Does Co-Workout Really Strengthen Your Bond with Your Dog?

1. Science Says: Shared Movement Releases “Bonding Hormones” for Both of You

It’s not just a feeling—there’s biology behind the closer connection you notice after Pawlates. When you exercise together, your brain and your dog’s brain both release oxytocin (the “love hormone”). A 2021 study in Anthrozoös found that humans who did 20 minutes of gentle shared activity with their dogs had 30% higher oxytocin levels than those who exercised alone. For dogs, this hormone spike is even more meaningful: it’s the same chemical released when they nurse as puppies or cuddle with you. So when you hold a Child’s Pose while your dog rests on your legs, you’re both literally wiring your brains to associate each other with comfort and joy.

2. Co-Workout Teaches You to “Speak” Each Other’s Language

Pawlates sessions are like a crash course in understanding your dog’s cues—and letting them understand yours. Think about it: When you slow down for a stretch, your dog learns to settle instead of bouncing around. When you use a soft “good stay” while holding a Plank, they start to link your calm tone to “this is a quiet, safe moment.” Over time, these small interactions build a rhythm only the two of you share. One Pawlates member, Mia, noticed this with her rescue dog, Sunny: “At first, he’d nudge my hand mid-pose like he wanted attention. Now he waits until I finish a set—he gets when I need focus, and I get when he needs a quick pet break. We’re in sync.”

3. It Turns “Obligation” into “Quality Time”

Let’s be honest: Between work, walks, and vet visits, it’s easy for time with your dog to feel like a to-do list. But co-working out flips that script—suddenly, your “fitness hour” is also your dog’s “special time.” Unlike a quick walk (where you might be distracted by your phone), Pawlates requires you to be present: you’re watching their body language, feeling their warmth next to you, and celebrating small wins (like when they stay calm through an entire flow). For senior dogs or pups with anxiety, this focused attention is even more powerful. Take Luna, for example: Her owner, Coach Maya, says, “Luna used to hide when I got home—now she runs to my mat when she sees me grab it. That 45 minutes isn’t just exercise; it’s proof she feels loved and seen.”