Downward Dog

Six mornings, four afternoons and two evenings every week Linda goes to the gym to teach classes.  Years ago she stopped all gym workouts that don't involve actually teaching.  She used to add elliptical, weights and other classes along with her regular schedule.  Now the only other exercise she gets is walking with us. She would love to take yoga, Body Flow or Tai Chi but there are only so many hours in a day (and how much her body can do.)  She sometimes wishes that Chim and I could do some cross training.  Walking is great for us, but imagine if we could swim, do yoga or Pilates?

 

 A new dog gym called Rocky's Retreat has opened in Florida.  The gym offers doggie treadmills, Pilates equipment and even a swimming pool for aqua aerobics! After a hard workout, the dogs can get a massage, do a yoga class (I would rock at the Downward Dog) or even have an aromatherapy session (which Chimi needs since aromatherapy helps with emotional issues.)  Prices are not cheap.  One 1/2 hour swim session is $40.  A 12-week program is $100's of dollars.  (In contrast, we have a fully equipped gym in our town that has $0 initiation fee and costs $9.98 per month.)  The Dog gym has a blog if your interested in some information on their programs.

Disclaimer:  Linda thinks that walking is absolutely the best exercise for dogs.. and their owners. How many overweight people have overweight dogs from lack of exercise.  The downside of a doggie gym is that the owner could sit there reading a book drinking a Starbucks Latte while their dog is in class instead of burning a couple 100 calories during a fast walk.  This would be a great option for older dogs who can't walk very well anymore and would benefit from swimming.