Sarah’s alpacas will help yoga lovers with their downward dog
YOGA fans will soon be able to perfect their downward dog and reclining butterfly poses – in a field of alpacas.
Sarah Luerken says she is the first in the East Midlands to offer the unusual class in the grounds of Candleford Cottage, in Mugginton.
The one-off session could become a regular event if it proves successful. The farm is home to 12 alpacas, including Clooney, Curly Wurly and Cangaroo, who are trained to walk on a lead and are also hired out to weddings.
Sarah, who normally runs yoga sessions at Stay Well Health, in Chellaston, will be taking it outdoors on May 2.
She believes the alpacas will have a calming effect during the session and help boost the emotional health and wellbeing of the participants.
The 40-year-old said: “It’s well known that animals have a soothing effect and alpacas are perfect because they don’t make any noise.
“They’re inquisitive but quite timid, and so the idea is that they roam around while the class goes on. It’s all about feeling grounded and at one with your natural surroundings so being in the outdoors and surrounded by the alpacas will really offer the opportunity to connect with nature.
“We’re not taking it too seriously either, there’s definitely an element of fun, although if it turns out to be a really positive, tranquil experience I’m not ruling out making it a regular thing.”
Alpaca yoga follows the trend for goat yoga, which made its way from the US to the UK three years ago, with enthusiasts claiming that the animals provided a soothing atmosphere. Sarah is trained in both Bikram yoga and Ashtanga yoga which help aid relaxation, build strength, increase flexibility and reduce stress levels.
Together with her husband Tom she runs Stay Well Health, which offers yoga and acupuncture from Chellaston Medical Centre, in Rowallan Way.
Sarah added: “We specialise in offering a holistic approach to treatments and are always looking at new techniques that will help support our clients’ health and wellbeing.”
Tom has a master’s in Chinese medicine and helps to treat a wide variety of health conditions with acupuncture, herbal medicine, massage and cupping and everything the couple recommends is about looking after the body and the mind.
“Our yoga community is quite adventurous and we hope to run a yoga with plants class at Swarkestone Garden Centre later this summer. I’m expecting a lot of interest in the alpaca session,” said Sarah.
To join the alpaca yoga class contact Stay Well Health on 01332 410023 or email sarah@staywellhealth.co.uk.