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Cat Yoga: 5 Ways Including A Cat in Your Yoga Practice Benefits Your Mental Health
Don’t laugh! We’re for real.
If you’re not a cat person, are allergic to cats, or have a traumatic experience with felines, you can skip this article altogether. We totally understand!
However, whether you love cats or not, we’ve discovered some really interesting stuff about how including cats in your yoga practice benefits your mental and emotional health. Plus, cats themselves are way more therapeutic than people give them credit for!
While animal yoga – like goat yoga and horse yoga – seems to be a hot trend, we’re wary of buying into novelties where the actual practice of yoga is overshadowed by animals that may or may not cause injury.
As a matter of fact, cat yoga isn’t just good for you. It’s good for your cat too!
Here’s what we’ve discovered about this up and coming trend and how cat yoga is beneficial for you both.
1. Cats positively affect your psychological health
According to Healthline, cat owners already tend to have lower stress levels, lower resting heart rates, and are happier. Cats are also naturally calming, which carries over to their human counterparts.
That being said, cats also enjoy bonding with their owners just as much as the owners do with them. And bonding with animals is notoriously good for mental health.
Why?
Several reasons. Animals don’t judge us, talk down to us or talk negatively about us. They generally only require basic needs. And obviously, physical touching, petting, and snuggling releases feel good chemicals in both cat and human. Also, cats tend to be very independent creatures, which makes them low maintenance.
Cats, in particular, also offer a natural source of healing in their purr. Purring releases endorphins in the cat, and studies have shown that the frequency of a cat’s purr actually contributes to physical healing in humans.
Now, combine the benefits of owning a cat with an activity like yoga (which also improves psychological health), and you get a double dose of endorphins! Plus, you and your cat get the benefits that come from physical activity.
2. Cats prioritize self-care.
While many animals are very efficient at self-care, cats are especially in tune with their basic needs. They can also be a good reminder for us to prioritize our self-care.
We’ve discussed a cat’s purr, but did you know that the frequency of their purr contributes to the growth and repair of their bones and muscles? Super cool! They also lick their fur not just to clean themselves, but to regulate body temperature and distribute the oils in their skin.
We’re not saying you should start purring or stop showering, but the way cats move and stretch is also a part of their selfcare.
And that’s something they can remind us to do that we’re capable of! Plus, if you hadn’t noticed, there are at least several yoga poses who’s name is derived from cats.
Yoga is definitely a form of self care and, as it turns out, is even more beneficial to your physical, mental, and emotional health when you incorporate your furbaby friends!
3. Cat yoga gets you out of your comfort zone.
Sometimes, what affects our mental health the most isn’t the stressful situations (or days), the anxiety-ridden moments, or the emotional rollercoaster of life.
It’s the mundane.
Excessive boredom or repeated, boring tasks negatively affect the brain. Studies show that people who have high levels of boredom or don’t step out of their comfort zone and change up their daily routine suffer from higher levels of depression and anxiety.
As a matter of fact, boredom is actually detectable in brain activity on an EEG.
Here at MyYogaTeacher, we have a hard time ever getting bored with our yoga routine because there is such a huge variety of classes offered by so many different, amazing instructors. But we also don’t mind saying that cat yoga would definitely be outside of our comfort zone...in a good way!
Unlike other forms of animal yoga, cat yoga is still very safe, joyful, and fun!
4. Cats naturally fit into a yoga practice.
Cats are constantly practicing yoga!
They are not only intuitive comforters, cats are top-notch yogis. And they love stretching and moving in ways that we mere humans (for the most part) can’t.
Because yoga is an exercise that focuses on self awareness and bringing harmony to your inner and outer self, it makes sense that incorporating your already extremely self aware and flexible furry friends into your yoga practice will come naturally.
If you’ve already practiced yoga around your cat, you may have noticed that he or she sticks around during your practice...maybe in ways that you don’t want, but still. Your furry friend is there.
That’s because cats intuitively recognize the calming effects yoga has on humans. They also recognize the movements.
Cats are very intelligent animals. You may think involving your feline friend in your yoga practice will be stressful, but the truth is, the exact opposite is true!
5. Cats and yoga encourage us to slow down.
Cats are experts at meditation. It’s true!
They are very good at being mindful, and they tend to really enjoy life. Domestic cats can usually be found sitting or lying around watching the world go by, taking in all the sights, sounds, and smells or they’re playing, stretching, or running around.
Try meditating with your cat. You’ll probably find that your feline friend sits or lays right next to you as you spend time taming your thoughts.
Cats are also great at regulating their breath!
If you haven’t heard it from us already, breath is life. And yogic breathing is excellent for physical, mental, and emotional wellness. It reduces anxiety and depression, invigorates the mind and spirit, and literally brings life back to your body and soul.
Cats are very adept at breathing deeply and smoothly. And you’ll find that if you gently lay your hand on your kitty while you’re meditating, you’ll breathe right along with them.
Slowing down is an important part of mental wellness. Incorporating cat yoga into your routine will bring awareness to the very important practice of slowing down.
While we don’t offer cat yoga at MyYogaTeacher, we do offer over 35+ different types of yoga classes that are not only challenging, but fun! Get your 2-week free trial here if you haven’t already tried us out and discover the benefits of yoga!
See you there!
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{"slug":"cat-yoga-benefits","recentPosts":[{"id":"cl58ufiqh4nw70cipth71e2fv","slug":"kundalini-yoga-for-breaking-bad-habits","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":null},"title":"How Kundalini Yoga Helps You Break Bad Habits for Good","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Kundalini yoga specifically helps strengthen intuition and willpower. Several of our expert and experienced yoga teachers at MyYogaTeacher focus specifically on teaching kundalini yoga! Learn more here.","readTime":null,"excerpt":"Kundalini yoga specifically helps strengthen intuition and willpower. Several of our expert and experienced yoga teachers at MyYogaTeacher focus specifically on teaching kundalini yoga! Learn more here.\n","tags":[],"createdAt":"2022-07-06T00:09:59.700384+00:00","coverUrl":"aqhpng8xmxojrvkucffv.jpg","content":{"text":"You have the power to break bad habits. Whether you feel like you do or not, you have the power inside you to make \\nany\\n changes you want in yourself!\\nWillpower is the main source of drive for most people trying to break bad habits.\\nUnfortunately, for most of us, the strength of our willpower ebbs and flows with the ups and downs in our lives! A bad day may lead to emotional eating. A stressful situation may lead to resuming something like smoking. Celebratory occasions may prompt someone who is trying to quit drinking to have “just one drink.” \\nYou’re not weak when you “fall off the wagon” from breaking whatever bad habit you’ve been working on breaking. You’re \\nnormal\\n.\\nThe secret of breaking bad habits is to be able to control your physical, mental, and emotional self no matter the ebbs and flows of life. So that the willpower you rely on to help you break bad habits is more stable and not subject to change on a whim.\\nYoga helps you break bad habits for sure! You certainly have more control over your emotions, better self awareness, a healthier mindset, and more harmony in your life. However, kundalini yoga specifically helps strengthen intuition and willpower.\\nSeveral of our expert and experienced yoga teachers at MyYogaTeacher focus specifically on teaching kundalini yoga! They understand that many people struggle with breaking bad habits and creating positive changes in their lives that last and want to help their students do just that.\\nNot a MyYogaTeacher member? Whether you’re interested in teaching yoga, starting yoga, or growing in your yoga journey, MyYogaTeacher is a great place to do it!\\nWhen you sign up for a 1:1 membership with us you get:\\n102 expert\\n, highly qualified yoga instructors to choose from\\nThe ability to switch instructors\\n or take classes with only your faves\\nAccess to unlimited group classes\\n, taught \\nlive\\nPersonalized instruction\\n and work out, diet, and lifestyle plans\\nTo be a member of a HUGE community\\n of happy yogis from around the world\\nYoga teachers who become friends\\n, who truly care about you!\\nIf you haven’t checked us out already, \\ngrab two free 1:1 sessions with your 2-week free trial here\\n!\\nLet’s talk about how kundalini yoga will help you break bad habits now and in the future (and permanently)\\n\\n\\nKundalini yoga and meditation focuses on repetitive behaviors\\nIn the physical aspect of a kundalini yoga practice, you’ll not only repeat asanas, but you’ll also hold poses for longer periods of time. Sometimes even up to five minutes!\\nDeveloping the mental and physical fortitude that is required to repeat poses in a structured flow on a regular basis is an excellent way to teach yourself how to kick bad habits and replace them with healthier ones.\\nBy committing to these repetitive movements, you are training your mind and entire nervous system to resist the temptation to give up. This is an important aspect to breaking bad habits and building new ones.\\nRemember, breaking a bad habit isn’t just about ending a cycle of negative repetitive behaviors. It’s also about \\ncreating a cycle of positive ones\\n!