Charlotte Yoga Studio Adds Puppies to Weekly Stretching Routines
Instructors in North Carolina are blending physical exercise with animal contact to help participants lower stress levels while socializing young dogs.
By Liam O'Connor ·
Yoga classes in Charlotte, North Carolina, now include puppies in the room to mix physical exercise with animal contact. The sessions combine standard poses with time for play, rest, and cuddling. Participants move through their routines while young dogs roam the floor.
The format does not require the dogs to follow the human movements. Jessica Seisay, a local yoga instructor, explains that the appeal lies in combining two popular activities. She describes the setup as a way to bridge the gap between the two hobbies. First-time participant Taylor Manley attended a recent class where a puppy chose to sit in her lap for the entire duration. Manley noted that the dog made her want to sleep rather than focus on her stretching.
Research indicates that physical contact with animals can lower cortisol levels. It also raises serotonin and dopamine, which help improve mood and reduce anxiety. Taylor Terry, the breeder who supplies the puppies for the classes, observes these effects on her own. She notes that many attendees struggle with anxiety and depression. Terry believes the environment provides a space for people to decompress and find joy in seeing the young dogs.
The classes serve a purpose for the dogs as well. Terry stated that the puppies start out unsure of the strangers in the room. Within ten minutes, they typically become comfortable and energetic. She observed that they run around and socialize by the end of the session. Some puppies have also met their future families during these gatherings.
Local wellness experts support the concept. Katherine Ambrose, an aging well coach, described the combination as brilliant. She argued that yoga and puppies both offer health benefits, and combining them provides the best of both worlds. Gerontologist Sam Cradduck offered a lighter take on the arrangement. He said he would prefer to skip the stretching and just focus on the puppies.
The practice has spread across the country, with thousands of instructors hosting similar sessions. In Charlotte, the classes continue to draw participants looking for a break from traditional workouts. The format remains informal, allowing the dogs to move freely while humans attempt to maintain their balance.
