Cats have played an important role in human culture and have been present in different civilizations in significant ways.

In ancient Egypt, cats were highly valued due to their unique qualities such as their enhanced night vision, which is up to six times better than that of humans.

Cats were cherished as both pets and spiritual beings, believed to have connections with the divine.

Egyptians saw cats as protectors of the home and symbols of grace and poise, often associating them with the goddess Bastet, who was depicted as a lioness or a woman with a cat’s head.

Bastet represented fertility, domesticity, and protection, and worship of her reflected the reverence Egyptians held for cats.

Families deeply mourned the loss of pet cats; when a family cat died, members would shave their eyebrows as a sign of grief, marking the depth of their emotional and spiritual bond with the animal.

This ritual highlighted the special connection Egyptians felt with cats and showed that cats were not only companions but held spiritual significance.

Ancient Egyptians also mummified cats, demonstrating their belief in the sacredness of cats and the hope for the animal’s afterlife.

Cats were often depicted in ancient Egyptian art and sculpture, symbolizing their high status in society.

Unlike dogs, who where valued for labor and companionship, cats were venerated for their mysterious qualities and their role as intermediaries between the human and divine worlds.

The prominence of cats in ancient Egyptian culture can also be seen in the discovery of mummified animals and archaeological findings in museums worldwide.

The emotional and spiritual roles cats filled in Egyptian homes were so important that losing a cat was considered a profound event, meriting rituals similar to those for lost human family members.

Cats have played an important role in human culture and have been present in different civilizations in significant ways.

Title:

Content: Home » Celebrating our fellow felines

Celebrating our fellow felines

by admin

Every August 8, animal lovers around the world come together to celebrate International Cat Day, a day dedicated to honoring and recognizing the presence and special role that cats have in our lives, this holiday has become an opportunity to highlight the importance of caring for and respecting our feline friends, as well as to raise awareness of the need to protect and preserve their well-being.

The role of the Cat in the History of Culture

Cats have played a significant role in various cultures and historical moments. From ancient Egypt, where they were considered symbols of divinity and associated with the goddess Bastet, to medieval Europe, where they were considered guardians of homes and farms due to their ability to keep rodent populations in check, cats have been around. present in human life in different ways.

In the Middle Ages, however, cats also faced hard times when they were linked with superstition and witchcraft, leading to persecution and slaughter. Fortunately, over time, the relationship between humans and cats has evolved towards a more harmonious and beneficial coexistence for both parties.

Education and care of cats

Photo: Pet City

Training a cat requires patience, understanding and knowledge. Here are some key tips to ensure your cat thrives happy and healthy.

Provide a suitable environment, make sure your home is safe and comfortable for your cat. Provide places for him to rest and hide, as well as toys and environmental enrichment to stimulate his mind.

Food and hydration, offers a balanced diet appropriate to the needs of your cat. It often provides fresh, clean water.

See also  The Democratic Party of Korea, taking to the streets, "condemns the marine discharge of contaminated water from Fukushima" [뉴시스Pic] :: Sympathy Press Newsis News Agency ::

Litter box, keep a clean and accessible litter box so your cat can eliminate. Clean the box regularly to avoid health problems and bad smells.

Health problems and bad odors. Socialization and Play Interact and play with your cat daily to keep him physically and mentally active. Play with toys and interaction with other animals can be beneficial

Veterinary Care Schedule regular visits to the vet to make sure your cat is up to date on vaccinations and health checks. This is essential to prevent and detect any medical problem in time.

Hygiene, brush your cat’s coat to keep it clean and reduce the formation of hairballs. Also, take care of their oral health by brushing their teeth or providing dental treats.

Respect and love, each cat has its own personality and needs. He respects his space and his quiet times, and show him love and affection according to his preferences.

fun facts about cats

Courtesy Week The sense of smell, although we don’t talk so much about their sense of smell as about their vision and hearing, cats have a highly developed sense of smell. They use their nose to explore and recognize the world around them. They are amazing, they are excellent jumpers and can jump up to six times their length in a single jump. This is partly due to the unique structure of their hind legs, which gives them great power and flexibility. Mysterious purr, cats are believed to purr not only when they are happy, but also when they are sick or injured. Purring could have healing properties and help in the regeneration of bones and tissues. Cats in space, the first cat to travel to space was named Felicette, also known as ‘Felix’. She was launched by the French Space Agency in 1963 and returned safely. Tail Communication Cats use their tails to communicate. A pricked tail usually indicates confidence and happiness, while a wagging tail could mean the cat is excited or agitated. Born hunters, domestic cats retain their hunting instincts. They can hunt insects, mice and other small animals, which is also a form of exercise and mental stimulation. Exceptional night vision, cats have cells in their eyes called rods, which allow them to see in low light conditions. Their night vision is up to six times better than that of humans.