\\nAdditionally, there is always a meditative aspect to any traditional kundalini yoga practice, where you will learn chants, repeat chants, and learn breathing techniques you’ll use in times of stress, emotional upheaval, and/or when you’re feeling tempted to cave to whatever habit you’re trying to break.\\nWhich leads us to…\\n\n\\n\\nKundalini yoga improves your mood\\nHave you ever noticed if you’re going to give into temptation, \\nmost of the time\\n, it’s when you’re sad, mad, anxious, depressed, or stressed? Yes, of course we cave at celebrations too or at events when we’re happy. \\nBut we are certainly more inclined to stick to our guns when we’re in a good mood, feeling good about ourselves, or feeling accomplished.\\nA regular kundalini yoga practice entails a very spiritual (not religious) meditation and includes several different types of breathwork. Both of these aspects of yoga have been proven by scientific research to reduce stress and improve, or even eliminate, feelings of depression, anxiety, anger, and frustration. The reduction of negative emotions and the improvement of mental and emotional health are part of what makes kundalini yoga perfect for helping people stop bad habits for good!\\n\n\\n\\nKundalini yoga requires physical and mental strength\\nWhen you think about ending bad habits for good, maybe doing something that you \\nknow\\n requires significant effort to help you do so isn’t the first thing you think about. Because why take something hard like breaking a bad habit and make it harder, right?\\nWrong.\\nPart of the reason people struggle with permanently changing their habits is because they haven’t “exercised” the part of themselves that are needed to make the change for good. You don’t make physical changes without changing your diet or physical activity levels. And those changes aren’t maintained if you quit doing the things you did to make the change to begin with.\\nIt is the same for breaking bad habits! Kundalini yoga and meditation is a tool to keep your physical, mental, and emotional health strong so that you are more easily able to not just break \\none\\n bad habit, but any that you want to. \\nKundalini yoga requires you to use physical and mental strength and helps you maintain and grow in the areas you need to grow so you can create permanent positive changes in your life.\\n\n\\n\\n\nMany find kundalini yoga and meditation challenging, but they also walk away from their practice enlightened, strengthened, more relaxed, and prepared to live presently and positively in their life.\\nAt MyYogaTeacher, there are many amazing and experienced yoga instructors who work with yogis every single day on how to break bad habits. Many are experts in kundalini yoga and meditation and guide MyYogaTeacher students in this very special type of practice.\\nIf you’re interested in how to strengthen your physical, mental, and emotional fortitude so you are equipped to create permanent change in your life, I encourage you to grab your 2-week free trial of MyYogaTeacher! No credit card required.\\nWe offer 1:1 classes with authentic yoga instructors from the birthplace of yoga, India! And if you haven’t experienced virtual private yoga classes yet, MyYogaTeacher makes 1:1 classes affordable and accessible! PLUS, with your membership, you get:\\nRadiance! More energy, peace of mind, and better health & fitness\\n42+ daily group yoga classes, 100% live!\\nDiscounted yoga workshops, all live and interactive!\\nMaking new like-minded friends from around the world\\n\\nGrab your 2-week free trial and check out your membership options here!\\n\\n"},"category":["anxiety","emotional_health","meditation","yoga"]},{"id":"cl503a57qk0o30ak2py18a0gb","slug":"yoga-for-healing-during-conflict","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":null},"title":"Using Yoga for Healing in Times of Conflict","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"When we are in times of conflict, we hurt physically, emotionally and mentally. Find healing through yoga.","readTime":null,"excerpt":"When we are in times of conflict, we hurt physically, emotionally and mentally. Find healing through yoga.","tags":[],"createdAt":"2022-06-29T21:07:49.859986+00:00","coverUrl":"jemyfna9t5qd5osx8r2n.jpg","content":{"text":"With the US government’s reversal of Roe vs. Wade, women worldwide are hurting. The United States has now entered a community of 24 other countries around the world that completely prohibits abortion. Whether you agree with this decision or not, is not the purpose of this article. \\nMyYogaTeacher strives to be sensitive to the needs of yogis everywhere, but particularly during times of conflict.\\nWhether you are rejoicing in the US government’s bold decision or you are mourning, there is still conflict. Conflict between government and citizens. Conflict between religions. Conflict between friends and family members who have differing views.\\nSo much conflict.\\nWe are here to help you heal in your time of need! Yoga has been used for centuries, millenia even, to heal physical, mental, and emotional wounds. \\nAnd \\nthis\\n is the purpose of this article. To guide you in all the ways yoga can heal during times of conflict.\\nIf you are not a MyYogaTeacher member yet, we encourage you take advantage of your free two-week trial. No credit cards needed.\\nAt MyYogaTeacher, we have members from all walks of life, religions, and all ages, shapes, sizes, and abilities! MyYogaTeacher offers 1:1 classes with authentic yoga instructors from the birthplace of yoga, India! And if you haven’t experienced virtual private yoga classes yet, MyYogaTeacher makes 1:1 classes affordable and accessible! PLUS, with your membership, you get:\\nRadiance! More energy, peace of mind, and better health & fitness\\n42+ daily group yoga classes, 100% live!\\nDiscounted yoga workshops, all live and interactive!\\nMaking new like-minded friends from around the world\\n\\nGrab your 2-week free trial and check out your membership options here!\\n\\nIn the meantime, let us talk about how yoga provides the healing that so many people worldwide need, especially now.\\n\\n\\nYoga opens space for healing\\nAmidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life, we tend to swallow our emotions. We set them aside to deal with later (or not) so that we can function the way we need to on a day to day basis. Until there’s a better time and place to process those emotions. Except so often, that better time and place never arises.\\nThrough a consistent yoga practice, you have time to give yourself permission to feel, to process, to meditate on that which causes you strife. Yoga gives you time to make space for that.\\nMeditation is a huge part of yoga, even if you only participate in the physical practice of yoga. Every yoga session \\nis\\n a form of meditation.\\nThrough meditation and breath work, our bodies naturally release tension, stress, and anxiety. Our mind is made clearer and our thoughts more reflective.\\nOur body releases hormones that make us feel better, happier, more peaceful. Our muscles relax, releasing us from physical pain and tension.\\nAnd we are allowed to feel all the feelings. That is the beginning of healing.\\n\\n\nYoga grounds us\\nWhen conflicts arise and life is stressful, it is so easy to lose touch with reality. Suddenly, a situation seems more terrible and scary than it is. We begin to focus more on the negative aspects of our lives.\\nWe detach further and further from the good in the world.\\nThere is a saying. If you look for the negative, you’ll find it. It’s everywhere. The same is true for the positive.\\nPracticing yoga grounds us. It helps us not only see the good in ourselves but also others. Yoga helps us change our focus and be present in the moment. From there, we can more easily see that not every moment is bad. Not every moment is full of conflict, stress, strife. \\nFocusing inward through yoga helps us live our best lives and be our best selves in each individual moment. That’s not only healing for us, but us being present and grounded heals others!\\n\\n\nYoga and meditation help us connect\\nStudies have shown that human connection and connection to nature both provide internal \\nand\\n external healing. Every time you enjoy nature or spend quality time with the humans in your life that you care about and love, you are healing your body mentally, emotionally, and physically!\\nWhile yoga and meditation is a very individual, unique experience for each yogi because you discover (or rediscover) your connection to self, yoga provides human connection as well.\\nAnd if you practice outside, you are also connected to nature!\\nOften, during conflict, our instinct is to retreat. To hide away or “sweep it under the carpet.” This is not healthy and only leads to a deeper dive into reclusivity, anger, resentment, and hatred. Those are heavy emotions to carry around and only prove to hurt us.\\nA regular yoga and meditation practice not only helps us stay connected to our highest self, it connects us to others. From your yoga instructor, to other yogis in your class, to friends and family, yoga is a way to help us stay connected, work through conflict, and heal.\\n\\nAny time we are hurting, we are never in a place to help others. We are not in a place to create change in ourselves or the world if we do not make time to heal ourselves in healthy ways. When we respond out of fear, anger, resentment, and/or hatred, we are inviting more of the same. More darkness.\\nTrue yoga, beyond just a healthy body, helps us to build a world based on love and compassion\\n - not dominance, force and fear.\\nTrue yoga evokes change in ways we need individually and in the world.\\nIf you are looking for healing or need a respite from the darkness of the world, or you just need a space to \\nhold\\n space for the processing of emotions, MyYogaTeacher is here for you.\\nOur expert yoga teachers aren’t just teachers. They’re friends. And we all truly care about you!\\nWhen you sign up for a 1:1 membership with us you get:\\n102 expert, highly qualified yoga instructors\\n to choose from\\nThe \\nability to switch instructors\\n or take classes with only your faves\\nAccess to \\nunlimited group classes, taught live\\nPersonalized instruction\\n and work out, diet, and lifestyle plans\\nTo be a member of \\na HUGE community of happy yogis from around the world\\nYoga teachers who become friends\\n, who truly care about you!