“What’s the difference between FitPAWS® equipment and regular yoga equipment for people?”
This great question comes up a lot, so let’s dig in…
What Is Similar?
We think it might help to start with what is similar between these types of equipment.
The Goal = Inner Core Strength
Why is core strength important?
Both humans and animals have core muscles that surround the spine and organs. When these muscles are strong, we use them to support our spine and power us through our activities. That means we don’t overuse our bones to hold us up and carry us through life.
How is core strength achieved?
On the subject of fitness, many people think of the phrase “no pain, no gain.” As noble of a philosophy as that may be, we see things differently.
When on a safe, but unstable surface, you are forced to stabilize yourself. This engages your core muscles and strengthens them. The same is true for your pets.
With equipment designed for instability exercise, you can gain that core strength with much less time and “pain.”
What is different?
Yoga equipment, stability ball equipment, and balance equipment like the FitBALL® line of products are all designed with the human form in mind. That’s appropriate.
Would you want an iPhone case that was designed with a Samsung phone in mind? Of course not!
That’s why we went back to the drawing board and designed a line of equipment specifically designed for the canine form.
Here are two of the problems that our FitPAWS® canine core conditioning equipment solves:
Dogs have paws, and those nails can really cause problems with your average vinyl PVC fitness equipment.
Therefore, we designed FitPAWS® with super tough nail resistant vinyl PVC. The last thing you want is a nail puncture to ruin your dog’s workout.
2. Size And Shape
When using a regular round fitness ball, the dog, especially a larger breed, is forced into a position that strains his or her back and neck. This is can interfere with strengthening that core.
What is more, a round ball is very difficult for the dog’s handler to control.
FitPAWS® equipment comes in different shapes and sizes that are designed to allow your dog to stand naturally, without any strain to their back and neck.
Plus, the equipment is easily controlled by even a novice handler.
Same Goal, Different Road
The road to inner core strength is remarkably different for dogs than for us humans. Still, whether they serve the handicapped, conquer an agility course, survive a surgery, help out on the farm, or just warm our heart at home, our canine companions need that strong core as much as we do.
Most FitPAWS® equipment comes with a “How-to-DVD” demonstrating core conditioning dog exercises, perfect for starting your dog’s conditioning program. Please see the FitPAWS® Canine Conditioning Education line for additional DVD’s and books that you and your dog can follow along with.