Labrador Lesson from FitLabPGH:
Share the Trail.
As Labradors, we love to explore trails with our humans. We’ve been asked how we decide when to step aside to let oncoming trail users pass us. Because some trail users are intimidated by dogs, if it’s safe to do so, we step off the trail. Providing extra space for other trail users allows them to enjoy their trail time and leaves a positive impression of our trail dogs.
Move more. Move often. Share the trail.
Labrador Lesson from FitLabPGH:
Don’t Let “Bad” Weather Keep You Inside.
We all have different definitions of “bad” weather. For the Labradors, a snowy walk means best day ever. The humans at FitLab prefer warmer, drier conditions, but the Labs remind us to get outside…even on a chilly, drizzly, foggy morning. Safety first: we DO let thunderstorms 🌩️ keep us inside. But if it’s safe to get outside, we leash the Labs and get moving.
Move more. Move often. Whether you’re a dog or a human, don’t let less than ideal weather keep you inside.
Labrador Lesson from FitLabPGH:
Show Some Perseverance.
Sometimes your movement plans get disrupted…when they do, keep moving. Our first attempt to hike the Meadow Mountain Trail in Deep Creek Lake State Park was thwarted by thunderstorms. Attempt number two was cut short because Lisa forgot to bring water on an unexpectedly warm day. The third attempt was a success, and we’re now including this trail in our regular movement routine. If at first you don’t succeed, try, and try again…and again.
Move more. Move often. Show perseverance with your movement.
Labrador Lesson from FitLabPGH:
Make Time to Play.
As Labradors, we make time to play every day…whether we’re wrestling in the living room, having zoomies in the backyard, or hiking with our humans, we enjoy our movement and play time.
We understand that humans sometimes get caught up in “crushing” their movement or workout goals, but we encourage you to take a tip from us…make time to play. Whether you have 2 legs or 4, it’s easier to make movement part of your lifestyle if movement feels less like work and more like play!
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:
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.