\\nIf you haven’t checked us out already, \\ngrab two free 1:1 sessions with your 2-week free trial here!\\n\\n\\n"},"category":["emotional_health","mental_health"]},{"id":"cl4snbs3ynles0ek252yy7qod","slug":"yoga-for-sleep","author":{"name":"Bodhi","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":null},"title":"Yoga for Sleep: How Yoga Helps You Get Your Zzzzz’s","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Do you struggle with insomnia? Falling or staying asleep? Snoring? Check out how yoga helps you sleep better in this article on yoga for sleep!","readTime":null,"excerpt":"Do you struggle with insomnia? Falling or staying asleep? Snoring? Check out how yoga helps you sleep better in this article on yoga for sleep!","tags":[],"createdAt":"2022-06-24T16:06:49.075383+00:00","coverUrl":"vb9kfvbm9y53vmbu6cw0.jpg","content":{"text":"There is a lot of controversy on how much sleep the human body needs to survive and thrive. Short 4-hour bursts or a full 8 hours? Are cat naps ok? What about sleeping 10 or even 12 hours?\\nWe’re not here to tell you how much sleep you should get, but we \\nare\\n here to provide you with natural solutions for insomnia and to tell you how to obtain a truly restful, restorative sleep.\\nStudies show that yoga improves sleep in several ways, which we’ll talk about shortly. But first…\\nHi, I’m Bodhi! One of the yoga instructors here at MyYogaTeacher. Not only do I have over 500 hours of teacher training, I also have a Masters of Science in yoga and consciousness. And I truly believe in the power of yoga to improve sleep quality and the amount of sleep you get. \\nSleep is therapeutic and helps the body heal in so many ways! That’s why I love teaching yoga classes and workshops that help you get your zzzzz’s!\\nNot a MyYogaTeacher member? Whether you’re interested in teaching yoga, starting yoga, or growing in your yoga journey, MyYogaTeacher is a great place to do it!\\nWhen you sign up for a 1:1 membership with us you get:\\n102 expert\\n, highly qualified yoga instructors to choose from\\nThe ability to switch instructors\\n or take classes with only your faves\\nAccess to unlimited group classes\\n, taught \\nlive\\nPersonalized instruction\\n and work out, diet, and lifestyle plans\\nTo be a member of a HUGE community\\n of happy yogis from around the world\\nYoga teachers who become friends\\n, who truly care about you!\\nIf you haven’t checked us out already, \\ngrab two free 1:1 sessions with your 2-week free trial here\\n!\\nHow does yoga impact your sleep?\\n\\n\nDo you snore?\\nMany people struggle with snoring and sleep apnea, which interferes with sound sleep. When you snore, your body is not receiving the same amount of oxygen it does when you are breathing normally, sometimes because the airway is obstructed by the relaxation of the tongue but there are other reasons too. \\nSnoring is often attributed to weak respiratory muscles and narrowed airway passages. It can also be caused by too much pressure being placed on the vagus nerve if you are overweight or have a larger than average neck circumference. \\nYogic breathing exercises improve sleep by strengthening the muscles used to breathe. Yoga classes for sleep are often focused on breathwork, stretching and lengthening the muscles of the neck and chest, and opening up the airway passages.\\nIn return you may not only snore less (or not snore at all), but your body is receiving more oxygen, increasing your oxygen saturation, and improving sleep quality two fold!\\n\\n\\nDo you struggle with falling asleep or staying asleep?\\nThe two main reasons people struggle with falling asleep or staying asleep are:\\nLack of movement or exercise throughout their day\\nMental, emotional, physical stress or anxiety \\nFrequent movement and regular exercise are an important part of healthy sleep patterns. If you are sedentary a large portion of the day and do not take the time to move your body, you may struggle with falling and staying asleep.\\nWhen this happens, many people seek out natural and prescribed remedies for their sleep disturbances.\\nHowever, a regular yoga practice improves sleep quality more holistically and naturally than any supplements or prescribed medications! Not only are you able to get your daily dose of exercise during a yoga session, your muscles are stretched and tension is released physically, mentally, and emotionally.\\nHere are just some of the ways yoga helps to release tension so you can get the sleep you need:\\nReduces pain in back, shoulders, and joints\\nReleases negative thoughts and emotions\\nCalms mind \\nRelaxes muscles \\nReleases hormones that calm body physiologically\\n\\n\\n\\nDoes your body release enough melatonin?\\nTaking a melatonin supplement is a common way people combat insomnia. But did you know that one melatonin supplement contains more melatonin than your body makes naturally? Even the lowest dose.\\nYoga improves sleep health through the cultivation of mindfulness. Whether you’re practicing mindfulness meditation or are developing mindfulness through the physical practice of yoga, more mindfulness means more melatonin!\\nWith the release of more melatonin, you can fall asleep more easily and naturally.\\n\\nTips on how to use yoga to sleep better\\nKnowing, now, that yoga improves sleep quality and quantity, you might be wondering where to start and what types of yoga to try for optimal sleep! I’ve got you!\\nFollow these tips for the best results:\\nDon’t practice yoga in your bedroom. Your brain should always associate your bedroom with sleep, not exercise or electronic devices.\\nHave a designated, quiet space for your evening yoga practice.\\nKeep all props you need for your practice close by, within arm’s reach.\\nWear comfortable clothing.\\nMake yoga for sleep the last thing you do before going to bed.\\nTry these best types of yoga for sleep: Yoga nidra, yin yoga, hatha yoga, or restorative yoga\\n\\nNeed more guidance? Many of our yoga teachers here at MyYogaTeacher are experts in teaching yoga for better sleep! We can definitely help you get your zzzzz’s!\\nAt MyYogaTeacher, we have members from all walks of life, religions, and all ages, shapes, sizes, and abilities! MyYogaTeacher offers 1:1 classes with authentic yoga instructors from the birthplace of yoga, India! And if you haven’t experienced virtual private yoga classes yet, MyYogaTeacher makes 1:1 classes affordable and accessible! PLUS, with your membership, you get:\\nRadiance! More energy, peace of mind, and better health & fitness\\n42+ daily group yoga classes, 100% live!\\nDiscounted yoga workshops, all live and interactive!\\nMaking new like-minded friends from around the world\\n\\nGrab your 2-week free trial and check out your membership options here!\\n\\n"},"category":["restorative"]},{"id":"cl48g8ef9083o0ck0tphsfrs3","slug":"yoga-for-core-strength","author":{"name":"Anuj","teacherMytSlug":"","pictureUrl":null},"title":"Yoga for Your Core and Why a Strong Core is So Important","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Do you think your core is just your abdominal muscles? Why is your core SO important anyway? Check out here!","readTime":null,"excerpt":"Do you think your core is just your abdominal muscles? Why is your core so important anyway? Check out here!","tags":[],"createdAt":"2022-06-10T12:52:50.55803+00:00","coverUrl":"gquggawfs651sixtg92d.jpg","content":{"text":"Most of the time, when we hear the word “core,” we think of our abdominal muscles. And those muscles certainly are a part of your core.\\nIn yoga, when we talk about our core, it is similar to talking about the core of an apple or the inside of a tree trunk. The flesh of the apple or the bark of the tree need to be strong, yes. But it is not those that will hold the apple or the tree together.\\nYour core is the abdominal muscles, and all the muscles closest to your organs that hold your torso (and body) upright and keep you stable, strong, and aligned.\\nThis is why most of our teachers here at \\nMyYogaTeacher\\n will incorporate poses into each class that are designed to strengthen your core. I am a firm believer in the power of your core to improve posture, breathing, spine health, and even confidence! That’s why I started the \\nYoga for Core and Muscle Strengthening class on MyYogaTeacher\\n.\\nNot a MyYogaTeacher member? Whether you’re interested in teaching yoga, starting yoga, or growing in your yoga journey, MyYogaTeacher is a great place to do it!\\nWhen you sign up for a 1:1 membership with us you get:\\n102 expert\\n, highly qualified yoga instructors to choose from\\nThe ability to switch instructors\\n or take classes with only your faves\\nAccess to unlimited group classes\\n, taught \\nlive\\nPersonalized instruction\\n and work out, diet, and lifestyle plans\\nTo be a member of a HUGE community\\n of happy yogis from around the world\\nYoga teachers who become friends\\n, who truly care about you!\\nIf you haven’t checked us out already, \\ngrab two free 1:1 sessions with your 2-week free trial here\\n!\\nLet’s look at some common yoga poses for your core that you’ll encounter in my class and many other types of yoga class!\\n\\n\\n\\n1. Boat pose\\nAs you can see in the picture, boat pose works upper, lower, and oblique abdominal muscles! It’s a toughie but has lots of modifications for those who aren’t ready for full fledged boat pose. What you \\ndon’t\\n see is that boat pose also strengthens your upper and lower back, your inner thighs, and your arms!\\n\\n\n2. Plank pose\\nMany of you will be familiar with plank pose from yoga and/or other forms of exercise! Plank pose is practiced \\na lot\\n in \\nyoga\\n, particularly in the Sun Salutation series. But it’s also used as a transitional move when going from standing poses to floor poses. \\nI don’t know if there’s a part of your body that plank \\ndoesn’t\\n strengthen! Clearly, your abdominal muscles will be engaged, but you’ll be squeezing almost every other muscle as well: glutes, thighs, back, and obviously your arms will be supporting a lot of your weight.\\n\n\\n\\n\\n3. Side plank pose\\nSide plank is not one you’ll encounter in every yoga session. It will be one you practice when you’re focusing on balance postures or in core yoga sessions – and maybe one you experience in a deliberately challenging yoga class.