I hope Joseph Pilates was a dog lover. Chicago fitness tycoon Andrea Metcalf is renowned for her unique workout classes. When she had her first child, she figured out a way to incorporate a baby into her routine. And now she has a new baby, an English Bulldog named Wrigley.

Andrea's gotten together with Chicago's Anti-Cruelty Society. Together they'll be hosting a weekly class, "Pawsilates," which not only aims to get you off the couch, but that lazy dog of yours as well. Participants will stretch their bodies and flex their muscles, with their best friends right by their sides.

Andrea let us sit in on a run through of the course last night. It's 30 minutes long and will feature plenty of contorting and flex-banding. As for the animals, they'll get to walk around in circles, and if they're small enough, they might be picked up and used as resistance. You have to see the video, it'll air on the WGN News tonight at 5:30 and 9:00.

You might hear a few chuckles in the background, that was me trying my best not to bust up. The participants had just as much fun. As for the dogs? Wait until you see the nice massage the class ends with. That's the life right there.

If you want to try Pawsilates for yourself....

WHAT: Pawsilates Workout Class
WHERE: Chicago Anti-Cruelty Society, 159 W. Grand (Grand & Lasalle)
WHEN: Five weekly Wednesday classes. 6 p.m. class for dogs under 25 lbs., 6:30 p.m. class for dogs over 25 lbs.
COST: $10 for one class, or $45 for all five classes.
WHY: To get you and your dog in shape. And all (100%) of the proceeds go to the Anti-Cruelty Society, who put 5,000 animals into adoption each year.

Today was another one of those surreal days. I grew up watching Chicago Blackhawks hockey, many a memory on the second balcony of the old Chicago Stadium. To think that someday I would be standing on a football field with two members of the team as they try to complete military combat drills? Just one of those weird moments.

The fine members of the 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines invited us out to watch the wingers Andrew Ladd and Ben Eager beat themselves sweaty. They actually invited me to participate, but when I read it would entail scooping up a real-life marine, throwing him over my shoulder and running for about 30 yards? And hoisting a 30 pound ammo can over my head more than 100 times? There are certain things in life worth pinching a nerve over, I'll just tip my cap to the Marines and let the professional athletes show off their guns.

The guys participated in a Combat Fitness Test. The program was made a semi-annual requirement for all Marines in 2008. It consists of three different rounds:

1. Running - Marines run a half mile sprint in less than 2 minutes and 45 seconds. A five minute break ensues, then...

2. Ammo Can Lift - A square can filled with ammunition is hoisted from underneath the chin up over the head, as many times as possible within 2 minutes. Ladd completely 120 reps, very impressive even by Marine standards.

3. The Maneuver Under Fire Course - Marines run a course of cones, carry more ammo cans, throw a grenade, and hoist a wounded Marine onto their back and run him/her to safety. The Marine will run 300 yards during this exercise, all in about 2 minutes.

Marines will complete this training twice a year, on top of any other exercises they might be assigned. And you thought you had a tough job.

Chicago Blackhawks hockey kicks off on October 2. You can view a full schedule of games here.

The 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines are once again participating in the Toys for Tots program. If you'd like to requrest any toys, or make a donation, head to their website here.