With the end of lockdown and many of us wanting to boost our fitness as we return to the real world, dog-friendly holiday specialist, Canine Cottages has teamed up with fitness influencer Amy Lou Perry and her Insta-famous cockapoo Teddy to devise the perfect workout routine for you and your pooch.
Fitness during the lockdown
During lockdown, the average Brit has been active about three days a week, choosing running, cycling, and home workout classes at their exercises of choice.
Despite the gyms being closed, the demand for fitness is still extremely high. In the past 90 days, ‘home gym’ search trends have seen an increase of 150%, with ‘high-intensity interval training’ seeing a 130% increase in searches.
So, we know that fitness is something many of us look to maintain and keep up. And what better way to make it more fun than getting your dog to join in too?
The best dog-friendly workout to do with your pooch at home
- Lunges: 8 reps with 4 sets on each leg. For this exercise, use a treat as a lure to guide your pooch to weave through your legs during each lunge; keeping a treat to their nose will help you achieve this.
- Plank: Whilst in the plank position, alternate your arms and give your furry friend a big high five! Try your best and aim to do this for 60 seconds.
- Squats: 3 sets of 10 reps. Whilst standing, cuddle your dog using both arms across their stomach and chest. If they are too big, squat whilst holding both your dog’s paws so they are on their hind legs for added resistance (Warning… this move can result in lots of dog kisses!)
- Burpees: 3 sets of 6 reps. Jump in the air then bring your hands to the floor by your feet by bending your knees. Continue to extend your legs into a press-up position. Encourage your dog to jump when you jump and go ‘down’ when you’re in the press-up position.
- Wall sit: hold for up to 60 seconds. Providing your dog isn’t too big, hold onto them for extra weight or alternatively have them stand up and place their paws on your knees.
- Push ups: 3 sets of 8 reps. Either engaging in a full press up or on your knees. Encourage your pooch to give you a high five after each press up or, if trained and their size allows you, have them sit on your back for added resistance.
Commenting on the workout, Shannon Keary, Digital PR Manager at Canine Cottages, says: “As we head towards the end of lockdown, I think this is such a fun way to spend some special time and have fun with our dogs before we go back to normal life. It’s also a great way to mix up your fitness regime and add some excitement to it!
You can find out more about Teddy here on his Instagram, and also please visit: https://www.caninecottages.co.uk/blog/dog-friendly-workout to find more doggy workout exercises.