Page 12 - magazine winter2011-1

by Julia A Burke

f f you talked to an enthusiastic hiker who has tramped the trails a
f you talked to an enthusiastic hiker who has tramped the trails at Red Rock
anyon, a mountain biker who has bumped down the side of the
C
Canyon, a mountain biker who has bumped down the side of the canyon walls
ca
or a camper who enjoyed snoozing under the stars at the Red Rock

or a camper who enjoyed snoozing under the stars at the Red Rock Canyon
Campground chances are the letters REI have come up in your conversation.
ampground chances are the letters REI have come up in your c
on
C
n
This happened to me when I was working-out with my trainer, Cyndee Platko.
This happened to me when I was working-out with my trainer, Cy n dee Platko.
Platko, is a certified personal and endurance trainer through International
P latko, is a certified personal and endurance t r r ainer thro ug h Intern a tiona l
a
p
S
,
Sports Science Association, a Triathlon Coach,
h
h
orts Science Association, a Triathlon Coac
Daisy, Spec, Tigger and Cyndee Platko
a National Water Fitness Instructor as well as a
a
a National Water Fitness Instructor as well as a
thlete just to boast a few of her accomplishments
top amateur triathlete just to boast a few of her accomplishments. .
a
ud
ud
e
en
d
Platko was talking about the dog safety equipment at REI that she recommends to students in her new class,
s to st
d
ng about the dog safety equipment at REI that she recommen
n
r
ew class,
i
n
h
i
ts
t
n
he
ow
t
n
ni
w
N
N
e couch potatoes.
m
m
N
No
a
class for dogs and their masters who do not want to beco
d
o,
Get Fit with Fido, a class for dogs and their masters who do not want to become couch potatoes. Not owning ng
a dog, I was curious. What equipment would REI have for a canine--a pup tent?
rious. What equipment would REI have for a canine--a pup tent?
t?
In a serious tone, Platko said. “It’s not healthy for you or your dog to be hanging out in front
of the TV munching cheese puffs and not exercising. Just think,” she went on, “Dogs can’t
get to the gym so it is up to us to get them off the couch and out walking. Plus, they love it.
My dogs, Daisy and Tigger, know exactly where they are when I drive up to the gate at Red
Rock Canyon,” she said as we walked over to the next muscle-torturing
piece of equipment.
“What types of equipment do you take when hiking with your dogs?” I asked.
“REI carries a long list of products to make hiking with your dog more enjoyable while
you both work on getting heathier. First,” Platko said, “I recommend a proper fitting doggie backpack, but
don’t overload it, keep it light, just a water bottle and some healthy snacks.” Her eyes flashed with excitement
as she went on, “The Nite-Dawg light-up dog collar and Beacon Safety Light is wonderful if you are out in
the desert when the sun is setting,” she said. “Then there is the Grip Trex, an all-season paw wear, to protect
the feet of your best friend on the rugged trails. You should always carry collapsible food and water dishes,”
So
e
d.
sa
s
she said. “Some people forget that their dog needs water and snacks too. But my favorite is the Liston
pe
e
Conc ep t Do g
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Concept Dog-on Leash and Belt System. REI sells it for $29.99.”
e 1
g
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