\\nStill. Visually, you know that plank pose works your obliques (yes, those love handles many complain about!). Internally, you’re also strengthening your arms, shoulders, inner thighs, upper and lower abdominal muscles, and your back. \\nDo you see the theme here? Your core comprises a lot of different muscles that support your body! Of note, you also have internal \\nand\\n \\nexternal\\n abdominal muscles. You even have transverse abdominal muscles. \\nAll of these types of ab muscles work together to support your skeletal system, organs, and weight.\\n\\nNow…moving on!\\n\n\\n\\n\\n4. High lunge\\nDon’t discount this pose as one just for your legs! Because your back foot is not planted on the ground, there is a lot of balance required for this posture. Any time we have a yoga poses that requires balance, we almost automatically engage our core. Why?\\nYour body knows what it needs to remain stable and upright! You just may not always be aware of it. In high lunge, you’ll want to focus on engaging your core even though your body will do a lot of that for you automatically. You can consciously engage even more to stabilize you in this posture.\\nOnce again, you’ll be working internal and external abdominal muscles along with many other muscles!\\n\n\\n\\n\\n5. Down dog splits\\nThink this pose is mostly focused on your arms and glutes? Think again!\\nIf you don’t have semi-strong abdominal muscles, this pose will be particularly challenging for you. In a good way!\\nWhether your core is strong or not, though, this yoga pose works your core in ways other poses might not. Down dog splits work the deepest of your abdominal muscles almost exclusively, the transverse abdominis. \\n\nIf you are familiar with any or all of these poses, I invite you to practice them regularly to develop or maintain a really strong core! If you need \\nmore core\\n (ha ha get it?), or you’re unfamiliar with these core yoga exercises, I’d love to have you join me in the \\nYoga for Core and Muscle Strengthening class at MyYogaTeacher!\\n\\nWe offer 1:1 classes with authentic yoga instructors from the birthplace of yoga, India! And if you haven’t experienced virtual private yoga classes yet, MyYogaTeacher makes 1:1 classes affordable and accessible! PLUS, with your membership, you get:\\nRadiance! More energy, peace of mind, and better health & fitness\\n42+ daily group yoga classes, 100% live!\\nDiscounted yoga workshops, all live and interactive!\\nMaking new like-minded friends from around the world\\n\\nGrab your 2-week free trial and check out your membership options here!\\n\\n"},"category":["fitness"]},{"id":"cl469gwqveebx0bk2bobg395k","slug":"common-sanskrit-yoga-words","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":null},"title":"18 Common Sanskrit Words to Know Before Your First Yoga Class","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":null,"readTime":null,"excerpt":"Ever wondered what your yoga teacher is saying but don't want to ask? Discover common yoga words and what they mean here!","tags":[],"createdAt":"2022-06-09T00:07:57.890522+00:00","coverUrl":"so7zp7thknpvd3b7mtd1.jpg","content":{"text":"Whether you’re a new yogi or you’ve been practicing for a while, there’s bound to be words you’ve heard in a yoga class that you didn’t know or understand.\\nThat’s normal! And you’re certainly not the only one.\\nIf you don’t know already, Sanskrit is the ancient language of India. Many Hindu scriptures and epic poems were written in this beautiful language, but so were all the original Yoga Sutras! Sanskrit has a sort of harmonious fluidity to it, almost spiritual sounding, which makes it an effective tool for practicing yoga.\\nWe don’t want anyone to feel lost or confused in our yoga classes, and we certainly don’t want anyone to be embarrassed to ask questions about any particular words that are used.\\nMyYogaTeacher instructors teach and believe wholeheartedly in the benefits of traditional yoga, and most of them are from the birthplace of yoga, India! \\nNot a MyYogaTeacher member? Whether you’re interested in teaching yoga, starting yoga, or growing in your yoga journey, MyYogaTeacher is a great place to do it!\\nWhen you sign up for a 1:1 membership with us you get:\\n102 expert\\n, highly qualified yoga instructors to choose from\\nThe ability to switch instructors\\n or take classes with only your faves\\nAccess to unlimited group classes\\n, taught \\nlive\\nPersonalized instruction\\n and work out, diet, and lifestyle plans\\nTo be a member of a HUGE community\\n of happy yogis from around the world\\nYoga teachers who become friends\\n, who truly care about you!\\nIf you haven’t checked us out already, \\ngrab two free 1:1 sessions with your 2-week free trial here\\n!\\nAnd after this article, I hope you’ll feel comfortable joining one of our classes, knowing much of the vocabulary that your yoga instructor might use!\\n\\n\nYoga \\nYoga means to “yoke” or “bind” and is often interpreted as “union.” Union of breath, body and mind.\\n\\nAsana\\nIn these times, “asana” is interpreted as the physical yoga poses you’ll practice, but it originally means “seat.”\\n\\nChakra\\nA chakra indicates an energy center within the body between the base of the spine and the top of the head. We have seven. You can learn more about chakras in \\nthis article\\n.\\n\\nNamaste\\nTraditionally, “namaste” means “the light within me bows to the light within you,” but in this day and age it also is a common greeting for “hello.”\\n\\nPranayama\\nThe word “prana” means life energy. Pranayama is a series of yogic breathing exercises that helps your breath move freely through your body.\\n\\nMudra\\nA mudra is a hand position or gesture used to help one focus, concentrate, and develop a deeper connection to self. Prayer hands at the heart (Anjali) is an example of this.\\n\\n\\nVinyasa\\nAlso a type of yoga, a vinyasa is a series of postures connected to your breath, strung together in a longer flow.\\n\\nHatha\\nIn Sanskrit, “ha” refers to the sun and “tha” refers to the moon. Hatha yoga is a slower paced, basic style of yoga and helps form the foundation of other styles.\\nSavasana\\n\\nSavasana is corpse pose, meaning you literally lie on the floor in total relaxation, typically at the end of a yoga session.\\nChaturanga\\n\\nChaturanga is low plank pose or also known as four-limbed staff pose and is usually a transitional pose from plank position to upward facing dog.\\n\nUjjay\\nAlso known as “victorious breath,” ujjay is the common form of breath used in many types of yoga where air enters and leaves a constricted throat. It often sounds like the ocean.\\n\\nOm\\nThe universal sound of consciousness, chanting “om” causes a vibration in the back of your throat and has many benefits.\\n\\nDrishti\\nA focal point used in yoga set up by the yogi to assist with concentration, balance, and focus. This is particularly helpful for balancing postures like tree pose.\\n\\n\\nShanti\\nIn Sanskrit, shanti means “peace.” It is often chanted at the beginning or end of class.\\n\\nIyengar\\nIyengar is a type of yoga that is focused on precision and alignment while practicing yoga poses. It is a fairly popular style and often requires the use of props.\\n\\nShakti\\nShakti literally means “power” in Sanskrit and is the female principle of divine energy. Shakti is often represented by a lotus flower.\\n\\nKundalini\\nThis form of yoga is a system of chanting, meditation, breathwork, and, sometimes, singing. The word itself is a form of female energy that resides at the base of the spine.\\n\\nBhanda\\nBhanda is a lock or bind in yoga, an internal mudra. The purpose of bhanda is to lock in the body’s life energy/force.\\n\n\\nSome of these words you may understand based on the definition and some you may not. That’s ok! Yoga is an experience, which means some words you will simply have to experience to truly understand what they are and the impact they have on your mental, physical, and emotional health.\\nAnd if you still don’t know after you’ve experienced them? Ask!\\nAt MyYogaTeacher, we have members from all walks of life, religions, and all ages, shapes, sizes, and abilities! MyYogaTeacher offers 1:1 classes with authentic yoga instructors from the birthplace of yoga, India! And if you haven’t experienced virtual private yoga classes yet, MyYogaTeacher makes 1:1 classes affordable and accessible! PLUS, with your membership, you get:\\nRadiance! More energy, peace of mind, and better health & fitness\\n42+ daily group yoga classes, 100% live!\\nDiscounted yoga workshops, all live and interactive!\\nMaking new like-minded friends from around the world\\n\\nGrab your 2-week free trial and check out your membership options here!\\n\\n\\n"},"category":["yoga"]}],"randomPosts":[],"relatedPosts":[],"blogContent":{"id":"ckuztbzb43q970d77q02nbk98","slug":"cat-yoga-benefits","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":null},"title":"Cat Yoga: 5 Ways Including A Cat in Your Yoga Practice Benefits Your Mental Health","createdAt":"2021-10-20T17:52:16.501962+00:00","coverUrl":"jrbariwsee7h8jjwqv1m.jpg","seoDescription":"Meow! Cat yoga is trending up. If you've never heard it or tried it, explore the benefits of cat yoga in this interesting article.","content":{"text":"Don’t laugh! We’re for real.\\nIf you’re not a cat person, are allergic to cats, or have a traumatic experience with felines, you can skip this article altogether. We totally understand!\\nHowever, whether you love cats or not, we’ve discovered some really interesting stuff about how including cats in your yoga practice benefits your mental and emotional health. Plus, cats themselves are way more therapeutic than people give them credit for!\\nWhile animal yoga – like goat yoga and horse yoga – seems to be a hot trend, we’re wary of buying into novelties where the actual practice of yoga is overshadowed by animals that may or may not cause injury.\\nAs a matter of fact, cat yoga isn’t just good for you. It’s good for your cat too!\\nHere’s what we’ve discovered about this up and coming trend and how cat yoga is beneficial for you both.\\n\\n\\n1. Cats positively affect your psychological health\\nAccording to \\nHealthline\\n, cat owners already tend to have lower stress levels, lower resting heart rates, and are happier. Cats are also naturally calming, which carries over to their human counterparts.\\nThat being said, cats also enjoy bonding with their owners just as much as the owners do with them. And bonding with animals is notoriously good for mental health.\\nWhy?