10 Yoga Poses Named After Goats
In this blog:
Kid Pose (aka Child’s Pose – Balasana)
Leaping Goat (aka Chair Pose Jump Transitions – Utkatasana to Tadasana)
Goat on a Rock (aka Crow Pose – Bakasana)
Billy Goat Balance (aka Tree Pose – Vrksasana)
Nanny Goat Naps (aka Legs Up the Wall – Viparita Karani)
Ram-asana (aka Headstand – Sirsasana)
Bleat Pose (aka Lion’s Breath – Simhasana)
Curious Kid (aka Puppy Pose – Uttana Shishosana)
Haystack Hug (aka Reclined Twist – Supta Matsyendrasana)
Mountain Goat (aka Warrior III – Virabhadrasana III)
10 Yoga Poses Named After Goats
(...sort of.)
Let’s get this out of the way upfront:
No, there aren’t official yoga poses named after goats in the ancient Sanskrit texts. Patanjali didn’t pen “Baby Goat-asana” in the Yoga Sutras, though wow, what a missed opportunity.
But! If you’ve ever taken a goat yoga class—or even just seen the videos—you know those little cloven-hoofed cuties have a thing or two to teach us about balance, curiosity, and finding joy in the moment (even if it means chewing on someone’s ponytail mid-Cobra pose).
So, in honor of our mischievous mat-mates, here are 10 yoga poses that should absolutely be named after goats—or at least feel goat-inspired in spirit.
Whether you're a yoga teacher looking for a fun themed class, or a student with a sense of humor and a love for animals, this one’s for you. 🐐✨
1. Kid Pose (aka Child’s Pose – Balasana)
Let’s start with the most obvious pun: Kid Pose.
Just like a baby goat (aka a "kid") tucks in for a nap after a wild zoomie session, Child’s Pose invites you to fold inward, rest, and recharge.
🧘♀️ Pro tip: Add a blanket under the knees and forehead for extra grounding — because even goats love a cozy corner.
💭 Goat Vibes: That post-jump, flopped-on-the-haystack, too-cute-to-function moment.
2. Leaping Goat (aka Chair Pose Jump Transitions – Utkatasana to Tadasana)
If you’ve ever seen a goat leap straight up like a caffeinated spring, you’ve witnessed the essence of this pose.
Start in Chair Pose (Utkatasana), weight in your heels, arms lifted. Then spring up with glee into Mountain Pose (Tadasana).
It’s cardio. It’s alignment. It’s joy.
Repeat 5 times and tell me you’re not sweating and smiling.
💭 Goat Vibes: “I don’t know where I’m going but I’m jumping there anyway!”
3. Goat on a Rock (aka Crow Pose – Bakasana)
Crow is already a pose of balance and bravery. But rename it Goat on a Rock, and suddenly you’re tapping into something way more relatable.
Imagine a tiny goat perched on a ledge, defying gravity and logic with its little legs all tucked in. That’s you, baby. Balancing on your hands. Defying self-doubt. Looking majestic.
💭 Goat Vibes: Wobbly, determined, and a little smug. As you should be.
4. Billy Goat Balance (aka Tree Pose – Vrksasana)
Goats don’t do things halfway. They climb trees, cliff edges, and whatever they think they can scale. So naturally, Tree Pose becomes Billy Goat Balance.
Root down. Find your drishti. Stand proud. Maybe even tilt your head like you’re about to let out a bleat of triumph.
🧘♀️ Optional: Add a little tail-wag shake to the arms to channel full mountain goat sass.
💭 Goat Vibes: “Balance is temporary. Swagger is forever.”
5. Nanny Goat Naps (aka Legs Up the Wall – Viparita Karani)
This is the pose goats would live in if they ever went to yoga class.
Legs up the Wall is equal parts restorative, lymph-draining, and deeply calming. It’s also the closest we humans get to lounging with all four limbs up like a goat who just gave zero cares for the day.
Set the mood: dim lights, bolsters, maybe even goat noises playing softly in the background (you do you).
💭 Goat Vibes: “I’m booked and busy... resting.”
6. Ram-asana (aka Headstand – Sirsasana)
Let’s rename Headstand Ram-asana in honor of those horned show-offs who charge with full commitment.
This is the king of poses. A bold inversion. And while we don’t recommend headbutting anyone mid-class, we do suggest approaching it with the fearless, upside-down energy of a mountain ram.
🧘♀️ Alignment tip: Don’t go charging in. Warm up the shoulders and neck like the pro you are.
💭 Goat Vibes: “I’m not stuck. I’m flipping perspectives.”
7. Bleat Pose (aka Lion’s Breath – Simhasana)
Okay, technically this is about a lion—but imagine replacing that roar with a goat bleat. Just once. For funsies.
Inhale deeply. Then stick out your tongue, open your eyes wide, and exhale with a loud “Baaaahhhh.”
It's not only good for tension release—it's hilarious. You’re welcome.
💭 Goat Vibes: A little chaotic. Deeply cathartic.
8. Curious Kid (aka Puppy Pose – Uttana Shishosana)
Stretching forward with hips high and heart low, this pose screams baby goat energy. Curious. Heart-forward. Just happy to be here.
Puppy Pose becomes Curious Kid Pose when you imagine that tail wiggling and the nose nudging at whatever lies ahead.
💭 Goat Vibes: “I’m just trying to figure out what this human is doing. Is that a mat? Is it food?”
9. Haystack Hug (aka Reclined Twist – Supta Matsyendrasana)
You’ve finished your flow. The goats are sleepy. You’re ready to melt into the floor.
Reclined Twist is that sweet moment of surrender. But call it Haystack Hug, and suddenly it’s got a snuggly, rustic charm to it.
Twist gently, exhale deeply, and imagine a tiny goat curling up next to you. It’s restorative gold.
💭 Goat Vibes: “Snacks can wait. This moment can’t.”
10. Mountain Goat (aka Warrior III – Virabhadrasana III)
Strong. Focused. Slightly wobbly if distracted.
Warrior III is the epitome of the mountain goat standing proud on one leg while surveying the terrain.
Your standing leg is rooted. Your lifted leg is a tail in the wind. You’re navigating life’s cliff edges with strength and intention.
💭 Goat Vibes: “I’m not off balance. I’m just redefining stability.”
🐐 Bonus Flow Idea: The Goat-Inspired Vinyasa
If you’re a yoga teacher, why not theme an entire class around these poses? From Curious Kid to Haystack Hug, you can guide your students through a flow that blends play, strength, rest, and a whole lot of joy.
Build in fun transitions like “leap like a goat” hops from Down Dog to Forward Fold, or cue a Lion’s Breath “Baaaah” to shake off tension.
It’s unexpected. It’s memorable. And yes—it’ll make your class the talk of the town (or barn).
Final Thoughts: Let Go, Be Goat
Yoga doesn’t always have to be serious. Sure, there’s deep tradition and sacred anatomy and thoughtful alignment. But there’s also room—so much room—for laughter, play, and the kind of joyful movement that reminds us why we got on the mat in the first place.
So next time you flow, channel your inner goat:
Leap boldly
Balance wildly
Rest fully
And always, always bleat proudly.
Namaste... or should we say, Naaa-maa-ste. 🐐
