We’ve heard you, dog owners! As much as you love to bring your little fur balls out for daily games at the park, most of the times you’re either defeated by the weather (too hot, too cold, too hazy, lurking Zika Virus) or just plain lazy to move your butt. However, all these issues were so yesterday now, with PAWSILATES you can teach your old (or new) dog some new tricks at the comfort of your nest starting today!
Credit: Benweyts
Paws-ilates? Spelling Error?
Paws-ilates is definitely not a spelling error, and in fact it’s the cousin of the popular Pilates. To simply put, it’s just Pilates for dogs. Originally created by Andrea Metcalf (a reputable fitness coach and a regular contributor at Oprah.com) for her 2 dogs, Fido and Wrigley, Paws-ilates is a cocktail of spine strengthening exercises, core toners and simple lifts. As recommended by the creator, the exercise is generally suitable for dogs who weigh 25 pounds (11 kg) or less.
Credit: Andremetcalf.com
Benefits of Paws-ilates
Credits: Rejuvenatekc, Dailymail, Awonderfuldog.com, Visitmongometry
Warming Up & Cooling Down
Warm up and cooling down are no exception for Paws-ilates. Before getting down to fun, remember to warm up with your dogg, by standing over it and then bounce the ball while rotating side to side. This helps to engage your obliques and warm up your waistline. Cool down with some light stretches and tender loving tummy rubs for your little ones.
The Pawsilates moves
The Paws-ilates can be broken down into 5 categories as follow:
1) Sitting with Pet: Sit, Lean & Reach
Begin by sitting on the floor with your knees slightly bent and your doggy sits facing you. With both hands, hold onto your doggy, exhale, and gently lean back and reach the other side. Inhale as you return to the starting position. Perform in 20 alternating repetitions.
2) Standing with Pet: Side Bend Power Leash
Stand with your doggy seated at your left side. With both arms bent, hold the leash on your left hand and lift your right arm over your head. Gently reach downward towards your doggy and repeat the step for 10 times.
After which, walk your doggy in circles around you, then sit your doggy on your right side and repeat the exercise.
Credit: Andremetcalf.com
3) Resistance Band Work: Top Dog Tri Toner
Begin by standing and sitting your doggy on your left side with resistance band and leash in your hands. Bend one arm over your head and place the other down near your side. Then extend the top arm and reach toward the ceiling. Return to the starting position and perform 15 repetitions on each side.
Remember to walk your doggy in circles between sets to keep them engaged.
4) Ball Core Work: The Canine Core Twist
Sit on the floor with knees slightly bent. Place a small Pilates ball under your lower back and pick up your doggy. Rotate your doggy to your right side and return to the center seated upright. Do the same for the left side and perform 20 alternating repetitions.
Credit: Andremetcalf.com
5) Pet Massage: Chest Rub
Reconnect with your pet and calm them down at the end of the exercise. Start off by lying down with your pet and with gentle massage strokes, move from the chest of your pet to outside around their shoulder.
Credit: Andremetcalf.com
This article first appeared on Pilates for Dogs, and is adapted for MyFatPocket.com.