\\nSeveral reasons. Animals don’t judge us, talk down to us or talk negatively about us. They generally only require basic needs. And obviously, physical touching, petting, and snuggling releases feel good chemicals in both cat and human. Also, cats tend to be very independent creatures, which makes them low maintenance.\\nCats, in particular, also offer a natural source of healing in their purr. Purring releases endorphins in the cat, and studies have shown that the frequency of a cat’s purr actually contributes to physical healing in humans.\\nNow, combine the benefits of owning a cat with an activity like yoga (which also improves psychological health), and you get a double dose of endorphins! Plus, you and your cat get the benefits that come from physical activity.\\n2. Cats prioritize self-care.\\nWhile many animals are very efficient at self-care, cats are especially in tune with their basic needs. They can also be a good reminder for us to prioritize our self-care.\\nWe’ve discussed a cat’s purr, but did you know that the frequency of their purr contributes to the growth and repair of their bones and muscles? Super cool! They also lick their fur not just to clean themselves, but to regulate body temperature and distribute the oils in their skin.\\nWe’re not saying you should start purring or stop showering, but the way cats move and stretch is also a part of their selfcare. \\nAnd that’s something they can remind us to do that we’re capable of! Plus, if you hadn’t noticed, there are at least several yoga poses who’s name is derived from cats.\\nYoga is definitely a form of self care and, as it turns out, is even more beneficial to your physical, mental, and emotional health when you incorporate your furbaby friends!\\n3. Cat yoga gets you out of your comfort zone.\\nSometimes, what affects our mental health the most isn’t the stressful situations (or days), the anxiety-ridden moments, or the emotional rollercoaster of life.\\nIt’s the mundane.\\nExcessive boredom or repeated, boring tasks negatively affect the brain. \\nStudies show\\n that people who have high levels of boredom or don’t step out of their comfort zone and change up their daily routine suffer from higher levels of depression and anxiety.\\nAs a matter of fact, boredom is actually detectable in brain activity on an EEG.\\nHere at MyYogaTeacher, we have a hard time ever getting bored with our yoga routine because there is such a huge variety of classes offered by so many different, amazing instructors. But we also don’t mind saying that cat yoga would definitely be outside of our comfort zone...in a good way!\\nUnlike other forms of animal yoga, cat yoga is still very safe, joyful, and fun!\\n\\n\\n4. Cats naturally fit into a yoga practice.\\nCats are constantly practicing yoga! \\nThey are not only intuitive comforters, cats are top-notch yogis. And they love stretching and moving in ways that we mere humans (for the most part) can’t.\\nBecause yoga is an exercise that focuses on self awareness and bringing harmony to your inner and outer self, it makes sense that incorporating your already extremely self aware and flexible furry friends into your yoga practice will come naturally. \\nIf you’ve already practiced yoga around your cat, you may have noticed that he or she sticks around during your practice...maybe in ways that you don’t want, but still. Your furry friend is there.\\nThat’s because cats intuitively recognize the calming effects yoga has on humans. They also recognize the movements. \\nCats are very intelligent animals. You may think involving your feline friend in your yoga practice will be stressful, but the truth is, the exact opposite is true!\\n5. Cats and yoga encourage us to slow down.\\nCats are experts at meditation. It’s true!\\nThey are very good at being mindful, and they tend to really enjoy life. Domestic cats can usually be found sitting or lying around watching the world go by, taking in all the sights, sounds, and smells \\nor\\n they’re playing, stretching, or running around.\\nTry meditating with your cat. You’ll probably find that your feline friend sits or lays right next to you as you spend time taming your thoughts.\\nCats are also great at regulating their breath!\\nIf you haven’t heard it from us already, breath is life. And yogic breathing is excellent for physical, mental, and emotional wellness. It reduces anxiety and depression, invigorates the mind and spirit, and literally brings life back to your body and soul.\\nCats are very adept at breathing deeply and smoothly. And you’ll find that if you gently lay your hand on your kitty while you’re meditating, you’ll breathe right along with them. \\nSlowing down is an important part of mental wellness. Incorporating cat yoga into your routine will bring awareness to the very important practice of slowing down.\\n\\n\\nWhile we don’t offer cat yoga at MyYogaTeacher, we do offer over 35+ different types of yoga classes that are not only challenging, but fun! \\nGet your 2-week free trial here\\n if you haven’t already tried us out and discover the benefits of yoga!\\nSee you there!\\n\n\n","html":"<p>Don’t laugh! We’re for real.</p><p>If you’re not a cat person, are allergic to cats, or have a traumatic experience with felines, you can skip this article altogether. We totally understand!</p><p>However, whether you love cats or not, we’ve discovered some really interesting stuff about how including cats in your yoga practice benefits your mental and emotional health. Plus, cats themselves are way more therapeutic than people give them credit for!</p><p>While animal yoga – like goat yoga and horse yoga – seems to be a hot trend, we’re wary of buying into novelties where the actual practice of yoga is overshadowed by animals that may or may not cause injury.</p><p>As a matter of fact, cat yoga isn’t just good for you. It’s good for your cat too!</p><p>Here’s what we’ve discovered about this up and coming trend and how cat yoga is beneficial for you both.</p><p></p><img src=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=width:1080,height:889/BZALjPBtQAyCAqabBwBU\" alt=\"Downward Dog Yoga Pose\" title=\"cat-yoga-crumbs-whiskers-1.jpg\" width=\"1080\" height=\"889\" /><h2>1. Cats positively affect your psychological health</h2><p>According to <a title=\"https://www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-being-cat-lover#1.-Well-being\" href=\"https://www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-being-cat-lover#1.-Well-being\"><u>Healthline</u></a>, cat owners already tend to have lower stress levels, lower resting heart rates, and are happier. Cats are also naturally calming, which carries over to their human counterparts.</p><p>That being said, cats also enjoy bonding with their owners just as much as the owners do with them. And bonding with animals is notoriously good for mental health.</p><p>Why?</p><p>Several reasons. Animals don’t judge us, talk down to us or talk negatively about us. They generally only require basic needs. And obviously, physical touching, petting, and snuggling releases feel good chemicals in both cat and human. Also, cats tend to be very independent creatures, which makes them low maintenance.</p><p>Cats, in particular, also offer a natural source of healing in their purr. Purring releases endorphins in the cat, and studies have shown that the frequency of a cat’s purr actually contributes to physical healing in humans.</p><p>Now, combine the benefits of owning a cat with an activity like yoga (which also improves psychological health), and you get a double dose of endorphins! Plus, you and your cat get the benefits that come from physical activity.</p><h2>2. Cats prioritize self-care.</h2><p>While many animals are very efficient at self-care, cats are especially in tune with their basic needs. They can also be a good reminder for us to prioritize our self-care.</p><p>We’ve discussed a cat’s purr, but did you know that the frequency of their purr contributes to the growth and repair of their bones and muscles? Super cool! They also lick their fur not just to clean themselves, but to regulate body temperature and distribute the oils in their skin.</p><p>We’re not saying you should start purring or stop showering, but the way cats move and stretch is also a part of their selfcare. </p><p>And that’s something they can remind us to do that we’re capable of! Plus, if you hadn’t noticed, there are at least several yoga poses who’s name is derived from cats.</p><p>Yoga is definitely a form of self care and, as it turns out, is even more beneficial to your physical, mental, and emotional health when you incorporate your furbaby friends!</p><h2>3. Cat yoga gets you out of your comfort zone.</h2><p>Sometimes, what affects our mental health the most isn’t the stressful situations (or days), the anxiety-ridden moments, or the emotional rollercoaster of life.</p><p>It’s the mundane.</p><p>Excessive boredom or repeated, boring tasks negatively affect the brain. <a title=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325697#Brain-activity-in-those-prone-to-boredom\" href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325697#Brain-activity-in-those-prone-to-boredom\"><u>Studies show</u></a> that people who have high levels of boredom or don’t step out of their comfort zone and change up their daily routine suffer from higher levels of depression and anxiety.</p><p>As a matter of fact, boredom is actually detectable in brain activity on an EEG.</p><p>Here at MyYogaTeacher, we have a hard time ever getting bored with our yoga routine because there is such a huge variety of classes offered by so many different, amazing instructors. But we also don’t mind saying that cat yoga would definitely be outside of our comfort zone...in a good way!</p><p>Unlike other forms of animal yoga, cat yoga is still very safe, joyful, and fun!</p><p></p><img src=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=width:1000,height:667/HDWDpJTYSL22XRXk95gL\" alt=\"Chakrasana\" title=\"Me-Om-yoga-class.jpg\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" /><h2>4. Cats naturally fit into a yoga practice.</h2><p>Cats are constantly practicing yoga! </p><p>They are not only intuitive comforters, cats are top-notch yogis. And they love stretching and moving in ways that we mere humans (for the most part) can’t.</p><p>Because yoga is an exercise that focuses on self awareness and bringing harmony to your inner and outer self, it makes sense that incorporating your already extremely self aware and flexible furry friends into your yoga practice will come naturally. </p><p>If you’ve already practiced yoga around your cat, you may have noticed that he or she sticks around during your practice...maybe in ways that you don’t want, but still. Your furry friend is there.