Goat yo—whaaa? Goat yoga.
One of the intentional and deliberate things I tried in a continuous effort to avoid mental burnout after surgery.
It’s a lighthearted and lightweight transition back into exercise after hysterectomy and laparoscopy procedures.
I said “Bye, Felicia!” to my angry uterus, and “Hello, Dolly” to a baby goat!
In my opinion, motivation is doing the things that I have to, with an infusion of fun and a dose of whimsy!
Burnout is just the opposite—doing the things that I have to *without* the infusion of fun, making it a lot less appealing to get it done.
You may need a lot of motivation to get back to your regular physical routines after surgery. Cute little furry goats were my motivation.
Therapy animals. I’m in!
Watch the video:
In goat yoga, the point isn’t to sweat. It’s to have a baby goat— no uterus required!
What is the best exercise to do after a hysterectomy?
You can begin regular physical activity within 2-4 weeks after surgery and exercise after 4-6 weeks. But consult with your doctor first.
My doctor recommended starting with short walks, day 1 after surgery.
To allow your body time to heal, a return to a more challenging exercise routine can be considered 6-8 weeks after your surgery. But remember that hysterectomy recovery and exercise after is different for every woman.
When you’re ready and have the OK from your doctor, Health Grades recommends these 5 tips for safe exercises after hysterectomy.
1. Try Kegels.
2. Choose exercises that target your lower abdominals.
3. Work on other muscles, too.
4. Walk and gradually increase your pace and distance.
5. Breathe deeply for your physical and mental health.
Yoga with cuddles and giggles? Count me in!
When I was cleared and ready to return to work-outs again, I asked myself:
“Self, what are the things that I love to do that I can merge with the things that I need to do?”
I learned about goat yoga from an episode of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, and I was intrigued!
Did you see this episode with Lisa Rinna and her daughters laughing their way through their entire goat yoga session?
Cuddles and giggles? I love that shit! Yep, I knew this was for me!
Yoga was already my practice pre-hysterectomy. So the idea of little kids, aka baby goats prancing around under my downward dog and leaping over my child’s pose made me so happy that I signed up right away when I was cleared by my doctor!
I started with goat yoga after my hysterectomy— visualizing the end at the beginning
I could see the whole experience in my mind from beginning to end—a visualization practice involving all the senses.
I saw what I picked out to wear to yoga before grabbing my mat and driving to the farmhouse.
I could feel the warm morning air and smell the breeze as I walked onto the farm.
I heard myself say hello to the hostess as I opened the gate to enter the goat area.
I picked up goats, I struggled to hold goats as they squirmed around before getting settled. I hugged a goat through chaturanga and passed a goat to the yogi next to me.
I saw all of this from beginning to the end in my mind.
Without anxiety and with an imagination free of nervous energy, I had visualized a holistic and welcoming experience in an innovative practice of yoga with new, cuddly furry friends.
Goat yoga was everything that I envisioned, including a happy ending to my hysterectomy story!
I signed up for goat yoga for a well and good experience—a light exercise after my surgery. I was excited to be present, mentally and physically, getting my body back into a routine.
This was yoga with sensory overload—the cuddles, giggles, little hoofs, hugs, and holds. While embracing one of the goats, she fell asleep like a baby in my arms and didn’t want to wake up.
I felt so blessed!
My pre-visualization allowed me to enjoy a complete experience in a unique yoga practice by being aware and present to appreciate every movement and every moment.
The perfect exercise after a tumultuous hysterectomy recovery experience.
A happy hysterectomy story, after all!
The practice of good cheer
Goat yoga is a celebration of movement and motion with the infusion of therapy animals for transformative giddy and glee.
Admittedly, there’s more goat wrangling and holding than yoga flow, even though an instructor guides an uninterrupted session.
There are also goat wranglers to corral the little billies.
This is a planned exercise of mind, body and good cheer!
I hope you’ll consider goat yoga for your next recharge or rehabilitation.
Namaste.
My style with whimsy tip
Patterns, patterns and more patterns! And mix ’em up! If your outfit is fun, chances are your experience will follow suit.
similar Nordstrom animal print sports bra | similar Good American sports bra | Romwe jacket & leggings set | Turquoise yoga mat | similar Amazon watermelon towel | Amazon beaded earrings | Steve Madden pearl slides |
Life after hysterectomy
Find 3 hobbies you love:
1. One to make money.
2. One to keep you in shape.
3. One to be creative.
For me, this is:
1. Sharing by writing and speaking
2. Yoga— obviously! — My friend Lorraine made a business of this one as The Flawed Yogini!
3. Hair bow making— I made a business out of this one, too!
PLEASE NOTE: The information in this post should not be construed as providing specific medical advice, but rather to offer you information through the lens of my personal experience. It’s not intended to provide an alternative to professional treatment or replace a physician’s services.
This post appeared first on ShaundaNecole.com on July 10, 2019.
Like this post? Pin a picture to your Exercise After Hysterectomy Pinterest Board!
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I heard about this – might be fun to try. I love animals.
Author
I thought it was the greatest thing! (GOAT- Greatest Of All Time)
Great way to start the day 🙂
Author
Right! 😉
Hello:) Yoir story was very inspirational to me:) I had a total hysterectomy going on 5 weeks ago and I’m
Still stiff and feel sharp pains here and there . How long after your surgery were you able to do yoga ? I still do t feel
Comfortable bending .
Author
Hi, Ashley! Thank you for stopping by and I’m glad this post is helpful to you. It wasn’t until after 8 weeks that I was able to bend comfortably and without being so tired after. But I was able to take long walks after about 6 weeks. Don’t rush it! I wish you a safe and easy recovery. All my best, Shaunda
I imagine there are few things as life affirming as doing yoga with a goat. That’s far too adorable. Excuse me while I squee. 🙂
Author
Totally excused—For good reason! 😉
such a cute goat!!!
