Labrador Lesson from FitLabPGH:
Don’t wait for perfect weather to get moving.
“Perfect” weather for the Labradors is below freezing with plenty of snow. If we waited for those “perfect” conditions, we’d get about 4 walks a year. So the Labs, and their staff, adapt to conditions and keep moving year-round.
Move more. Move often. Have fun with your movement. Remember to take breaks for chin scratches, belly rubs, and the occasional pup cup.
Labrador Lesson from FitLabPGH:
2024 Resolutions Check-In.
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 made New Year’s resolutions this year, now is a good time to check in. We’re just over a month into 2024. Are your resolutions realistic given your life (responsibilities, schedule, etc…)? Are your resolutions designed to improve YOUR quality of life or were they shaped by pressure from your peers or social media? If your resolutions aren’t working for you, change them!
Move more. Move often. Move for yourself. Move with your dogs. Have a happy, healthy, movement-filled 2024.
Labrador Lesson from FitLabPGH:
Share the Trail.
We haven’t moved to another hemisphere; this is a never-before-released Labrador Lesson from October 2023. The message from the Labs: don’t interfere with other trail users. Whether we’re walking, running, or shooting videos, we stay aware of our surroundings, so that our actions don’t interfere with the ability of other trail users to enjoy the trail. We give plenty of space when passing others (or being passed by runners or cyclists), and when we’re stopped, we step completely off the trail. Little actions can make a big difference in making the trails an enjoyable place to move.
Move more. Move often. Share the trail by not interfering with the activities of other trail users.
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:
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.