</p><p>That’s because cats intuitively recognize the calming effects yoga has on humans. They also recognize the movements. </p><p>Cats are very intelligent animals. You may think involving your feline friend in your yoga practice will be stressful, but the truth is, the exact opposite is true!</p><h2>5. Cats and yoga encourage us to slow down.</h2><p>Cats are experts at meditation. It’s true!</p><p>They are very good at being mindful, and they tend to really enjoy life. Domestic cats can usually be found sitting or lying around watching the world go by, taking in all the sights, sounds, and smells <em>or</em> they’re playing, stretching, or running around.</p><p>Try meditating with your cat. You’ll probably find that your feline friend sits or lays right next to you as you spend time taming your thoughts.</p><p>Cats are also great at regulating their breath!</p><p>If you haven’t heard it from us already, breath is life. And yogic breathing is excellent for physical, mental, and emotional wellness. It reduces anxiety and depression, invigorates the mind and spirit, and literally brings life back to your body and soul.</p><p>Cats are very adept at breathing deeply and smoothly. And you’ll find that if you gently lay your hand on your kitty while you’re meditating, you’ll breathe right along with them. </p><p>Slowing down is an important part of mental wellness. Incorporating cat yoga into your routine will bring awareness to the very important practice of slowing down.</p><p></p><img src=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=width:938,height:542/lVzvjRO1QQCj7LmQ39pj\" alt=\"Halasana Variation\" title=\"iStock_101541171_MEDIUM.jpg\" width=\"938\" height=\"542\" /><p>While we don’t offer cat yoga at MyYogaTeacher, we do offer over 35+ different types of yoga classes that are not only challenging, but fun! <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\"><u>Get your 2-week free trial here</u></a> if you haven’t already tried us out and discover the benefits of yoga!</p><p>See you there!</p><p><br><br></p>"},"category":["yoga"],"utmCampaign":null,"utmMedium":null,"utmContent":null,"utmSource":null,"utmTerm":null,"utmSearchString":null},"loading":false,"blog_content":[{"type":"HTML","value":"<p>Don’t laugh! We’re for real.</p><p>If you’re not a cat person, are allergic to cats, or have a traumatic experience with felines, you can skip this article altogether. We totally understand!</p><p>However, whether you love cats or not, we’ve discovered some really interesting stuff about how including cats in your yoga practice benefits your mental and emotional health. Plus, cats themselves are way more therapeutic than people give them credit for!</p><p>While animal yoga – like goat yoga and horse yoga – seems to be a hot trend, we’re wary of buying into novelties where the actual practice of yoga is overshadowed by animals that may or may not cause injury.</p><p>As a matter of fact, cat yoga isn’t just good for you. It’s good for your cat too!</p><p>Here’s what we’ve discovered about this up and coming trend and how cat yoga is beneficial for you both.</p><p></p>\n <picture>\n <source \n type=\"image/webp\"\n data-srcset=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:webp/compress/resize=width:1080,height:889/BZALjPBtQAyCAqabBwBU\" \n alt=\"Downward Dog Yoga Pose\"\n title=\"Downward Dog Yoga Pose\"\n \n \n class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n />\n <source \n type=\"image/jpg\"\n data-srcset=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/resize=width:1080,height:889/BZALjPBtQAyCAqabBwBU\"\n alt=\"Downward Dog Yoga Pose\"\n title=\"Downward Dog Yoga Pose\"\n \n \n class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n />\n <img \n data-srcset=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/resize=width:1080,height:889/BZALjPBtQAyCAqabBwBU\"\n alt=\"Downward Dog Yoga Pose\"\n title=\"Downward Dog Yoga Pose\"\n \n \n class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n />\n </picture>\n <h2>1. Cats positively affect your psychological health</h2><p>According to <a title=\"https://www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-being-cat-lover#1.-Well-being\" href=\"https://www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-being-cat-lover#1.-Well-being\"><u>Healthline</u></a>, cat owners already tend to have lower stress levels, lower resting heart rates, and are happier. Cats are also naturally calming, which carries over to their human counterparts.</p><p>That being said, cats also enjoy bonding with their owners just as much as the owners do with them. And bonding with animals is notoriously good for mental health.</p><p>Why?</p><p>Several reasons. Animals don’t judge us, talk down to us or talk negatively about us. They generally only require basic needs. And obviously, physical touching, petting, and snuggling releases feel good chemicals in both cat and human. Also, cats tend to be very independent creatures, which makes them low maintenance.</p><p>Cats, in particular, also offer a natural source of healing in their purr. Purring releases endorphins in the cat, and studies have shown that the frequency of a cat’s purr actually contributes to physical healing in humans.</p><p>Now, combine the benefits of owning a cat with an activity like yoga (which also improves psychological health), and you get a double dose of endorphins! Plus, you and your cat get the benefits that come from physical activity.</p><h2>2. Cats prioritize self-care.</h2><p>While many animals are very efficient at self-care, cats are especially in tune with their basic needs. They can also be a good reminder for us to prioritize our self-care.</p><p>We’ve discussed a cat’s purr, but did you know that the frequency of their purr contributes to the growth and repair of their bones and muscles? Super cool! They also lick their fur not just to clean themselves, but to regulate body temperature and distribute the oils in their skin.</p><p>We’re not saying you should start purring or stop showering, but the way cats move and stretch is also a part of their selfcare. </p><p>And that’s something they can remind us to do that we’re capable of! Plus, if you hadn’t noticed, there are at least several yoga poses who’s name is derived from cats.</p><p>Yoga is definitely a form of self care and, as it turns out, is even more beneficial to your physical, mental, and emotional health when you incorporate your furbaby friends!</p><h2>3. Cat yoga gets you out of your comfort zone.</h2><p>Sometimes, what affects our mental health the most isn’t the stressful situations (or days), the anxiety-ridden moments, or the emotional rollercoaster of life.</p><p>It’s the mundane.</p><p>Excessive boredom or repeated, boring tasks negatively affect the brain. <a title=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325697#Brain-activity-in-those-prone-to-boredom\" href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325697#Brain-activity-in-those-prone-to-boredom\"><u>Studies show</u></a> that people who have high levels of boredom or don’t step out of their comfort zone and change up their daily routine suffer from higher levels of depression and anxiety.</p><p>As a matter of fact, boredom is actually detectable in brain activity on an EEG.</p><p>Here at MyYogaTeacher, we have a hard time ever getting bored with our yoga routine because there is such a huge variety of classes offered by so many different, amazing instructors. But we also don’t mind saying that cat yoga would definitely be outside of our comfort zone...in a good way!</p><p>Unlike other forms of animal yoga, cat yoga is still very safe, joyful, and fun!</p><p></p>\n <picture>\n <source \n type=\"image/webp\"\n data-srcset=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:webp/compress/resize=width:1000,height:667/HDWDpJTYSL22XRXk95gL\" \n alt=\"Chakrasana\"\n title=\"Chakrasana\"\n \n \n class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n />\n <source \n type=\"image/jpg\"\n data-srcset=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/resize=width:1000,height:667/HDWDpJTYSL22XRXk95gL\"\n alt=\"Chakrasana\"\n title=\"Chakrasana\"\n \n \n class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n />\n <img \n data-srcset=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/resize=width:1000,height:667/HDWDpJTYSL22XRXk95gL\"\n alt=\"Chakrasana\"\n title=\"Chakrasana\"\n \n \n class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n />\n </picture>\n <h2>4. Cats naturally fit into a yoga practice.</h2><p>Cats are constantly practicing yoga! </p><p>They are not only intuitive comforters, cats are top-notch yogis. And they love stretching and moving in ways that we mere humans (for the most part) can’t.</p><p>Because yoga is an exercise that focuses on self awareness and bringing harmony to your inner and outer self, it makes sense that incorporating your already extremely self aware and flexible furry friends into your yoga practice will come naturally. </p><p>If you’ve already practiced yoga around your cat, you may have noticed that he or she sticks around during your practice...maybe in ways that you don’t want, but still. Your furry friend is there.</p><p>That’s because cats intuitively recognize the calming effects yoga has on humans. They also recognize the movements. </p><p>Cats are very intelligent animals. You may think involving your feline friend in your yoga practice will be stressful, but the truth is, the exact opposite is true!</p><h2>5. Cats and yoga encourage us to slow down.</h2><p>Cats are experts at meditation. It’s true!</p><p>They are very good at being mindful, and they tend to really enjoy life. Domestic cats can usually be found sitting or lying around watching the world go by, taking in all the sights, sounds, and smells <em>or</em> they’re playing, stretching, or running around.</p><p>Try meditating with your cat. You’ll probably find that your feline friend sits or lays right next to you as you spend time taming your thoughts.</p><p>Cats are also great at regulating their breath!</p><p>If you haven’t heard it from us already, breath is life. And yogic breathing is excellent for physical, mental, and emotional wellness. It reduces anxiety and depression, invigorates the mind and spirit, and literally brings life back to your body and soul.