Today, current GB athletic heroes British 1500 metre record-holder and 2 x European champion Laura Muir, 3 x Paralympian and Rio 2016 silver medallist Lauren Steadman, and 2 x European U23 champion Jemma Reekie are teaming up with YuMOVE, to launch Wagletics – a campaign that will inspire the nation’s pet owners to keep their dogs active for life.
YuMOVE are launching the campaign in response to the soaring number of new dog-owners throughout the UK who have bought, adopted or rehomed a dog during the pandemic.
According to a recent report by charity the Dogs Trust, google searches for ‘buy a puppy’ increased by 166% during the pandemic and leading pet rescue charities like Battersea Dogs and Cats Home have reported record numbers of dogs being rehomed during this period.
In the absence of the Games, GB’s Laura Muir, Lauren Steadman and Jemma Reekie are emBARKing on a different kind of challenge: keeping the nation’s dogs happy, healthy and active for life.
These remarkable women regularly prepare for the world’s most prestigious sporting competitions by training alongside their dogs. In what would have been the final week of the Olympic Games, our GB heroes are swapping gold medals for wagging tails.
The YuMOVE Wagletics campaign will run across YuMOVE’s Facebook and Instagram channels from 7th – 28th August.
Lauren Steadman (@laurensteadmann), Laura Muir (@lmuiruns) and Jemma Rekkie (@jemmareekie) will also be posting content to their own Instagram channels. Each week, the nation will have the opportunity to learn a new exercise for their dogs and will be shown how to master it by our GB heroes.
Exercises will be adapted for dogs of all ages. Routines will focus on mobility, strength, coordination and discipline and will include a doggy agility course, ultimate frisbee, hide & seek and obedience challenges. All of these playful and easy-to-do routines can be performed at home with minimal or no props.
The campaign supports YuMOVE’s mission to keep pets active for life. YuMOVE helps to soothe stiff joints, support joint structure, and promote mobility, helping to keep pets moving for longer. All exercises for the Wagletics campaign have been created by Laura Muir, who not content with flying the flag for Team GB, is also a fully-qualified vet.
Laura Muir said: “As an elite athlete at the top of my game I understand better than most how to keep fit in order to lead a healthy and active lifestyle.
“But as a Vet I also know how important it is for dogs to be mentally and physically fit. So I hope dog owners will be inspired to mix up their daily exercise routines to support their dogs in living a long, healthy and active life.”
Lauren Steadman said: “I regularly train with my German Shepherd Meric Belle. The bond that we share is unbreakable and I know that their love and companionship has played a big part in both my training and allowing me to enjoy my downtime.
“I’m delighted to play a part in the Wagletics campaign and can’t wait to share some of my exercise tips and tricks with you.”
Jemma Reekie added: “As a dog-owner, I know how much people cherish their pets and want to do the best they can for them.
“So with the Wagletics campaign we’re going to remind dog owners just how much fun different exercises can be for them and their dogs and the benefit of these exercises to their long term health and mobility.”
Gemma Cunningham, spokesperson for YuMOVE, commented: “At YuMOVE, we understand that mobility plays a huge part in maintaining a good quality of life, and with the right joint support and by staying active through exercise our dogs can keep moving long into their senior years. So who better to help us improve our doggie exercise routines than three dog-loving GB athletes?
“These inspirational women regularly train with their dogs in preparation for the most prestigious sporting events in the world and, in the absence of the Olympic Games this summer, we hope they can inspire the nation’s dog-owners to help their dogs stay active not only for the remainder of the summer, but for life.”
Follow YuMOVE on social media and search #YuMOVEWagletics to participate and keep your dog active for life.
Amazing prizes, including one-on-one coaching sessions from our athletes, product bundles and doggy toys are up for grabs for all those that take part in the campaign.
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