Health: 'Thank Dog! Boot Camp' For Both Humans & Man's Best Friend
By Stephanie Stahl
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – More than 50 percent of dogs are overweight according to recent studies, and the numbers for people are nearly as dismal. But a new kind of bootcamp could help both.
It's a workout going to the dogs, which -- in this case -- is a good thing.
Duchess and a few other furry friends are part of a new fitness program in the park called Thank Dog! BootCamp. The four-legged friends, along with their owners, are getting in shape together by participating in a workout designed for man and beast.
"Our goal is to help people get healthy, primarily, and then work on obedience at the same time, so that their dogs become better citizens," says Karen Krieg, with Thank Dog! BootCamp.
Lauren Stauffer says she's an exercise fanatic and hits the gym regularly, but she also loves her golden retriever, Bentley, and finds this to be a perfect program they can do together.
"There's something motivating when you're running and your dog looks up to you, and I think, 'Alright, I can do a little bit longer.' So it keeps it fun and energetic, and it's different every day," Lauren explains.
The dog owners are constantly moving. The hour-long workout covers running, pushups, lunges -- the works. And the exercises can burn more than 600 calories.
"It is a bootcamp workout. I am a drill sergeant. I am here to make sure that you walk out of here knowing you've worked hard on your dog and on yourself," says Krieg.
The Thank Dog! Workout program originated in California and is popping up in cities across the country, but it's not in Philadelphia yet. One class typically costs $25 but is discounted if you buy a package.
There is a Thank Dog! Workout mobile app with more than 100 exercises that costs a dollar.
For more on how to start your own Thank Dog! Boot Camp, visit: http://thankdogacademy.com
For more on the Thank Dog! Mobile App, visit: http://thankdogmobile.com
For info about Thank Dog! Boot Camp, visit: www.thankdogbootcamp.com
