Pilates is already one of the most popular workouts of the moment, but we have a feeling this might make its popularity skyrocket.
Why? Because it’s pilates with puppies, that’s why.
Although it may sound a little too good – and too unbelievably flipping cute – to be true, your eyes aren’t deceiving you, as Manchester’s very own ‘Paw Yoga‘ is launching a handful of ‘Puppy Pilates’ sessions next month, and this is your chance to stretch, strengthen… and snuggle with spaniels.
Puppy Pilates sessions are exactly as they sound, blending gentle Pilates or Yogalates exercises with the joy of being surrounded by playful Cocker Spaniel puppies.
It’s a unique experience designed to promote relaxation and, of course, plenty of puppy cuddles.
Each session starts off with 15 minutes of puppy introductions, followed by a half-hour instructor-led Pilates or Yogalates class, and finished with another 15 minutes of cuddles and photos with the pups.
Paw Yoga – which is better known for its puppy yoga sessions, and is celebrating its third anniversary next month – ensures the wellbeing of its puppies is the utmost priority, with all attending puppies being over eight weeks old and vaccinated, and the company refraining from mixing litters from different households.
The company also exclusively collaborates with ‘trusted and ethical breeders’, so you can attend the classes knowing the puppies come from nurturing homes.
Each class lasts one hour, and at the end of every event, the puppies go home with their owners.
Pilates classes with eight-week-old puppies are launching in Manchester next month. (Credit: Supplied)
Throughout the sessions, puppies are provided with food, water, and their own comfortable resting space if they choose to have a nap rather than join in.
There’s Puppy Pilates class on 14 June and a Puppy Yogalates class on 15 June that you can book onto, with other dates expected to be announced in due course, so whether you’re a pilates pro or simply seeking a calming escape, these sessions offer the perfect blend of fitness and puppy cuddles.
At the moment, the venue for the classes is to be confirmed, and tickets to take part will set you back £35 each.
Find out more and book a class on the Paw Yoga website here.
Manchester Arndale is hosting FREE workshops to help you ‘rework, restyle, and recycle’ your wardrobe
Emily Sergeant
Is your wardrobe feeling a little bland? Need to make some changes, but your bank account isn’t quite on the same wavelength? This event is here to help.
Those looking for some new ways to get creative with their style and put a spin on the clothes they already have are invited to head down to Manchester Arndale this weekend, as the Reimagine Your Fashion event is set to be a fun hands-on weekend celebrating personal style, smart choices, and sustainable ideas.
Whether you’re into upcycling, love yourself a styling session, or you just fancy doing something different in the city this summer, there’s something for everyone to get stuck into this weekend.
You can expect creative workshops, curated fashion rails, live styling tips, and a chance to give your pre-loved clothes a second life.
Oh, and did we mention it’s all free to take part in? Perfect.
There’s a collection of free ‘REWORK’ workshops taking place over the two-day event on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 July, where you can learn how to turn old into gold – from patchwork denim makeovers, to scrunchie making, custom tote design, and loads more.
There’s no need to be a sewing pro either, as the workshops are beginner-friendly and designed to be relaxed and creative with all tools provided, so all you have to do is bring along the clothing items you want to upcycle.
Manchester Arndale is hosting free workshops to help you ‘rework, restyle, and recycle’ your wardrobe this weekend / Credit: Priscilla Du Preez | Ashley Diane Worsham (via Unsplash)
At the ‘RESTYLE’ sessions, Rosie, who is the stylist behind Manchester Arndale’s summer campaign, will break down this season’s biggest trends and show you how to style what’s in store now, as well as being on-hand for styling tips and outfit advice.
And finally, there’ll also be a ‘RECYCLE’ station and drop-off point where you pass on your clean pre-loved clothes to two brilliant local charities doing vital work right here in Manchester – MASH, which supports women involved in sex work and those facing homelessness or gender-based violence, and Mustard Tree which works to tackle poverty across Greater Manchester.
“Your clothes could be someone else’s fresh start,” a spokesperson for Manchester Arndale said ahead of the event.
Reimagine Your Fashion is taking place at Exchange Court in Manchester Arndale on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 July running from 12pm, and you can find out more information and the times of the free workshops online here.
Featured Image – Sarah Brown (via Unsplash)
What's On
New immersive Race Across the World Experience comes to Manchester this summer
Thomas Melia
Hit BBC TV show Race Across the World is launching an interactive experience in Manchester this summer, inspired by the series.
After five original series and two celebrity spin-offs, it was only a matter of time before the huge TV show materialised into ‘Race Across the World: The Experience’.
Just like the real programme, you will be sent on a mission across the heart of the city centre where you will have to complete tasks and reach various checkpoints to be crowned champion.
The missions will see players visiting Manchester hotspots, lesser known locations, renowned pubs, and distinctive landmarks across three hours.
Teams will rely on our trusty Bee Network as they take a trip on our vibrant yellow trams and buses to get around the city as they make their way to each puzzle and activity.
At each puzzle destination, participants will complete a challenge to guide them to their next location, all of which is pre-planned and spread across a five kilometre city-wide voyage.
For Mancs and anyone further afield, ‘Race Across the World: The Experience’ offers a whole new way to explore Manchester and gives you the chance to see some of the city’s best hidden gems, even if you are on a time limit.
This sounds like a great idea for friends and family alike, and based off the amount of times we’ve had to sprint down to Platform 14 at Manchester Piccadilly, I think us Mancs were born for this challenge.
In true Race Across the World style, the team who manages to finish not just with the fastest time but with the most budget remaining too, will be the ultimate victor.
Cast of BBC’s Race Across the World / Credit: BBC / Studio Lambert
Tom Rymer, Founder of CityDays, said: “Following an outstanding debut month in London that has thrilled fans of the show, both old and new, we are bringing the Race Across The World Experience to Manchester.
“New puzzles, new characters, new decisions and new discoveries, all coming soon over three new thrilling legs. Manchester, are you ready for your race?”
A launch date for ‘Race Across the World: The Experience’ is yet to be released but eager entrants can sign up to the official waitlist and find out even more information HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
13th May 2025 
