If you're worried about putting on extra pounds this holiday season, there's a new exercise that's sweeping the nation that will not only help trim your waistline, but can help reduce stress. The best part - you can do it with your pet!
My dog Jaxon and I met up with instructor Marilyn Swick of Blue Moon Doga for a one on one lesson.
So what is Doga? Most of us are familiar with Yoga, a combination of breathing exercises, physical postures, and meditation that has been practiced for more than 5,000 years. Well, according to Swick Doga is very similar, you just modify the moves and incorporate your dog.
"We're going to start with our hands on our dog to massage them for a few minutes," Swick said.
After a 10 minute warm-up we practiced doing a series of poses including the popular 'downward dog.'
Swick said Doga's not only a good way to bond with your dog, but it helps to relax and calm both of you, which is especially good this time of year when your anxiety's running high. "I started it for my Doberman's - they are Blue Moon Doberman's. I created it for them because they are show dogs, so I though it would help them relax at the show - it did work," she said.
The entire session lasts about 30 minutes. Swick teaches private lessons like this one for $15 or group sessions for $30. While we did our lesson outside at Memorial park, she recommends you hold the lesson in a more private area. She said there are just too many distractions outside for the dogs.
It is easier to do some poses with smaller dogs, but Swick said you can practice with all types. You're dog doesn't have to be a pro, but does need to know basic obedience skills. And be patient, she said it will take a few lesson before your dog will get the hang of it.
Swick said, including herself, there are only two Doga instructors in the Houston area.
For more information about Blue Moon Doga click here.
My dog Jaxon and I met up with instructor Marilyn Swick of Blue Moon Doga for a one on one lesson.
So what is Doga? Most of us are familiar with Yoga, a combination of breathing exercises, physical postures, and meditation that has been practiced for more than 5,000 years. Well, according to Swick Doga is very similar, you just modify the moves and incorporate your dog.
"We're going to start with our hands on our dog to massage them for a few minutes," Swick said.
After a 10 minute warm-up we practiced doing a series of poses including the popular 'downward dog.'
Swick said Doga's not only a good way to bond with your dog, but it helps to relax and calm both of you, which is especially good this time of year when your anxiety's running high. "I started it for my Doberman's - they are Blue Moon Doberman's. I created it for them because they are show dogs, so I though it would help them relax at the show - it did work," she said.
The entire session lasts about 30 minutes. Swick teaches private lessons like this one for $15 or group sessions for $30. While we did our lesson outside at Memorial park, she recommends you hold the lesson in a more private area. She said there are just too many distractions outside for the dogs.
It is easier to do some poses with smaller dogs, but Swick said you can practice with all types. You're dog doesn't have to be a pro, but does need to know basic obedience skills. And be patient, she said it will take a few lesson before your dog will get the hang of it.
Swick said, including herself, there are only two Doga instructors in the Houston area.
For more information about Blue Moon Doga click here.
