Ahh, yoga. What started out as a form of meditation in certain parts of the East became a healthy and gentle form of exercise for people all over the world. We love our yoga — and our yoga pants. Its relaxing stretches are a great way for people to get some exercise even if they hate traditional cardio workouts.
If you’ve never done yoga, you might be surprised to find out just how challenging it is! Even those beginning stretches can get your blood pumping. And of course, not all of us are blessed with natural flexibility — some of us are quite the opposite.
However, yoga isn’t just for humans. If you don’t believe that, take a quick look around the internet. You’ll find all kinds of animals, including cats, dogs, monkeys, horses, and goats doing the moves the rest of do in a studio. And the best part? Some of them do it flawlessly.
It’s only natural that man’s best friend would be great at yoga. After all, one of the basic yoga stretches is called “downward dog.” The best part about all of this is getting to exercise with your best friend — and seeing how cute they are while doing it!
Downward Dog is a classic yoga move that even beginners can usually get the hang of. This cute pooch is showing his owner and yoga partner how it’s done!
Dog yogis (dogis?) come in all shapes and breeds. Here’s a tinier, even more adorable version of the same move, performed on the hardwood floor for optimal belly cooling.
3. He’s obviously the instructor
This dog is clearly an expert and is instructing these two men how to do their moves. The man on the left, for example, needs to straighten out his back. Follow the dog, man!
4. Always learn from the experts
When you’re starting out, you might feel too shy to join a yoga class right away. That’s okay — you can learn, like this good doggie, right at home in your own living room.
5. Some of us are bolder than others
Most people find yoga calming and soothing, helping them relax. This pretty princess finds that yoga has the opposite effect on her, bringing out her wild side.
What dog doesn’t love the opportunity to bond with its owner? These two are taking a moment to do some yoga poses together and get their stretch on.
7. Be careful of gaseous emissions
Yoga is infamous for, well…loosening people’s intestines a bit. Go to any class and you might find the room gets a bit stinky by the end. This dog hasn’t gotten the memo.
8. More flexible than you
Be honest — can you do a split like this? Yeah, we didn’t think so. This pug might be little, but it can teach us all a thing or two about flexibility.
9. Everyone needs a spotter or two
What’s better than one yoga partner? How about two yoga partners, one for each side? Yoga is a team effort for this family!
10. Gotta stretch those hips
This dog knows the importance of stretching before a workout — even if that workout is, well, more stretching. His form is impeccable
Sure, dogs can’t really reach the same way that humans can. Having paws makes that a challenge — but doggone it if this little pup isn’t trying his hardest.
12. Choose a quiet spot for your yoga routine
It’s important to find a quiet spot for your daily yoga routine, free of distractions and stressors. For example, the patch of sunlight on the living room floor is this dachshund’s favorite spot.
13. Even senior dogs can enjoy
Senior dogs have many of the same problems as aging humans do, including brittle bones and arthritis. Yoga can be a perfectly gentle exercise for them to enjoy with their owners!
14. It’s important to strengthen your core
These two have some impressive core strength — just look at them holding that pose! Of course, it helps to have your own cheerleader up close and personal.
15. Sometimes, you’re not on par with everyone
Don’t feel like you need to compare yourself to anyone else. Of course, it’s perfectly acceptable to sneak a look at their form if you need a couple of pointers.
These pups prove that yoga can be for dogs of all sizes, shapes, breeds, and fur types. Just make sure your human brings a yoga mat and an open mind.
17. It’s okay to be self-conscious
You might not be able to do all the poses right away, and that’s okay. If you need to take it a little easier — like this wee guy —take a moment and then try again.
18. Not everyone is an enthusiastic participant
Sure, there are people and dogs alike that enjoy yoga, but that doesn’t mean it’s for everyone. This dog is learning that he’s not exactly the yogi type, and that’s okay, too.
19. Invite all your friends!
What’s more encouraging than having a group of your closest friends cheering you on? Well, we don’t recommend quite so much licking, but it’s the thought that counts.
20. Do a little meditation
Many of us love that stretch of quiet time right before the end of yoga class. You might as well be on your own doggie bed back home.
Secret has her own Instagram page where she does all kinds of adorable activities. But we can’t help but love the yoga videos the best.