</p><p>Cats are very adept at breathing deeply and smoothly. And you’ll find that if you gently lay your hand on your kitty while you’re meditating, you’ll breathe right along with them. </p><p>Slowing down is an important part of mental wellness. Incorporating cat yoga into your routine will bring awareness to the very important practice of slowing down.</p><p></p>\n <picture>\n <source \n type=\"image/webp\"\n data-srcset=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:webp/compress/resize=width:938,height:542/lVzvjRO1QQCj7LmQ39pj\" \n alt=\"Halasana Variation\"\n title=\"Halasana Variation\"\n \n \n class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n />\n <source \n type=\"image/jpg\"\n data-srcset=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/resize=width:938,height:542/lVzvjRO1QQCj7LmQ39pj\"\n alt=\"Halasana Variation\"\n title=\"Halasana Variation\"\n \n \n class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n />\n <img \n data-srcset=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/resize=width:938,height:542/lVzvjRO1QQCj7LmQ39pj\"\n alt=\"Halasana Variation\"\n title=\"Halasana Variation\"\n \n \n class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n />\n </picture>\n <p>While we don’t offer cat yoga at MyYogaTeacher, we do offer over 35+ different types of yoga classes that are not only challenging, but fun! <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\"><u>Get your 2-week free trial here</u></a> if you haven’t already tried us out and discover the benefits of yoga!</p><p>See you there!</p><p><br><br></p>"},{"type":"CTA","value":"[CTA-DEFAULT]"}],"isSlugACategory":false,"searchCategory":"cat-yoga-benefits","ctaContent":[{"id":"ckxrz2i14tov40c25g1dpicsg","name":"[CTA-DEFAULT]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions and 2 weeks of unlimited group classes</strong> with authentic yoga teachers. 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No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>Practice with Authentic Indian Yoga Teachers</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckxrz6nq0tqdr0c258titvagg","name":"[CTA-REVIEWS]","description":{"html":"<p>Find out what all the hype is about! <strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions and 2 weeks of unlimited group classes</strong> with authentic yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>103,478 Happy Students & 12,086 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reviews</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckxrz7nzktu400b752fym6wpw","name":"[CTA-HATHA]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private hatha yoga sessions and 2 weeks of unlimited group classes </strong>(including tons of daily Hatha yoga classes). No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Hatha Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>with Authentic Indian Teachers</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"cky90p88g3zgc0d23yz6taont","name":"[CTA-NASAL]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private sessions </strong>to relieve post nasal drip and clear out your sinus. </p><p><strong>PLUS, 2 weeks of unlimited group classes </strong>with authentic Indian yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>Relieve Post Nasal Drip & Clear Your Sinus Today!</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckyirvl8g25ce0c70cldmca2g","name":"[CTA-TRATAKA]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private sessions </strong>with experienced Trataka teachers. </p><p><strong>PLUS, 2 weeks of unlimited group classes </strong>(like ‘Candle Gazing Meditation) with authentic yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>Learn Trataka (Candle Gazing) Meditation Today!</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckyisqh482ck60b79rp1r1jcg","name":"[CTA-YIN]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions</strong>, work with an experienced yoga therapist to reduce (and even eliminate) your back pain. <strong>PLUS 2 weeks of unlimited group classes </strong>(like ‘Yoga for Back Pain’) with authentic yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Therapy – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>Relieve Back Pain Safely & Effectively Today!</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckyitki4w2liz0b30tqpzhy4i","name":"[CTA-KRIYA]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions </strong>for Kriya Yoga, Pranayama, and Meditation <strong>and 2 weeks of unlimited group classes </strong>with authentic yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Classes – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>Practice Kriya, Pranayama, and Meditation Today!</strong></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckyitxgyg2pot0b79lu1fcpp1","name":"[CTA-BREATH]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions </strong>for yogic breathing techniques (pranayama) and <strong>2 weeks of unlimited group classes</strong>, like ‘Stretch and Breathe’, ‘Kriya, Pranayama, and Meditation’, and many others. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong> Learn Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Pranayama!</strong></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckykb6i2o1o7f0b368s1m7qow","name":"[CTA-LYMPHATIC]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions</strong> for lymphatic drainage & immunity enhancement. <strong>PLUS 2 weeks of unlimited group yoga classes</strong> (including daily yin-yoga) when you sign up today! No credit card required to sign up.</p><p></p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>for Lymphatic Drainage & Boosting Your Immune System!</strong></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"cl2vqlpyfe3yh0biohgxyx2hg","name":"[CTA-LEAD]","description":{"html":"<p>Lead Form</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p>Lead Form</p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"cl4gnwnrlga640ck37gutx7sn","name":"[CTA-GC]","description":{"html":"<p>CTA-GC</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p>CTA-GC</p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"}],"post":{"id":"ckuztbzb43q970d77q02nbk98","slug":"cat-yoga-benefits","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":null},"title":"Cat Yoga: 5 Ways Including A Cat in Your Yoga Practice Benefits Your Mental Health","createdAt":"2021-10-20T17:52:16.501962+00:00","coverUrl":"jrbariwsee7h8jjwqv1m.jpg","seoDescription":"Meow! Cat yoga is trending up. If you've never heard it or tried it, explore the benefits of cat yoga in this interesting article.","content":{"text":"Don’t laugh! We’re for real.\\nIf you’re not a cat person, are allergic to cats, or have a traumatic experience with felines, you can skip this article altogether. We totally understand!\\nHowever, whether you love cats or not, we’ve discovered some really interesting stuff about how including cats in your yoga practice benefits your mental and emotional health. Plus, cats themselves are way more therapeutic than people give them credit for!\\nWhile animal yoga – like goat yoga and horse yoga – seems to be a hot trend, we’re wary of buying into novelties where the actual practice of yoga is overshadowed by animals that may or may not cause injury.\\nAs a matter of fact, cat yoga isn’t just good for you. It’s good for your cat too!\\nHere’s what we’ve discovered about this up and coming trend and how cat yoga is beneficial for you both.\\n\\n\\n1. Cats positively affect your psychological health\\nAccording to \\nHealthline\\n, cat owners already tend to have lower stress levels, lower resting heart rates, and are happier. Cats are also naturally calming, which carries over to their human counterparts.\\nThat being said, cats also enjoy bonding with their owners just as much as the owners do with them. And bonding with animals is notoriously good for mental health.\\nWhy?\\nSeveral reasons. Animals don’t judge us, talk down to us or talk negatively about us. They generally only require basic needs. And obviously, physical touching, petting, and snuggling releases feel good chemicals in both cat and human. Also, cats tend to be very independent creatures, which makes them low maintenance.\\nCats, in particular, also offer a natural source of healing in their purr. Purring releases endorphins in the cat, and studies have shown that the frequency of a cat’s purr actually contributes to physical healing in humans.\\nNow, combine the benefits of owning a cat with an activity like yoga (which also improves psychological health), and you get a double dose of endorphins! Plus, you and your cat get the benefits that come from physical activity.\\n2. Cats prioritize self-care.\\nWhile many animals are very efficient at self-care, cats are especially in tune with their basic needs. They can also be a good reminder for us to prioritize our self-care.\\nWe’ve discussed a cat’s purr, but did you know that the frequency of their purr contributes to the growth and repair of their bones and muscles? Super cool! They also lick their fur not just to clean themselves, but to regulate body temperature and distribute the oils in their skin.\\nWe’re not saying you should start purring or stop showering, but the way cats move and stretch is also a part of their selfcare. \\nAnd that’s something they can remind us to do that we’re capable of! Plus, if you hadn’t noticed, there are at least several yoga poses who’s name is derived from cats.\\nYoga is definitely a form of self care and, as it turns out, is even more beneficial to your physical, mental, and emotional health when you incorporate your furbaby friends!\\n3. Cat yoga gets you out of your comfort zone.\\nSometimes, what affects our mental health the most isn’t the stressful situations (or days), the anxiety-ridden moments, or the emotional rollercoaster of life.\\nIt’s the mundane.\\nExcessive boredom or repeated, boring tasks negatively affect the brain. \\nStudies show\\n that people who have high levels of boredom or don’t step out of their comfort zone and change up their daily routine suffer from higher levels of depression and anxiety.\\nAs a matter of fact, boredom is actually detectable in brain activity on an EEG.\\nHere at MyYogaTeacher, we have a hard time ever getting bored with our yoga routine because there is such a huge variety of classes offered by so many different, amazing instructors. But we also don’t mind saying that cat yoga would definitely be outside of our comfort zone...in a good way!