Labrador Lesson from FitLabPGH:
Be patient with your movement practice.
Whether you’re waiting to achieve a movement goal, or waiting for snow, try to be patient. We know; easier said than done. The Labradors have been desperately waiting for significant snowfall, and it’s finally here. They couldn’t be happier!
Move more. Move often. Remember: achieving movement goals takes time. Be patient.
Labrador Lesson from FitLabPGH:
Embrace New Adventures.
If you’re interested in trying new movement activities in 2024, but you’re nervous about new adventures, enlist a trusted friend (or an experienced instructor) to be your guide. Last week, the Labs joined us on a road trip to explore the new FitLab HQ in Garrett County, MD. They loved playing in the snow and meeting new people. They were a bit anxious in the new house, but they weren’t scared because they trust their humans (aka, the Staff) to keep them safe.
Move more. Move often. Recruit a trusted friend (or instructor) and embrace new movement adventures in 2024.
Labrador Lesson from FitLabPGH:
Rest Is Not a “Bad” Word.
Rest has 4 letters, but it’s NOT a “bad” word. Rest and recovery are essential to an active, healthy lifestyle. Make time to rest. Enjoy your rest days without guilt. Your rest days will allow you to move more in the future. Last Wednesday, the labs enjoyed a rest day, complete with oatmeal baths at the Tractor Supply “spa.” They resumed their regular movement routine on Thursday, clean and energized.
Move more. Move often. Incorporate rest and recovery into your movement routine.
Labrador Lesson from FitLabPGH:
Happy New Year. Move More in 2024.
The Labradors don’t make New Year’s Resolutions. If something in their routine needs to be changed, their humans make the change right away. But if you’re looking for a resolution for 2024, consider resolving to Move More.
Move more. Move often. Move with your dogs. Have a happy, healthy, movement-filled new year.
Labrador Lesson from FitLabPGH:
Merry Christmas. Make Movement part of your celebration.
It’s the holiday season, between the good food, time with friends & family, and watching sports, make time to move. And if you have dogs, include them in your movement activities. Remember: movement is good for humans AND dogs. Plus, tired dogs are happy, well-behaved dogs.
Move more. Move often. Move with your dogs. Have a happy, healthy, movement-filled holiday season.
Labrador Lesson from FitLabPGH:
Move more. Bark less.
Spending too much time talking about (or thinking about) your movement plan may actually prevent you from moving. Of course, do enough research and planning to stay safe, then get up and get moving. (Safety first…that’s why the Labs keep their human on a leash.) After your movement session, share your pics and insights…then keep moving!
Move more. Bark less. Make movement part of your lifestyle.
Labrador Lesson from FitLabPGH:
Give Your Pets the Gift of Time.
It’s the holiday season, and there’s nothing wrong with buying a few fun presents for your pets. Treats, toys, fancy collars and leashes are great. But remember that your pets REALLY want your time and attention. Commit to spending time with your pets…not just during the holidays. Whether moving outside or hanging out at home, pets enjoy spending quality time with their humans.
Move more. Move often. Move with your dogs. Give the gift of time to your pets. Have a happy, healthy, movement-filled holiday season.
Labrador Lesson from FitLabPGH:
Keep Your Dogs Safe.
When you move outside with your dog, you will occasionally encounter potentially dangerous situations…wild animals; unstable trails; and, of course, off-leash humans. If possible, we avoid contact, and conflict, with these dangers. We stay alert and aware of our surroundings. We are often able to reroute; if not, we give as much space as possible when passing an unknown animal.
The #1 goal when you move outside with your dog is to keep your dog safe. Move more. Move often. Move with a Labrador whenever possible.
Labrador Lesson from FitLabPGH:
Stress Management Tip: Spend Time with Animals.
As we enter the busy holiday season, the Labs want to remind you that your dogs (and other pets) may help you manage your stress. The holiday season is full of stress (good and bad), including additional work and family obligations, parties, shopping, and other schedule disruptions. Spending time with animals may help with stress management.
When life gets busy, and you feel stressed, remember to make time for your pets. Spending time with your pets will make them happier…and may help you manage stress. That’s a win-win. Move more. Move often. Move with a Labrador whenever possible.
Labrador Lesson from FitLabPGH:
We need time and attention.
As we enter the busy holiday season, the Labs want to remind you that your dogs need time and attention. Of course, we wish we could bring the Labs with us everywhere, but that’s not practical (fancy holiday parties) or safe for them (biking). So when we know we’ll be leaving the Labs at home, we take them for a walk first…to spend time with them…and to tire them out so that they’re ready to nap.
If you have pets, they are part of your family. When life gets busy, remember to make time for your pets, so that ALL of your family may have a safe and happy holiday season!