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, June 13 2013 1:45 PM EDT2013-06-13 17:45:09 GMT
Even a fire hydrant is feeling the Blackhawks spirit, especially after Chicago's midnight victory over the Boston Bruins at the United Center in triple overtime.
Even a fire hydrant is feeling the Blackhawks spirit, especially after Chicago's midnight victory over the Boston Bruins at the United Center in triple overtime.
Wednesday, June 12 2013 9:55 PM EDT2013-06-13 01:55:01 GMT
Forecasters say hot weather could give way to violent storms across parts of Illinois and are warning residents to be prepared for strong winds, hail and even tornadoes.
Forecasters say hot weather could give way to violent storms across parts of Illinois and are warning residents to be prepared for strong winds, hail and even tornadoes.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 2:39 PM EDT2013-06-18 18:39:42 GMT
Preliminary reports show industrial chemicals seeped into Lake Michigan on Monday afternoon, causing the closure of Porter Beach. Officials said Chicago beaches are not expected to be affected.
Preliminary reports show industrial chemicals seeped into Lake Michigan on Monday afternoon, causing the closure of Porter Beach. Officials said Chicago beaches are not expected to be affected.
On this week's Ask the Expert, Chicago Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Center veterinarian Dr. Jerry Klein answered your questions about warning signs, flea remedies, paw pad injuries and bad breath.
On this week's Ask the Expert, Chicago Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Center veterinarian Dr. Jerry Klein answered your questions about warning signs, flea remedies, paw pad injuries and bad breath.
Summer is here and running season is in full swing, but you might not have everything you need. David Zimmer of Fleet Feet Sports shared tips on how to buy the best pair of running shoes for your feet.
Summer is here and running season is in full swing, but you might not have everything you need. David Zimmer of Fleet Feet Sports shared tips on how to buy the best pair of running shoes for your feet.
Human rights advocate Marianne Elliot wrote "Zen under Fire," a powerful memoir about her experience as a U.N. peacekeeper in war-torn Afghanistan. She also does yoga to de-stress in her everyday life.
Human rights advocate Marianne Elliot wrote "Zen under Fire," a powerful memoir about her experience as a U.N. peacekeeper in war-torn Afghanistan. She also does yoga to de-stress in her everyday life.
Monday, June 17 2013 4:29 PM EDT2013-06-17 20:29:00 GMT
There are an increasing number of veterans returning home who may end up homeless due to a myriad of issues.
There are an increasing number of veterans returning home who may end up homeless due to a myriad of issues; family connection, mental and physical health challenges, and difficulty transitioning to civilian life.
Forensic psychologist Dr. Daniela Schreier spoke on 43-year-old Paula Cooper's release from prison. She was put on death row for killing an elderly woman for $10 when she was 16. She also spoke on Edward Snowden.
Forensic psychologist Dr. Daniela Schreier spoke on 43-year-old Paula Cooper's release from prison. She was put on death row for killing an elderly woman for $10 when she was 16. She also spoke on Edward Snowden.
About 37 million American suffer from migraines. Spa owner Leah Chavie shared a few ways to get relief from the pain, including peppermint oil and other treatments this Migraine Awareness Month.
About 37 million American suffer from migraines. Spa owner Leah Chavie shared a few ways to get relief from the pain, including peppermint oil and other treatments this Migraine Awareness Month.
On Monday's House Call, Dr. Mona Khanna explained how breast-feeding may be good for brain power, addressed an alarming The Nap Nanny recall and how exercise therapy can help the mentally ill.
On Monday's House Call, Dr. Mona Khanna explained how breast-feeding may be good for brain power, addressed an alarming The Nap Nanny recall and how exercise therapy can help the mentally ill.