Author
I know right!!!
That looks like fun, but I enjoy yoga on its own, no goats required. I especially like how it lets me relax, which I kinda think the presence of goats would not do. lol
Author
Yes, in all transparency the goats will not allow a full practice 😉 I just couldn’t resist them, tho!
Im sure it would be fun and uplifting, but still makes me laugh thinking about “Goat Yoga” lol
Author
Made me laugh a lot, too! 😉
Awesome goat
Author
Greatest Of All Time 😉
This looks like so much fun! Thanks for sharing.
Author
Welcome! Hope you’re inspired to try 😉
That is so cute! I wish I was there. I love goats. I had one growing up.
Author
Lucky girl with a childhood goat 😉
Thanks for the chance.
Author
Welcome 😉
That looks like a lot of fun.
Author
It was a fantastic experience!
The goats are so cute!
Author
Right, Debbie!!!
Sounds very relaxing and good for the soul.
Author
Right, Diane! Good cheer is always good for the soul 😉
Looks so fun and motivational.
Author
Yes, goat yoga was everything you said!
This looks like it was a really good fun time!
Author
It was such a fun and unique experience!
I absolutely love your book! I have learned so much!
Author
Thanks so much, Terri! Glad to have you here and hope you’ll visit often 😉
That looks fun.
Author
OMG, Veronica, it was!
I am interested in trying yoga. This would definetly get me to try it. The goat is very cute.
Author
Great point, Tina! I think goat yoga would be a wonderful introduction 😉
Those goats are so cute!
Author
Right, SueEllen!
This looks so fun!! I would love to be in a class like that!
Author
Sign up if goat yoga comes to your town! I found out about the class in my area from Eventbrite. It was such a positive experience 😉
This looks super cute ,love goats!
Author
Aren’t these little billies adorable?!
It looks like you had fun at this event. Thanks for the giveaway!
Author
I did and you’re very welcome!
I would love to try yoga, especially with goats!
Author
I was replying to someone else that goat yoga would be a wonderful introduction to yoga!
Very cute.
Author
Aren’t they!
Aww! That looks fun & relaxing!
Author
Judith, it was all that you said and more 😉
I live in Kalamazoo, Michigan area and I love the idea of goat Yoga. One of the places near by me has goat yoga but I don’t have anyone else I know who would do goat yoga with me. I would love to try it. Thanks for the chance to win. Awesome giveaway!
Author
Hi, Amanda! My friends were squeamish and didn’t do it with me. I’ve long since gotten over waiting on other people to do the things that I enjoy! I hope this article inspires you to go try goat yoga, even if it’s alone 😉
I’ve been wanting to do this! None in my area though 🙁
Author
I hope goat yoga comes to your area soon! I found it in my area on Eventbrite.
i would love to try yoga with goats, though it looks like it might be painful
Author
No pain at all! All giggles and cuddles 😉
Seems like a pretty good time. I probably couldn’t focus too much because of the precious goat.
Author
Yes, it’s true—you get about half yoga practice in and the other half cuddling with the baby goats 😉
I didn’t know that goat yoga was a thing until I seen it on television a few days ago! I don’t know that I would be able to quit laughing watching goats hanging out on people’s backside lol
Author
Yaasss, Tiffany! It is really fun/funny 😉 Only 50% probably of doing yoga!
I’ve wanted to do goat ???? yoga for so long! So
Fun!!!!
Author
Do it, kim!!!
There’s nothing cuter than a baby goat! It looks like you are having an incredible experience! Love the smiles on your face 🙂
Author
Thanks, Elizabeth! I keep describing goat yoga as cuddles and giggles 😉
I’d try it.
Author
Yaasss to new experiences!!!
The goats are cute. I wonder what it would be like to do this.
Author
My experience was completely positive and I suggest everyone give it a whirl! A fun way to try something new, even if you’re not a yogi 😉
It looks like everyone is having a great time. May try that sometime.
Author
I highly recommend!
We have two sheep and they love to play and interact with us. Love these photos!
Author
Awe, Helga! How lucky you are to have the sheep!
I bottle fed a goat and raised him to 4-H. It was such a fun experience! I would love to do yoga with a goat – how fun!
Author
Andrea, since you already have an appreciation for goats, you would love this!
What was your favourite vacation?
Author
Hi, Jamie! Probably one a long time ago not pictured on my blog, unfortunately. It was in Aruba—and I need to go back!
What will you do for the summer? How about you?
Author
Well, tomorrow is a beach day!
Hello Shaunda, I’ve never heard of goat yoga before, it sounds like it is a really fun and heartwarming experience! <3
Author
It’s exactly all of what you said, Denise!
Thanks for the giveaway!
Author
You’re welcome, Jovan!
I have a hard enough time with Yoga on it’s own!!! But I would love just to have a cuddle session with the goats ????
Author
Yeah, this is a great yoga start because the time ends up being spent half with the goats and half on yoga.
I’ve got to tell my Mother in Law about this!! Shell get a kick out of it. She has new babies every spring, they are soo cute a d start walking right after they are born!!
Author
Yes, please share with her! Baby goats are the cutest 😉
I would love doing this. It’s sounds so relaxing and fun.
Author
Yes! It was all of the above 😉
What will you do for Prime Day?
Author
Look for some back yard items 😉
Did you find cool backyard stuff?
Author
No, what I wanted wasn’t on sale for Prime Days.
This looks like a lot of fun! Just one more way for your smile to brighten the world around you!
Author
Awweee, Thanks, Barrie! This was a really fun experience!
aww so cute i need to be at this place.
Author
Yes, it was such a wonderful experience 😉
Looks like fun! The goats are so cute!
Author
Aren’t they the cutest?!