Every January we are bombarded with dozens of different diets, gadgets, supplements and videos that promise to make our New Year’s weight loss dreams a reality. This year, British gymnast, Louis Smith released his own patented home workout routine – with a twist. It’s been designed with the goal of whipping you and your dog into shape.
The video is aptly entitled Petsercise, and was created in response to the 2014 People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals’ (PDSA) Report on Animal Well-being in the UK. The study found that one in three UK dogs are now overweight or obese. We all know that a combination of healthy diet and frequent, consistent exercise is essential to our own wellbeing, and the same is true for our dogs. In a world where time is money, surely it pays to combine our own workout with our pets’.
Petsercise’s routines last 11 minutes and feature a squat-fetch circuit, figure eights, sprints and other tandem dog-owner maneuvers to get your mutual blood pumping. Smith is joined by two sporty pups named Titch and Gift who demonstrate what the exercises should look like (if you and your pup are doing them correctly, that is.)
Working out in the warmth and comfort of your living room is a desirable concept, especially in January. At home exercise DVDs have been increasing in sales over the past several years, thanks in part to this convenience. But the question remains- can you and your dog really get a decent workout without setting foot out the door?
Chloe Hamilton, writer for the UK Independent gave the video a try, borrowing an adorable and endlessly energetic Jack Russell/Poodle mix named Bow for the occasion. Although Bow performed most of the exercises, she did so half-heartedly and didn’t seem to get much of a workout. Hamilton said:
I must admit, it’s a lot of fun. I’m not convinced, though, that it could replace real exercise – for me or for her.
So what’s the verdict? Petsercise may teach your pup some neat new tricks, and give you some quality one-on-one bonding time, but it won’t replace your sessions with the trainer or your pup’s daily walks. Sorry, folks. Looks like you’ll have to hang on to your shabby dog walking duds for the time being!
H/T to The Independent UK
Featured Image via @Katarina_Mandarina/Instagram