You may also like

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More

Privacy & Cookies Policy

In ancient Egypt, cats were highly valued due to their unique qualities such as their enhanced night vision, which is up to six times better than that of humans.

Cats were cherished as both pets and spiritual beings, believed to have connections with the divine.

Egyptians saw cats as protectors of the home and symbols of grace and poise, often associating them with the goddess Bastet, who was depicted as a lioness or a woman with a cat’s head.

Bastet represented fertility, domesticity, and protection, and worship of her reflected the reverence Egyptians held for cats.

Families deeply mourned the loss of pet cats; when a family cat died, members would shave their eyebrows as a sign of grief, marking the depth of their emotional and spiritual bond with the animal.

Title:

Content: How Black Cats Became a Symbol of Bad Luck

Famous cat daddy Jackson Galaxy looks into the galvanizing history of black cats, particularly how they became enduring symbols of bad luck and superstition.

It’s true – black cats have been truly vilified throughout our history, from mythology to being burned at the stake as witches to… well every superstition you can think of.

Galaxy recounts how these beautiful cats got such a bad rap. The famous “Halloween Cat” pose, their association with witchcraft, and how the particularly zealous Pope Gregory IV eradicated Europe of all cats.

I gotta say if you gotta blame the demonization the official demonization of cats and especially black cats in the world starting in Europe it would be Pope Gregory IX. Thanks Pope Gregory IX, because in 1233 …he basically called out witches as worshiping a devil that was this shadowy half-man half cat I mean that basically made cats “cattis non-gratis”, especially in Europe.

Sadly, the bubonic plague spread freely across Europe as there were no cats to keep the rat population down.

By the 1300s it’s theorized anyway, that cat numbers were depleted so badly … that allowed the Bubonic Plague to just flourish. …The the more this went on the worse the rap was that black cats had on them.

The demonization got worse with the Salem witch trials and the propagation of superstition throughout history.

There is worshiping and there is vilifying and burning at the stake and all stops in between and that’s what the black cat has represented through time. …The Halloween cat and how badly misinterpreted that body position is. It is a surviving damning vision of the black cat especially when we associate during Halloween a witch and a black cat …These are vestiges of discrimination and wholesale slaughter of an innocent animal.

That being said, black cats are wonderful, sweet animals who, sadly, have a harder time getting adopted.

We gotta spread the word you guys black cats are good luck black cats are righteous … spread the word adopt a black cat today. Foster a black cat today.

This ritual highlighted the special connection Egyptians felt with cats and showed that cats were not only companions but held spiritual significance.

Ancient Egyptians also mummified cats, demonstrating their belief in the sacredness of cats and the hope for the animal’s afterlife.

Cats were often depicted in ancient Egyptian art and sculpture, symbolizing their high status in society.

Unlike dogs, who where valued for labor and companionship, cats were venerated for their mysterious qualities and their role as intermediaries between the human and divine worlds.

Title:

Content:
Tuesday August 08, 2023

Do this to make your kitties happy on International Cat Day

To have happy International Cat Day, you need to have a happy cat and here's how you can make your them happy

By Web Desk
August 08, 2023

Cats are one of the most preferred pets across the globe and there is no denying that fact, given their cute yet whimsical traits and the fact that there is a whole day — August 8 — designated to celebrate cats around the world.

Indeed, International Cat Day exists and is celebrated worldwide, honouring all cats and kittens who teach us to cherish little moments in life and the art of finding happiness in the most ordinary things.

From the ancient Egyptians' adoration of these enigmatic creatures to viral internet videos, cats have held a special place in human history and hearts.

Take the time to reflect on ways to make your little furry friend happy on this special day with the help of the following list of ways suggested by a vet, according to the Animal Hospital of Richboro in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

Apparently, health is happiness

You need to prioritise your little furry friend's health if you want them to stay happier and you can do that by providing them with good food and opportunities to get some fresh air.

