A Dorset pilates class experienced an unusual addition on Sunday when a herd of alpacas joined the session. The fluffy camelids roamed freely among the 12 participants at Hope Farm in Corfe Mullen, near Wimborne, as they performed exercises outdoors over the bank holiday weekend.
Alpaca Joins Exercise Mat
One alpaca even attempted to clamber onto an exercise mat to participate in the 40-minute session, which was led by Jessica Hole, 28. Hole, who started the classes last year, expressed her delight at the animals' involvement.
Inspired by Love for Animals
Originally from North Wales, the instructor said: 'The sessions were inspired by my love of animals and pilates. Pilates is also heavily inspired by animals and the way they move (we have exercises such as cat, swan, elephant in the repertoire) so taking our class outside in the fresh air amongst our fluffy friends really adds something special to the experience.'
She began the classes last summer and plans to run them again this year with her Hot Pink Pilates business. Jessica added: 'Like humans, alpacas have different personalities. Some of them are cheeky characters and like to get involved, roll on people's mats, plonk themselves amongst the action and sniff us as we practise. The alpacas that are more reserved like to watch from a distance but due to the size of the field they're able to roam around freely and happily.'
Calming Energy of Alpacas
In an advertisement for the class, which cost £22.50 per person, Jessica described alpacas as 'gentle creatures with a calming energy'. She added: 'Alpacas are very gentle and sweet-natured - being around them is animal therapy at its finest!'
