The day has finally come. All the Instagram reels of pups frolicking around yoga studios to popular tunes has finally gotten to me.
Now, the only thing standing between me and my first puppy yoga experience is a baby gate. On the other side, eight 12-week-old dachshunds scold me for being a little late.
If you so much as think about puppy yoga, you’ll get a targeted ad for it. It’s definitely trending. But is it worth the hype? Yes—but also maybe not.
I attend weekly yoga classes (though I’m by no means a yogi). I also have a dog who often visits me when I’m practicing patio yoga at home. I’m pretty open to cuddling any critter that comes my way. Still, I was a little surprised.
The Puppy Sphere (Courtesy of @thepuppysphere)
As someone who basically has a litter of puppies running around her mind at all times, focusing and finding my breath with actual puppies in the room was a challenge. Exiting downward dog, I kept careening around to see what they were doing. Who was the lucky attendee chosen for a cuddle or a walk-by tail swipe? How convenient that dachshunds are pretty much in a permanent plank pose. And honestly—where did they carry my sweatshirt off to, anyway?
The puppies have access to their own water, but would still prefer to try and share yours. Mats were provided (so there’s no need to worry about your favorite one getting chewed up), and the puppies were well cared for. Two designated puppy—let’s call them “advocates”—promptly handled any potty accidents or barky outbursts, and offered safe cuddle spots off the mats for pups who needed a break.
Like most things in yoga, it comes down to mindset. If you’re seeking a serious workout, look elsewhere. For everyone else: sign up, settle in, and enjoy an easy introduction to yoga with comical, clumsy, four-legged friends bouncing around or snoozing in savasana next to you (or sometimes on you). Exercise endorphins make you happy, and so do animals.
For a yoga and pilates classes with fuzzy cheer(leaders) built right in, look no fur-ther than these options in and around the Bay Area.Puppies & Yoga
(Courtesy of @puppiesyogasanfrancisco)
Stretch and do basic, introductory yoga with the cutest pups in the city. All-level classes are 45 minutes with the puppies in the studio, followed by 30 minutes of dedicated puppy playtime. Classes are offered on weekends, and breeds are announced about a week prior to the session (the pups are volunteered for classes by local breeders working to socialize their litters before adoption). Private events are available. // 201 Jackson St. (Jackson Square), puppies-yoga.com
The Puppy Sphere
(Courtesy of @puppysphere)
Enter the Puppy Sphere, a paw-sitive way to be healthy and help others. One dollar from every ticket sale at this studio goes directly to local rescues and mental health organizations. Beginner-level classes include 45 minutes of yoga with the puppies, followed by a 30-minute play session. Wellness drinks and mats are included. // 2146 3rd St. (Dogpatch), thepuppysphere.com
KitTea Café
(Courtesy of @kittea_sf)
The purr-fect place to practice Pilates, KitTea Café offers their Cats on Mats: Purrlates classes on select Wednesday and Friday evenings. Each includes 40 minutes of Pilates, with the remainder of the hour spent cuddling kitties or browsing their cat-centric gift shop. Mats are provided, along with a glass of sparkling wine (Friday classes only). You’ll leave feline fantastic. // 1266 Valencia St. (Mission), kitteasf.com
Lemos Farm
(Courtesy of @lemosfarmhmb)
Kid around while doing yoga with baby goats at Lemos Farm in Half Moon Bay. For this class, you will need to bring a beach towel (available to rent onsite for $5). Classes take place on weekends, with corporate events and private parties available. // 12320 San Mateo Rd. (Half Moon Bay), lemosfarm.com
San Francisco Zoo
(Courtesy of @sanfranciscozoo)
Perfect your tree pose in the middle of the African Savanna—well, the public viewing area that sits in the middle of the Leanne B. Roberts African Savanna enclosure at the San Francisco Zoo. You are sure to find inner peace at this outdoor class, but be sure to dress accordingly. Mats are not provided. Show off your skills to grazing zebras and gentle giraffes during a 45-minute yoga and mindfulness session before the zoo opens for the day. Zen at the Zoo tickets include full-day admission after class. Information about monthly sessions is available on the website. // Sloat Blvd. & Upper Great Hwy. (Outer Sunset), sfzoo.org