However, while many cats like outdoor activities, like leaving pawprints on windshields and refusing to come when called, it will be both safer and healthier to stay in.

One of the things that positively affect a cat's health and mood is a clean litterbox. Try asking your vet for tips on caring for your feline friend and it is always better to learn more about cats.

Moreover, remember to regularly visit the vet to make sure your furry baby is in top health.

Keep them entertained with toys or yourself

As they have a natural instinct to pounce or jump on things as they are hunters by nature and it is one of the many things that makes them happy.

Find plenty of fun and easy-to-play toys that your cats can push under the couch or jump at instead of jumping at you. Additionally, toys that also allow you to play with your feline friend are a great way to enhance your bond with them.

Although toys are great, you are by far your cat's favourite form of entertainment and must take a few minutes a day to play with your furry buddy.

Comfy beds and luxuries

The love for comfy beds and luxuries is one of the few things that cats have in common with humans.

Cats are definitely drowsy little furballs so give them a selection of cosy sleeping accommodations for their 32 daily naps.

In addition, providing simple luxuries such as small touches that help them stay content, offering them a comfy window seat to watch birds and squirrels, scratching posts, cat furniture, and regular grooming sessions can help you win feline overlords' hearts.

Things To Investigate

Some of the most viral cat videos that have generated a craze among netizens are the ones where cats are busy investigating something to satisfy their curiosity. While it is an activity that cats love, it amuses their pet parents as well.

If you want to feel happy with your kitten or cat give them things that make them curious which is almost everything. However, it would be better to give them things like cardboard boxes, newspaper tunnels, pet tents, and paper bags.

Attention

All things aside, the best way to make your furry friend happy is by giving them your attention because you are the person they feel the most safe with.

Talk to them and it does not matter if they do not understand you. You paying attention to your pet and throwing a few cuddles in it will ultimately enhance their mood, especially on International Cat Day!

The prominence of cats in ancient Egyptian culture can also be seen in the discovery of mummified animals and archaeological findings in museums worldwide.

The emotional and spiritual roles cats filled in Egyptian homes were so important that losing a cat was considered a profound event, meriting rituals similar to those for lost human family members.


Peloton yoga is accessible both live and on-demand, allowing users to incorporate yoga into their busy routines.

Peloton yoga sessions focus on delving into specific poses, targeting particular body parts, or exploring different moods.

These classes are intended to assist with recovery from intense workouts and to help reduce stress levels.

Reported benefits of Peloton Yoga include reducing stress and tension in the body.

It can also foster a greater sense of connection to one’s body and environment.

Peloton Yoga provides a sense of community and support for its users.

To get started, the essential items needed are suitable clothing and a yoga mat.

There are also optional pieces of equipment that may add to the experience.

Yoga classes can be accessed without a full Peloton Yoga Membership via the Peloton App Membership.

Participants can integrate yoga into a broader fitness regimen or focus exclusively on yoga when desired.

A broad selection of classes, programs, and instructors enables users to personalize their practice.

Peloton Yoga offers a convenient solution for those wishing to practice yoga from home.

In Kansas City, inspiration from others who innovate encourages individuals to pursue creating new fitness spaces.

Gyms aim to be inclusive, cultivating safe spaces where trainers can express their identities, such as teaching classes in drag.

Dynamic communities require gyms to remain adaptable to effectively serve their members.

Boutique gyms in Santa Barbara personalize approaches, encouraging greater challenge and adjusting exercises based on individual needs and medical histories.

Instruction at these new gyms includes hands-on problem solving for exercise techniques.

CorePower Yoga provided free online classes during the pandemic, expanding access to yoga.

Streaming apps like Fawesome and major smart TV platforms make a variety of workouts, including yoga, easily available.

IMAGE TECH is an example of a practice used by dancers for pre-class preparation.

Peloton yoga is accessible both live and on-demand, allowing users to incorporate yoga into their busy routines.

Title:

Content: Peloton Yoga: A Comprehensive Guide to the Best Yoga Classes on Peloton

Peloton is a well-known fitness company that offers a variety of workout options, including cycling, running, strength training, and yoga. Peloton yoga is popular among fitness enthusiasts who want to improve their flexibility, balance, and strength. Peloton yoga classes are led by world-class instructors offering various teaching styles and training backgrounds to cater to different needs and preferences.

