A yoga instructor is the first in the East Midlands to offer devotees a chance to perfect their downward dog and reclining butterfly poses in a field of adorable alpacas.
Sarah Luerken, who normally runs yoga sessions at Stay Well Health, in Chellaston, has decided to stage a class in the grounds of Candleford Cottage, in Muggington.
The farm is home to 12 alpacas, including Clooney, Curly Wurly and Cangaroo who are trained to walk on a lead and are also hired out to weddings.
Sarah Luerken will commence her Alpaca yoga classes from May 2nd at Candleford Cottage in Muggington.
When they are not working, the alpacas graze in a field which is where Sarah intends to hold her yoga class, which is scheduled for May 2.
She believes the alpacas will have a calming effect during the session and help boost the emotional health and wellbeing of the participants.
Sarah, 40, said: “It’s well known that animals have a soothing effect and alpacas are perfect because they don’t make any noise, they’re inquisitive but quite timid and so the idea is that they roam around while the class goes on.
The yoga instructor, who usually teaches at Stay Well Health, in Chellaston, says alpaca yoga definitely adds an element of fun to the otherwise tranquil practice.
“It’s all about feeling grounded and at one with your natural surroundings so being in the outdoors and surrounded by the alpacas will really offer the opportunity to connect with nature.
“We’re not taking it too seriously either, there’s definitely an element of fun, although if it turns out to be a really positive, tranquil experience I’m not ruling out making it a regular thing.”
Alpaca Yoga follows the trend for ‘goat yoga’, which made its way from the US to the UK three years ago, with enthusiasts also claiming that the animals provided a soothing atmosphere.
Sarah says alpacas enhance the purpose of yoga which is “all about feeling grounded and at one with your natural surroundings”.
Sarah and her husband Tom run Stay Well Health, which offers yoga and acupuncture from Chellaston Medical Centre, in Rowallan Way.
She is trained in both Bikram yoga and Ashtanga yoga which help aid relaxation, build strength, increase flexibility and reduce stress levels.
Sarah added: “We specialise in offering a holistic approach to treatments and are always looking at new techniques that will help support our clients’ health and wellbeing.
Sarah is inviting lovers of yoga to perfect their tree pose and downward dog surrounded by stunning scenery and adorable alpacas.
Tom has a master’s in Chinese Medicine and helps to treat a wide variety of health conditions with acupuncture, herbal medicine, massage and cupping, everything we recommend is about looking after the body and the mind.
“Our yoga community is quite adventurous and we hope to run a yoga with plants class at Swarkestone Garden Centre later this summer. I’m expecting a lot of interest in the alpaca session.”
*To join the alpaca yoga class contact Stay Well Health on 01332 410023 or email [email protected]
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