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A bearded grandpa kneels on a green yoga mat while a dapple Dachshund lies in front of him, a tennis ball nearby. 4 / 21

Grandpa Hank Rolled Out His Yoga Mat. One Student Showed Up Early.

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Down on hands and knees on a sage-green yoga mat, Grandpa Hank is easing into his morning stretches in a sunny living room. His sleeves are rolled, his suspenders hang loose over a soft grey shirt, and he's smiling down at the one student who showed up for class. Pretzel has stretched out on the mat right under his nose, front paws extended in what looks suspiciously like a little bow of her own. A tennis ball sits off to the side, a woven basket holds a rope toy, and a mug waits on the arm of the couch for later.

Gentle movement is one of the best gifts a person can give their body later in life, and dogs make wonderful motivation. A pet that needs walks, play, and attention gives the day a natural rhythm, which can make it easier to stay active and keep a routine. Dogs often seem to copy us when we get down to their level, partly out of curiosity and partly because floor time feels like an invitation to play. If you're starting a new exercise routine, especially one involving kneeling or balance, it's wise to check in with your doctor first and go at a comfortable pace.

Pretzel may not know a downward dog from a cat-cow, but she clearly knows a good morning when she sees one. Hank gets his stretches in, and she gets her favorite person at eye level.

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