Packers CB Alexander tackles some goat yoga
GREEN BAY – The prediction: All-Pro.
That’s what Jaire Alexander said Friday morning, when he took a break from his offseason workouts to partake in his first-ever goat yoga class with kids – human and the four-legged kind – at the Children’s Museum of Green Bay.
The cornerback has been working out all summer in Green Bay since OTAs ended, specifically on his endurance training and his nutrition. In 13 games last year, 11 starts, Alexander included 61 solo tackles and an interception on his rookie résumé.
Asked what he expects for this year, with training camp opening in a few weeks, Alexander expressed high goals:
“Year two? I’m going to be AllPro. Everything else will take care of itself,” said Alexander, adding with a grin: “Yeah — those are big words. For small minds.”
Otherwise, the 22-year-old who has been practicing yoga for two years joined about 25 children and their adults at a local Boys & Girls Club for a special goat yoga class.
The goats are all between 1 and 2 weeks old, and this was their first interaction with people, said Clara
Hedrich, who brought about a dozen baby goats from her LaClare Farm Creamery in Malone. Some were so new they still had their umbilical cords.
Goat yoga is meant to bring a lighthearted take to the practice but also offers a chance to just have fun, especially on a sun-splashed, perfect day at the Children’s Museum, newly relocated across from Bay Beach. The class was led by Mandy Buntin of love&light yoga, who had the perfect sense of humor and tone for kids who may be experiencing yoga for the first time.
“Previous generations grew up around animals, you know,” said Hedrich, who has been raising goals for 40 years. “But that’s not the case now. Today’s population are not used to animals.
“You saw that some of the children were a little afraid at first, but this cures that a little. By the time the yoga was done, the children were not afraid of the goats. This is an opportunity for them to connect.”
To Alexander, it serves a serious purpose; he practices once or twice a week.
“I like hot yoga the most. It really warms up the muscles, it allows for a deep stretch,” said Alexander.
“I think yoga is a good practice. I’m just more flexible in general. With more flexibility comes faster, limber muscles.
“It’s also mindfulness. People’s minds race all the time. It’s always good to be in the moment.”
Alexander said he wanted to remain in Green Bay to keep his focus on the work ahead. He’s been running more — more sprints, more treadmill — to increase his endurance and to “be able to sustain a drive, or a long drive, or two overtimes.”
As for the All-Pro prediction, Alexander wouldn’t soften it after class as he stayed long after to post SnapChat videos with young Packers fans and take pictures with moms and their daughters.
“I say that every year, I said that last year,” he said. “I’ve always got that confidence — but this year it’s going to come to fruition. I know more things.”