FitLabPGH brought to you by Moving2Live promotes the ethos #movement is a lifestyle, not just an activity with 3 movement tips a week and a Lab Lesson aka learn from the Labradors.
For week 11 of ’23 the Labs remind us Spring is Coming. Beware of Ticks.
Our movement tips: #enjoymoving #bedrocksandals #mountainclogs #review & #movement isn’t #allornothing
Labrador Lesson for 3/10/23
Spring is Coming. Beware of Ticks.
A reminder from the Labs before you opt outside to enjoy Spring hiking, biking, walking, or running…while ticks don’t have an official “season,” the arrival of warmer temperatures means ticks will be more active. The humans spotted the first ticks of the year on Puddin the yellow lab this week. Spring IS a great time for hiking…with, or without Labradors, but when you step off the paved path, you step up your risk of an encounter with ticks…that doesn’t mean that you should be afraid to get outside and get moving…but it does mean you should be aware of the danger of ticks…check out the TickEncounter Resource Center @tick_encounter for tips on tick bite prevention and post-bite resources…and check yourself (and your dog(s)) after each hike / walk / run / outdoor adventure. Also, consider tick repellent; avoid tall grass and overgrown vegetation if possible; and talk to your vet about the Lyme Disease vaccine for dogs. Whether you have 2 legs or 4, awareness is key for a safe, healthy Spring Season!
Labrador Lesson for 3/3/23;
If you eat crap 💩 you may feel like crap.
The Labs enjoy quality dog food and healthy snacks…they also have a tendency to eat whatever temptations they find on the ground, including, but not limited to, rabbit poop, deer 💩, sticks, acorns, and stink bugs…when they consume too many of these found objects, their digestive systems don’t function well…that was the case for Maggie earlier this week after she discovered some rabbit poop in the backyard. While Maggie has recovered, she wanted to share this lesson with our human followers because they’ve heard humans occasionally eat food (or consume beverages) that we know won’t agree with our systems, then whine when we don’t feel our best.
Whether you have 2 legs or 4, consider what you put in your mouth, and how those foods or beverages are likely to impact your body. No judgment here…sometimes you REALLY want the ice cream…even if you’re lactose intolerant…just know that what you consume has a direct impact on how you feel.
Labrador Lesson for 2-24-23:
More Fun. Fewer Expectations
As Labradors, we love to move. We enter every walk with no expectations; we simply look forward to having fun with our humans. We understand that sometimes humans have expectations for their movement sessions. They want to jump over a certain fallen tree, or achieve a specific pace or distance. We know that having goals is important for humans, but we suggest you approach your movement session with an open mind and a positive attitude. Just because your movement session doesn’t meet your expectations doesn’t mean that you can’t have fun. Even though the large tree had been cleared, we still enjoyed chewing on the sticks the trail crew left behind.
Whether you have 2 legs or 4, look for the positive aspects of your movement. Focus on having more fun and fewer expectations.
Labrador Lesson for 2-10-23:
Be Present.
As Labradors, we are not fans of multitasking…we live in the moment, and we’re fully “present” at all times…whether we’re wrestling in the living room, having zoomies in the backyard, hiking with our humans, chewing on sticks, or eating a meal…we enjoy each moment.
We understand that humans sometimes get tempted by the appeal of multitasking, perhaps listening to a podcast or having a conference call while taking a walk, or listening to an audiobook while working out at the gym, but we encourage you to take a tip from us…try staying fully focused on your current activity. Enjoy what you’re doing and focus on your environment, including your 2- or 4-legged companions. We suspect you’ll enjoy your activity more, and that you’ll be more relaxed when you finish if you stay present in the moment.
Labrador Lesson for 2-3-23:
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 for 1-20-23:
Remember to have fun.
As Labradors, we don’t read the news, but we see just enough television and social media to know that there is no shortage of negativity in the world. Take a tip from us: focus on the positive and remember to have fun. Our fun times include walking with our humans (on leash, for their safety); chewing sticks; and watching deer and turkeys. We also love frolicking in the snow, but even when there’s no snow, we remember to have fun when we get outside.
Whether you have 2 legs or 4, remember to have fun…in your movement practice, and in the rest of your life. Focus on the positive and create fun times whenever possible.