Wood St. Fitness offers three unique, canine-inspired experiences this summer
Bensenville, Ill. (May 16, 2024) — Wood Street Fitness has expanded its one-of-a-kind wellness experience that combines the serenity of yoga with the joy of playful puppies for summer 2024. Puppy Yoga invites participants to experience the benefits of yoga while surrounded by adorable, cuddly puppies at the Deer Grove Leisure Center Exercise Room, 1000 W. Wood Street in Bensenville.
Sessions take place at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, June 29, 10 a.m. on Sunday, July 21, and 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 10. Additional same-day sessions may be offered if classes fill up, as occurred in each of the previous spring sessions. Two sessions were offered May 5 when the waitlist grew to the point of supporting another class.
Each 45-minute class is followed by 15 minutes of cuddle time, promising a unique and uplifting journey to well-being. At each class, puppies roam freely from one yoga mat to the next, offering cuddles and spreading joy as participants move, flow and breathe through their yoga practice.
Puppy Yoga classes offer the same physical and mental benefits as traditional yoga, with the added therapeutic effects of interacting with lovable furry companions. According to John Hopkins Medicine, yoga improves strength, balance and flexibility; helps with back pain relief; can ease arthritis symptoms; benefits heart health; provides relaxation, promoting better sleep; can improve mental and physical energy, alertness, enthusiasm and moods; helps remove stress and promotes better self-care.
“We are excited to once again offer this uplifting experience that combines the therapeutic benefits of yoga with the pure joy of puppy companionship,” says Fitness Supervisor Silvia Acevedo. “Puppy Yoga is not just a fitness class; it’s an opportunity to connect with adorable puppies, support a worthy cause and promote overall well-being.”
Puppy Yoga is open to participants aged 14 and above, with those aged 10 to 13 welcomed with a paid adult guardian. To ensure an intimate and enjoyable experience, each class has a minimum of 15 participants and a maximum of 30 people. Due to the popularity of this program, advance registration is required at the Deer Grove Leisure Center.
Fees are just $20, $18 for those living within Bensenville Park District boundaries. In addition to class fees, participants are encouraged to bring donations of dog food, laundry soap, Clorox, paper towels, martingale collars and other supplies to further support Border Tails Rescue—a no-kill, non-profit—in its noble mission.
