World

Photo: The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.

In this Feb. 14, 2013 photo, Cindy Rodkin, a member of the K9 Fit Club, works out with her golden retriever, Khaki, looking on during a class held in Chicago. Rodkin has lost 41 pounds since joining the K9 Fit Club in September 2012. (AP Photo/Teresa Crawford)

Can't get rid of that paunch?

A Chicago-area gym suggests working out with your pooch.

K9 Fit Club offers bow wow boot camps and other classes for people and their puppies to exercise together in Chicago and nearby Hinsdale, Ill.

The fitness centre opened last year after founder Tricia Montgomery exercised with her dog and lost 130 pounds. Montgomery says her late basset hound, named Louie, lost 22 per cent of his body weight.

Fans of the gym say classes are beneficial to both man and man's best friend.

Montgomery says dogs struggle with the same weight issues that people face, including heart problems and diabetes.

People who work out at K9 Fit Club say exercising with their dogs keeps them motivated.

Classes cost about $20.