The YMCA of Callaway County is inviting Callawegians to try something new for free this weekend.
Saturday marks the launch of two high-intensity fitness courses at the Y: Les Mills BodyCombat, which is a non-contact, martial arts-inspired workout; and Les Mills BodyPump, a full-body weight room workout set to fast-paced music.
All community members are welcome to try free mini-sized sample classes this Saturday in the YMCA parking lot. A 30-minute BodyCombat class begins at 8:30 a.m., followed by a 30-minute BodyPump class at 9:10 a.m.
After all that sweating, class participants might want to cool down and relax. That's where the goats come in.
Yes, you read that right: Beginning at 9:50 a.m., the Y will offer a 20-minute goat yoga session.
"The idea with goat yoga is just to be around animals is relaxing in general, if you're an animal person," said Amie Conway, the Y's marketing and events director. "It's taken off in the last five years."
The goat yoga idea is her brainchild. Facilities that offer Les Mills classes are encouraged to hold special events when new choreography is released (typically, every four to six months). Previous special events at the Y included a superhero-themed children's boot camp.
"I love goats and I love animals," she said.
The goats will be borrowed from Conway's friend's farm. Feed scattered around yoga participants will encourage the ungulates to stick close and perhaps do some de-stressing of their own.
"They're fainting goats, so when they get startled, they tip and fall over," Conway said. "She hasn't brought them around a large group of people before, but they're very friendly goats."
Even zen animals are still animals, of course.
"Just be aware that there will be animals there. We want everyone to enjoy themselves and be safe," Conway said. "All the things you anticipate at a petting zoo, you can potentially anticipate at goat yoga. You need to be respectful about the goats' space as well."
Though goat yoga is intended to be a one-time event, rather than a recurring class, it may be repeated in the future if it's a big enough hit, she added.
The YMCA will have a limited number of yoga mats to borrow, and participants are encouraged to bring their own. Attendees should also wear comfortable workout clothes and bring something to drink.
Conway said people are encouraged to come for the whole event, not just the goats, but there's no pressure to sign up and pay for classes.
"It's free and open to the community," she said. "If they're interested in membership they're welcome to come inside and talk to the front desk."