\\nUnlike other forms of animal yoga, cat yoga is still very safe, joyful, and fun!\\n\\n\\n4. Cats naturally fit into a yoga practice.\\nCats are constantly practicing yoga! \\nThey are not only intuitive comforters, cats are top-notch yogis. And they love stretching and moving in ways that we mere humans (for the most part) can’t.\\nBecause yoga is an exercise that focuses on self awareness and bringing harmony to your inner and outer self, it makes sense that incorporating your already extremely self aware and flexible furry friends into your yoga practice will come naturally. \\nIf you’ve already practiced yoga around your cat, you may have noticed that he or she sticks around during your practice...maybe in ways that you don’t want, but still. Your furry friend is there.\\nThat’s because cats intuitively recognize the calming effects yoga has on humans. They also recognize the movements. \\nCats are very intelligent animals. You may think involving your feline friend in your yoga practice will be stressful, but the truth is, the exact opposite is true!\\n5. Cats and yoga encourage us to slow down.\\nCats are experts at meditation. It’s true!\\nThey are very good at being mindful, and they tend to really enjoy life. Domestic cats can usually be found sitting or lying around watching the world go by, taking in all the sights, sounds, and smells \\nor\\n they’re playing, stretching, or running around.\\nTry meditating with your cat. You’ll probably find that your feline friend sits or lays right next to you as you spend time taming your thoughts.\\nCats are also great at regulating their breath!\\nIf you haven’t heard it from us already, breath is life. And yogic breathing is excellent for physical, mental, and emotional wellness. It reduces anxiety and depression, invigorates the mind and spirit, and literally brings life back to your body and soul.\\nCats are very adept at breathing deeply and smoothly. And you’ll find that if you gently lay your hand on your kitty while you’re meditating, you’ll breathe right along with them. \\nSlowing down is an important part of mental wellness. Incorporating cat yoga into your routine will bring awareness to the very important practice of slowing down.\\n\\n\\nWhile we don’t offer cat yoga at MyYogaTeacher, we do offer over 35+ different types of yoga classes that are not only challenging, but fun! \\nGet your 2-week free trial here\\n if you haven’t already tried us out and discover the benefits of yoga!\\nSee you there!\\n\n\n","html":"<p>Don’t laugh! We’re for real.</p><p>If you’re not a cat person, are allergic to cats, or have a traumatic experience with felines, you can skip this article altogether. We totally understand!</p><p>However, whether you love cats or not, we’ve discovered some really interesting stuff about how including cats in your yoga practice benefits your mental and emotional health. Plus, cats themselves are way more therapeutic than people give them credit for!</p><p>While animal yoga – like goat yoga and horse yoga – seems to be a hot trend, we’re wary of buying into novelties where the actual practice of yoga is overshadowed by animals that may or may not cause injury.</p><p>As a matter of fact, cat yoga isn’t just good for you. It’s good for your cat too!</p><p>Here’s what we’ve discovered about this up and coming trend and how cat yoga is beneficial for you both.</p><p></p><img src=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=width:1080,height:889/BZALjPBtQAyCAqabBwBU\" alt=\"Downward Dog Yoga Pose\" title=\"cat-yoga-crumbs-whiskers-1.jpg\" width=\"1080\" height=\"889\" /><h2>1. Cats positively affect your psychological health</h2><p>According to <a title=\"https://www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-being-cat-lover#1.-Well-being\" href=\"https://www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-being-cat-lover#1.-Well-being\"><u>Healthline</u></a>, cat owners already tend to have lower stress levels, lower resting heart rates, and are happier. Cats are also naturally calming, which carries over to their human counterparts.</p><p>That being said, cats also enjoy bonding with their owners just as much as the owners do with them. And bonding with animals is notoriously good for mental health.</p><p>Why?</p><p>Several reasons. Animals don’t judge us, talk down to us or talk negatively about us. They generally only require basic needs. And obviously, physical touching, petting, and snuggling releases feel good chemicals in both cat and human. Also, cats tend to be very independent creatures, which makes them low maintenance.</p><p>Cats, in particular, also offer a natural source of healing in their purr. Purring releases endorphins in the cat, and studies have shown that the frequency of a cat’s purr actually contributes to physical healing in humans.</p><p>Now, combine the benefits of owning a cat with an activity like yoga (which also improves psychological health), and you get a double dose of endorphins! Plus, you and your cat get the benefits that come from physical activity.</p><h2>2. Cats prioritize self-care.</h2><p>While many animals are very efficient at self-care, cats are especially in tune with their basic needs. They can also be a good reminder for us to prioritize our self-care.</p><p>We’ve discussed a cat’s purr, but did you know that the frequency of their purr contributes to the growth and repair of their bones and muscles? Super cool! They also lick their fur not just to clean themselves, but to regulate body temperature and distribute the oils in their skin.</p><p>We’re not saying you should start purring or stop showering, but the way cats move and stretch is also a part of their selfcare. </p><p>And that’s something they can remind us to do that we’re capable of! Plus, if you hadn’t noticed, there are at least several yoga poses who’s name is derived from cats.</p><p>Yoga is definitely a form of self care and, as it turns out, is even more beneficial to your physical, mental, and emotional health when you incorporate your furbaby friends!</p><h2>3. Cat yoga gets you out of your comfort zone.</h2><p>Sometimes, what affects our mental health the most isn’t the stressful situations (or days), the anxiety-ridden moments, or the emotional rollercoaster of life.</p><p>It’s the mundane.</p><p>Excessive boredom or repeated, boring tasks negatively affect the brain. <a title=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325697#Brain-activity-in-those-prone-to-boredom\" href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325697#Brain-activity-in-those-prone-to-boredom\"><u>Studies show</u></a> that people who have high levels of boredom or don’t step out of their comfort zone and change up their daily routine suffer from higher levels of depression and anxiety.</p><p>As a matter of fact, boredom is actually detectable in brain activity on an EEG.</p><p>Here at MyYogaTeacher, we have a hard time ever getting bored with our yoga routine because there is such a huge variety of classes offered by so many different, amazing instructors. But we also don’t mind saying that cat yoga would definitely be outside of our comfort zone...in a good way!</p><p>Unlike other forms of animal yoga, cat yoga is still very safe, joyful, and fun!</p><p></p><img src=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=width:1000,height:667/HDWDpJTYSL22XRXk95gL\" alt=\"Chakrasana\" title=\"Me-Om-yoga-class.jpg\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" /><h2>4. Cats naturally fit into a yoga practice.</h2><p>Cats are constantly practicing yoga! </p><p>They are not only intuitive comforters, cats are top-notch yogis. And they love stretching and moving in ways that we mere humans (for the most part) can’t.</p><p>Because yoga is an exercise that focuses on self awareness and bringing harmony to your inner and outer self, it makes sense that incorporating your already extremely self aware and flexible furry friends into your yoga practice will come naturally. </p><p>If you’ve already practiced yoga around your cat, you may have noticed that he or she sticks around during your practice...maybe in ways that you don’t want, but still. Your furry friend is there.</p><p>That’s because cats intuitively recognize the calming effects yoga has on humans. They also recognize the movements. </p><p>Cats are very intelligent animals. You may think involving your feline friend in your yoga practice will be stressful, but the truth is, the exact opposite is true!</p><h2>5. Cats and yoga encourage us to slow down.</h2><p>Cats are experts at meditation. It’s true!</p><p>They are very good at being mindful, and they tend to really enjoy life. Domestic cats can usually be found sitting or lying around watching the world go by, taking in all the sights, sounds, and smells <em>or</em> they’re playing, stretching, or running around.</p><p>Try meditating with your cat. You’ll probably find that your feline friend sits or lays right next to you as you spend time taming your thoughts.</p><p>Cats are also great at regulating their breath!</p><p>If you haven’t heard it from us already, breath is life. And yogic breathing is excellent for physical, mental, and emotional wellness. It reduces anxiety and depression, invigorates the mind and spirit, and literally brings life back to your body and soul.</p><p>Cats are very adept at breathing deeply and smoothly. And you’ll find that if you gently lay your hand on your kitty while you’re meditating, you’ll breathe right along with them. </p><p>Slowing down is an important part of mental wellness. Incorporating cat yoga into your routine will bring awareness to the very important practice of slowing down.</p><p></p><img src=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=width:938,height:542/lVzvjRO1QQCj7LmQ39pj\" alt=\"Halasana Variation\" title=\"iStock_101541171_MEDIUM.jpg\" width=\"938\" height=\"542\" /><p>While we don’t offer cat yoga at MyYogaTeacher, we do offer over 35+ different types of yoga classes that are not only challenging, but fun! <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\"><u>Get your 2-week free trial here</u></a> if you haven’t already tried us out and discover the benefits of yoga!</p><p>See you there!</p><p><br><br></p>"},"category":["yoga"],"utmCampaign":null,"utmMedium":null,"utmContent":null,"utmSource":null,"utmTerm":null,"utmSearchString":null},"recommendations_group_class":null}Resources
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