Do you think walking the dog is enough of a work out? One suburban fitness club is designed to get both the owner and man's best friend off the sidewalks and into the gym.
K-9 Fit Club is an all-inclusive gym for anyone of any age and fitness level. That goes for dogs, too.
The owner opened the gym several years ago after losing more than 130 pounds exercising with her dogs. Now, Tricia Montgomery is teaching others to get themselves and their four-legged friend off of the couch and into the gym.
"Dogs make a great workout partner," Montgomery says. "They don't cancel on you, they don't tell you that I can't make it to the gym today. So our dogs become the best work out partner that we'll ever have."
Katie DeRuntz and her dog Dudley are regulars here at K-9 Fit Club. DeRuntz says she set a goal for herself to lose 25 pounds by her birthday in August.
Her hard work is paying off. She's lost 26 pounds so far and she's grateful her pal Dudley is a part of that.
"I can't look at him and not be happy. And it's hard enough working a 9 to 5 job and not being around him," DeRuntz says. "This gave me the opportunity to do my work out and his workout and bond. And just be happier and know that I'm giving him the attention he deserves."
Employees are professionally trained to work not only with humans, but the dogs they serve as well.
"It's not just a bunch of people jumping around and working out with their dogs. We actually have programs from novice to beginner, intermediate and advanced programs," Montgomery explains. "This is an opportunity to really change lives...one dog at a time."
Montgomery is opening locations in Westmont and Chicago with the hopes of also spinning off other franchises all across the country. She's happy that people are not only thinking of their own health, but their pets as well.
Thursday, May 16 2013 9:49 PM EDT2013-05-17 01:49:53 GMT
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Komedyplast founder and Highland Park plastic surgeon Dr. Jeffrey Weinzweig travels to Peru with his charity to help kids with congenital craniofacial anomalies who wouldn't otherwise be able to get surgery.
Komedyplast founder and Highland Park plastic surgeon Dr. Jeffrey Weinzweig travels to Peru with his charity to help kids with congenital craniofacial anomalies who wouldn't otherwise be able to get surgery.
Friday, May 17 2013 7:51 PM EDT2013-05-17 23:51:51 GMT
Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn must decide if he will sign a measure allowing the use of marijuana for medical purposes after the state Senate approved legislation on Friday.
Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn must decide if he will sign a measure allowing the use of marijuana for medical purposes after the state Senate approved legislation on Friday.
Fitness guru and NBA wife Larsa Pippen showed how you can get long and lean for bathing suit season with help from her favorite Midtown Athletic Club trainer Diane Gillis and a pair of hand weights.
Fitness guru and NBA wife Larsa Pippen showed how you can get long and lean for bathing suit season with help from her favorite Midtown Athletic Club trainer Diane Gillis and a pair of hand weights.
Summer is almost here, and that means spending time outside, in the sun! Baby Gizmo's Hollie Shultz shared some sun safety tips to protect your little one's skin this summer.
Summer is almost here, and that means spending time outside, in the sun! Baby Gizmo's Hollie Shultz shared some sun safety tips to protect your little one's skin this summer.
Dr. Amy Brodsky, a dermatologist who founded and leads the Pediatric Sun Protection Foundation, shared four key ways to prevent sunburns and pediatric skin cancer this summer.
Dr. Amy Brodsky, a dermatologist who founded and leads the Pediatric Sun Protection Foundation, shared four key ways to prevent sunburns and pediatric skin cancer this summer.
Nutrition specialist, certified trainer and "Power Vegan" author Rea Frey says people can find the optimal foods to power our everyday lives and get in better shape at the same time – without a fad diet.
Nutrition specialist, certified trainer and "Power Vegan" author Rea Frey says people can find the optimal foods to power our everyday lives and get in better shape at the same time – without a fad diet.
Thursday, May 16 2013 11:45 AM EDT2013-05-16 15:45:45 GMT
Since National Dog Bite Prevention week begins next week, Good Day Chicago wants to help you learn how to protect yourself in the event of a dog attack and the proper way to say hello to a pup you don't know.
Since National Dog Bite Prevention week begins next week, Good Day Chicago wants to help you learn how to protect yourself in the event of a dog attack and the proper way to say hello to a pup you don't know.
Good Day Chicago's Kori Chambers will host the Campfire Ball for the third consecutive year this weekend. It's an event to raise money for kids with cancer. Co-chair Rachel Drescher explains how the fundraiser works.
Good Day Chicago's Kori Chambers will host the Campfire Ball for the third consecutive year this weekend. It's an event to raise money for kids with cancer. Co-chair Rachel Drescher explains how the fundraiser works.
