Bodywork Fitness Column

Nov 9 2012 by Lorraine Howard, Irvine Herald

Hello and welcome to another column from your friendly neighbourhood fitness instructor.

If you are reading this column I can only assume you are a fan of fitness so right off the bat, give yourself a pat on the back.

It’s been a great week in the fitness world and with only eight weeks to go until Christmas you lot have been turning out in your droves to attend fitness classes all over North Ayrshire.

There is so much choice these days you must be in a whirl as you look around for sessions to go to.

And with that thought in mind, I would like to thank each and every one of my faithful gang who keep me in a job and this is as good a place as any to thank you for the support you provide me, week in and week out. If I haven’t said it recently then I’m saying it now, thank you.

Now, here is the news.

A recent study done by vets in Liverpool has revealed that overweight dogs can experience similar health problems that are found in obese humans.

High glucose and cholesterol can combine in humans and lead to a condition known as metabolic syndrome. This happens when we become obese and don’t exercise and now the condition seems to similarly affect man’s best friend.

So a study with 35 overweight pooches discovered that when the dogs lost weight they became a whole lot healthier, happier and less stressed and their vitality improved greatly.

Now, with nearly half the dogs in the UK becoming overweight quickly, it’s time to turn our fitness attention to your beloved Rex or Rover.

Just now I am not aware of Cardio40 fitness classes for dogs but if you feel your dog is a little heavy, it may be time to show him or her some tough love.

Just like humans, we have to be careful what we feed our pets. I know my friend’s dog will pretty much eat anything that is put down in front of her so please think about what snacks and leftovers you feed your loving pet.

Secondly, are you exercising your dog regularly? If you had to think about that then the answer is probably no. Opening the door and letting them out for a quick wee pee may not be sufficient exercise, so grab your poop bags and get that four-legged layabout out on the town.

There are plenty of fantastic walks around Irvine that you and your dog could check out and you know the best bit about this is that you will also reap the benefits of your pet’s fitness regime.

Longer walks at a quicker pace will greatly improve the health of your dog and the by-product is that you will also become leaner.

If you love your dog and it is overweight then do the right thing and get them exercising, it may be the motivation that you need to do something positive for the both of you.