in Detroit Lakes.
Jim Brogren / Detroit Lakes Tribune
Goat yoga classes for all ages and abilities are being offered with Tiffany Johnson, a certified yoga therapist.
The meeting between Johnson and the Detroit Lakes shop owner, Kacee Brogren, was quite fortuitous.
“I was in the store with my daughter and she overheard them talking about offering yoga with goats,” Johnson said. “My daughter spoke up and said, ‘My mom teaches yoga.’”
Johnson trained to teach yoga in India and went on to become a certified Yoga Therapist and experienced educator. Her speciality is tailored around relieving mental and physical suffering.
Barbie Porter / Detroit Lakes Tribune
After a brief chat, Brogren and Johnson agreed to mix yoga and goats and see how the public would receive the unique opportunity.
Johnson had never offered yoga classes with animals present, but noted animals often provide a reduction in stress levels. Having people relax, smile and feel the peace an animal can bring fit the class envisioned. Her focus is to provide students with an understanding of how to listen to one’s own body and leave knowing poses that promote health.
“No one needs to be nervous about their ability or flexibility,” she said. “It is about getting outside and having fun while doing yoga.”
In addition to a relaxed journey into yoga with a well-versed teacher, participants also find themselves in poses with a goat on their back or napping in their lap. To commemorate the moment, Brogren is there taking pictures for the students as a keepsake.
Jim Brogren / Detroit Lakes Tribune
The typical class size has about 18 students and one can sign up at the store’s
or call 218-234-8035.
The classes are held outside, near the Midwest Gal Mercantile store, which is located at 17168 Highland Drive. If the weather turns soggy, those who sign-up for the goat yoga class will be given the option to reschedule or receive a refund.
The next goat yoga classes are set for July 9 at 9 a.m. and July 14 at 7 p.m.
The property where the goat yoga classes take place is owned by Jim Brogren. He reported his grandfather first owned the land, then it was purchased by his parents. Eventually, he purchased a 5-acre homestead on the family land.
The land has been home to horses, pigs and chickens in the past. Years ago, he wanted to bring in a new animal and learned about myotonic fainting goats.
“At that time they were nearing the endangered status,” he said. “That was about seven years ago. Now, they are no longer endangered.”
Brogren is one of the breeders who helped increase the population of the goat that faint when startled. The females are typically between 21-27 inches tall when fully grown and the males are about 27 inches tall. Typically, the classes are offered with baby goats as their parents roam in the pasture.
Barbie Porter / Detroit Lakes Tribune