22. Getting your meditation on
This little dog is cooperating with his owner, down to the crossed legs and outstretched paws. Has he reached total enlightenment yet? We can only wonder.
23. Stretch before you salute
This little dog may be a cutie, but he and his owner are taking this workout seriously. After their stretches, they’re going to hit the weight machine.
24. He knows what he’s doing!
This dog belongs to a professional yoga instructor, and it really looks like it knows its stuff. It even has its own little yoga mat! Or you know, maybe a towel on the floor.
25. It takes time to develop this level of flexibility
Doing a split is pretty hard, and you should never try without stretching first. Only then with training can you hope to achieve the level of flexibility of this doggie.
26. He even has his own little mat!
This dog has all the classic moves down pat. Before you know it, he’ll be Downward Dogging, Sun Saluting, Warrior Posing you out of the yoga studio.
27. We all start somewhere!
No one starts out doing perfect yoga moves. Take inspiration from this adorable corgi, who’s trying her best by watching an instructional video. She doesn’t quite have the moves down – yes.
28. She’s an Instagram influencer
Hello, followers! Today I’ll be showing you my morning routine, starting with 15 minutes of lakeside yoga to greet the dawn and ending with a facial and a kale papaya smoothie.
29. Yoga is for everyone, no matter your size
We’ve seen big dogs do it, we’ve seen little dogs do it, and this guy proves that even REALLY little dogs can do it. Is that not the cutest tiny yoga stretch you’ve ever seen?
Breathing is important in any form of exercise, even a gentle one like yoga. This dog is exemplifying it perfectly. In through the snout and out through the muzzle…
31. Yoga enthusiasts may start at a young age
This tiny puppy is only a couple of weeks old, but already starting on yoga — and its pretty good at it, we might add. And ooh, it’s so fluffy!
32. It’s always fun with a friend
Forcing yourself to exercise can be difficult. It’s much easier when you have your best friend by your side — even if they don’t always know the right moves.
33. The fluffiest yogi of all
This fluffy boy may be adorable, but he takes his yoga routine seriously. Just look at that determined expression and the perfect form of those wee little bean toes.
34. We need another yoga mat
This Doberman goes to show that you’re never too big to join in the fun. Of course, he’s going to have a hard time getting any traction on the hardwood floor, DEBORAH.
Not everyone is talented enough to pull off a routine like this. It takes talent, grace, and trust to accomplish this amazing feat. It’s art, after all!
36. It doesn’t come naturally to everyone
Some of us are naturally graceful and flexible, and some of us…well, some of us are a screaming chihuahua who is five minutes in and already feeling the burn
37. …and some can jump right in
Even if you’ve never tried yoga before, you might be surprised to find that it’s pretty intuitive for you! Take inspiration from this sweet Yorkie who’s jumping in with all four paws.
38. “Be one with the tennis ball…”
This dog looks like he is in the midst of some relaxing meditation. Or if he’s anything like me, he’s drifted off in the middle of the session.
39. It helps to do it in a beautiful place
If you want to be a lifestyle influencer, you’ve got to get it everything right: the outfits, the setting, the picture quality, and of course, the moves.
40. What’s important is that you try
Look, not all of us are naturally gifted at any of this. But the important thing is that you try — even if it means you end up laying on the floor like this pup.
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Ahh, yoga. What started out as a form of meditation in certain parts of the East became a healthy and gentle form of exercise for people all over the world. We love our yoga — and our yoga pants. Its relaxing stretches are a great way for people to get some exercise even if they hate traditional cardio workouts.
If you’ve never done yoga, you might be surprised to find out just how challenging it is! Even those beginning stretches can get your blood pumping. And of course, not all of us are blessed with natural flexibility — some of us are quite the opposite.
However, yoga isn’t just for humans. If you don’t believe that, take a quick look around the internet. You’ll find all kinds of animals, including cats, dogs, monkeys, horses, and goats doing the moves the rest of do in a studio. And the best part? Some of them do it flawlessly.
It’s only natural that man’s best friend would be great at yoga. After all, one of the basic yoga stretches is called “downward dog.” The best part about all of this is getting to exercise with your best friend — and seeing how cute they are while doing it!
