Moving2Live is a podcast about movement and exercise for professionals and aficionados.  We also have Movement is a Lifestyle Features. Each week, we publish a brief highlight of a 2- or 4-legged mover…someone who understands that movement is a lifestyle…not just an activity.  The questions are lightly edited to allow for easy readability.  Click MIAL Features for more info if you want to be featured/know someone who should be featured.

This Week: Moving2Live’s Gracie the Cat and Maggie the Black Lab

Where do you consider “Home”? Finleyville, PA…it’s South of Pittsburgh

What are your three favorite movement activities? Gracie the Cat (G): Chasing the white and black cat around the house; jumping up to windowsills and bookshelves; pacing while waiting for my staff to serve breakfast and dinner

Maggie the Black Lab (M): Hiking in the woods with my staff (I’m a trail dog); running downhill; wrestling with Puddin the Yellow Lab

Describe the best vacation you’ve ever taken? Where did you go? What movement activities did you include? M: I’ve got this one. Our lives are pretty much a vacation, and I’ve heard the cats don’t like to ride in cars. I did have a road trip with the staff a while ago…we drove to Ohio. On the way, I visited a pet store. People told me I was a good dog. While we were in Ohio, we met Puddin the Yellow Lab and brought her home with us. On the drive home, we stopped at rest stops and a park to stretch our legs. It was great!

What is your favorite pre- or post-workout snack? G: Until recently, I only had an interest in chicken flavored cat food…then I discovered pumpkin…wow…best snack ever!

M: I agree with Gracie about the pumpkin. I’m also a big fan of berries, plain yogurt, and carrots.

What is your favorite thing to eat? Note: it does not need to be healthy. G: Chicken or turkey…I’m not sure why the staff doesn’t make it for me more often…they seem determined to give me chicken-flavored cat food, which is fine, but…real turkey breast is better

M: That’s a tough call…frozen fruit…probably strawberries, but mango is also delicious

Do you have a movement activity on your “bucket list”? If not, what’s a movement activity/event you’re looking forward to in the next year? G: I’d like to jump from the floor to the top shelf in the office in one leap…so far, I’ve had to stop at the desk on the way up

M: I don’t have a bucket list item, but I’d like to do another hiking challenge where we get a medal at the end.

What do you think is the biggest obstacle to getting people to move more? G: I’ve got this one. People seem to think movement needs to be scheduled, organized, and/or complicated. They need to learn that all you need to do is get off the bed and move…you don’t even need to leave the house.

What do you feel is the most adventurous movement activity you’ve ever done? G: I have explored every shelf in the house…even the ones close to the ceiling.

M: Long single-track hikes in Mingo Creek Park…sometimes we even have to jump over or crawl under fallen trees that are blocking our path.

What is your favorite recovery or self-care practice? G: I believe I speak for both of us when I say: NAPS. It’s important to get enough rest. Bonus points for varying your napping location throughout the day to maximize the ability to nap in a sun spot.

What is your favorite spot within an hour of where you are currently living? (Bonus points if it is a “hidden gem”) G: A folded up comforter in the windowsill of the utility room. It’s usually quiet, and it gets the morning sun.

M: The blacktop outside the Observatory at Mingo Creek Park. When we summit Mt. Mingo, the staff gets on the ground and hangs out with me while I scratch my back on the blacktop.

Contact information for Gracie and Maggie:
Gracie and Maggie do not maintain their own social media accounts, but you can follow them through Moving2Live at:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_mov2liv/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/movingtoliv

Twitter: https://twitter.com/_mov2liv