If you are one of the many who tend to let a work out regimen fall to the wayside due to an extremely busy life (or any of a thousand reasons), The Pack Project has some simple ideas on how to incorporate some simple fitness moves into your day. Our Pack knows what it's like to arrive home after a long day at work and have all best intentions go out the window as we focus on Fido.
As a pet parent, it's likely that any time you set aside to do some physical training is also time spent with your cat and/or dog. It's also likely that any routine is unapologetically interrupted by fur babies which can be either amusing or frustrating or both!!! You might find as you read on that you are already doing some of these exercises, so please take some credit for the work you are already doing with regards to your fitness goals!
As a pet parent, it's likely that any time you set aside to do some physical training is also time spent with your cat and/or dog. It's also likely that any routine is unapologetically interrupted by fur babies which can be either amusing or frustrating or both!!! You might find as you read on that you are already doing some of these exercises, so please take some credit for the work you are already doing with regards to your fitness goals!
The Walk n' Stretch: When you are out walking your dog, there will be plenty of stops along the way where aside from staring at your dog, there isn't a lot going on. Why not make the most of these moments by doing a quick calf or ham string stretch? Alternate legs throughout the walk and, throw in some arm stretches for good measure!
Pooper Scooping Squats: (not as gross as it sounds) OK, maybe it is gross, you be the judge! Poop scooping is a part of having animals, whether it's indoors or out so you might as well make it work for you. Try to make the most of the bend and scoop action by being mindful of your body posture. Or, maybe you just want to hold your breath, get in and get out as quickly as possible, your decision!
Dog In / Cat Out: This move is not for the beginner or uncoordinated! Scenario, you have dog at the door, he is tap dancing to be let out for a pee. Suddenly, your indoor cat stealths in and attempts to shadow the dog into the yard. Nice try kitty kat but, us multiple pet / multi species pet parents know how to handle this situation without batting an eye!
The Cat on Lap: To begin, have a cat curl up on your lap at the exact moment you intend to get up to do something. Because he is so adorable and purring in his sleep, you make every effort not to wake him. Consequently you are now pinned in position. When enough time has passed that it feels like your bladder is going to explode, you will have mastered this intense and challenging pose. Getting up without waking the cat and falling on your face due to utter numbness in your limbs is worth extra points and a "nice one".
Meditate & Gravitate: Similar to Cat on Lap, this exercise takes supreme focus and mind control. First, take a pose as if about to meditate. You may actually meditate if you choose! Prepare to enjoy a few moments of silence and reflection. You will note that as you reach a level of complete relaxation that any pet you have in your home will find it necessary to invade your personal space. Your options:
- Caution: do not become so absorbed in your stretches that your pooch takes advantage of the opportunity to drag you down the sidewalk with arms flailing trying to keep up
Pooper Scooping Squats: (not as gross as it sounds) OK, maybe it is gross, you be the judge! Poop scooping is a part of having animals, whether it's indoors or out so you might as well make it work for you. Try to make the most of the bend and scoop action by being mindful of your body posture. Or, maybe you just want to hold your breath, get in and get out as quickly as possible, your decision!
Dog In / Cat Out: This move is not for the beginner or uncoordinated! Scenario, you have dog at the door, he is tap dancing to be let out for a pee. Suddenly, your indoor cat stealths in and attempts to shadow the dog into the yard. Nice try kitty kat but, us multiple pet / multi species pet parents know how to handle this situation without batting an eye!
- With one hand on the door, prepare to open it for the dog
- Place the opposite foot gently in front of kitty's chest
- Now simultaneously open the door with your hand, extending the arm all the way out and leaning forward while simultaneously sweeping the cat gently back and away from the doorway with your foot, be prepared for a jail break attempt by the cat
- Next, ensure the dog has moved far away from the door so you can close it quickly before the cat outwits you and dashes past as you balance precariously on one foot
- Repeat often as your dog's favorite game to play is the inside/outside game
- Bonus points awarded for switching arms/legs each time your dog needs to be let in/out
The Cat on Lap: To begin, have a cat curl up on your lap at the exact moment you intend to get up to do something. Because he is so adorable and purring in his sleep, you make every effort not to wake him. Consequently you are now pinned in position. When enough time has passed that it feels like your bladder is going to explode, you will have mastered this intense and challenging pose. Getting up without waking the cat and falling on your face due to utter numbness in your limbs is worth extra points and a "nice one".
Meditate & Gravitate: Similar to Cat on Lap, this exercise takes supreme focus and mind control. First, take a pose as if about to meditate. You may actually meditate if you choose! Prepare to enjoy a few moments of silence and reflection. You will note that as you reach a level of complete relaxation that any pet you have in your home will find it necessary to invade your personal space. Your options:
- gently fend them off while attempting to maintain your meditation pose, bonus points for eyes staying closed
- allow them to circle you and, take contemplative note of the ridiculous amount of investigation being done through sniffing and/or poking with noses and paws even though you all live together and all you're doing is sitting on the floor so why can't you guys give me minute, huh? (oops, that isn't very yoga like, back to calm....)
- combine your meditation pose with the invasive flopping of dogs and/or cats on your crossed legs and otherwise hanging off your body (guys! honestly!)
- completely give up and do something productive because your legs are still tingly from Cat on Lap and the dog's wet nose is bingo dabbing your face into a sopping mess
Downward Facing Dog: An actual yoga pose that is both extremely relaxing and good for the entire body. For those not into yoga, it's like posing your body into an inverted V with your hands and feet planted firmly on the floor, about shoulder width apart. This move is HUGELY popular with companion animals and they will, one and all, feel drawn to stare at you from every possible angle, lay underneath you (preventing you from collapsing from the strain) and, otherwise attempt to knock you off balance (but you have to keep your balance because the cat is stretched out under your downward facing dog so good luck)
- Bonus points for being able to hold your camera and snap a shot through your legs of your dog who is standing behind you wondering just what exactly is going on here human? but! careful not to crack up laughing because you are now LITERALLY downward facing dog and it's pretty hilarious when you think about it (lol) BUT still be careful because the cat is UNDER your downward facing dog while you are downward facing your dog! phew! that's enough working out for now!
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