Peloton yoga is available both live and on-demand, making it easy for users to fit yoga into their busy schedules. The Peloton app offers a variety of yoga classes, including vinyasa, power yoga, restorative yoga, and yoga conditioning. Users can choose courses based on their experience level, mood, music style, and fitness goals.

Peloton yoga is more than just a workout; it is a way to connect with oneself and find inner peace. Peloton yoga focuses on diving deep into specific poses, body parts, or even moods. Regarding the recovery element of Peloton yoga, consider it a rest day. Peloton yoga helps users to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being, making it a great addition to any fitness routine.

What is Peloton Yoga?

Peloton Yoga is an on-demand yoga program offered by Peloton. It is designed to help users improve their flexibility, strength, and mindfulness through various yoga classes. Peloton Yoga has a range of classes for all levels, from beginner to advanced, and offers live and on-demand classes.

The program is rooted in five elements of the practice: foundation, power, focus, recovery, and unity. Each element allows members to curate their practice to match their interests, experience, and ability. Peloton yoga focuses on diving deep into specific poses, body parts, or even moods. Regarding the recovery element of Peloton yoga, think: rest day. As the name suggests, it is designed to help users recover from intense workouts and reduce stress levels.

Peloton Yoga offers a variety of classes, including Vinyasa, Hatha, and Yin yoga. Vinyasa yoga is a dynamic style of yoga that links breath with movement. Hatha yoga is a slower-paced practice that focuses on holding poses for longer periods. Yin yoga is a restorative practice that involves holding poses for several minutes to release tension and increase flexibility.

Peloton Yoga also has a range of expert instructors who guide users through their practice. The instructors are experienced and certified yoga professionals who offer personalized instruction and modifications for all levels.

Benefits of Peloton Yoga

Physical Benefits

Peloton Yoga is a great way to improve your overall physical health. The practice can help you build strength, increase flexibility, and improve your balance. Additionally, it can help you manage your weight by burning calories and reducing stress levels. Here are some of the physical benefits of Peloton Yoga:

  • Builds strength in the muscles
  • Increases flexibility and range of motion
  • Improves balance and stability
  • Burns calories and promotes weight loss
  • Reduces stress and tension in the body

Mental Benefits

In addition to the physical benefits, Peloton Yoga can positively impact your mental health. The practice can help you reduce stress, improve your mood, and increase your overall well-being. Here are some of the mental benefits of Peloton Yoga:

  • Reduces stress and anxiety
  • Improves mood and promotes feelings of happiness
  • Increases mindfulness and self-awareness
  • Boosts overall sense of well-being
  • Improves sleep quality and duration

Social Benefits

Peloton Yoga is also a great way to connect with others and build community. The practice can help you meet new people, make friends, and develop a support system. Additionally, it can help you feel more connected to your body and your surroundings. Here are some of the social benefits of Peloton Yoga:

  • Connects you with like-minded individuals
  • Offers a sense of community and support
  • Provides opportunities for personal growth and development
  • Encourages a sense of connection to your body and surroundings

Peloton Yoga Classes

Types of Classes

Peloton offers various yoga classes catering to different levels and preferences. The classes are grouped into three categories that fall under the area of “foundation”: Yoga Flow, Yoga Basics, and Yoga Anywhere. Yoga Flow classes are designed for intermediate and advanced yogis who want to challenge themselves with dynamic sequences. Yoga Basics classes are ideal for beginners or anyone who wants to improve their alignment, breathing, and mindfulness. Yoga, Anywhere classes, are perfect for those who want to practice yoga on the go or in limited space.

Instructors

Peloton has a team of world-class yoga instructors bringing unique styles and expertise to each class. Some popular Peloton yoga instructors include Kristin McGee, Aditi Shah, and Denis Morton. Each instructor’s bio on the Peloton website provides information about their background, certifications, and teaching philosophy. Members can choose their favorite instructors and follow their classes for a consistent yoga experience.

Class Formats

Peloton offers several class formats that combine yoga with other disciplines such as strength, cardio, and meditation. Some popular designs include Yoga Bootcamp, Yoga Flow + Meditation, and Yoga + Stretching. Yoga Bootcamp is a high-intensity workout that combines yoga poses with strength and cardio exercises. Yoga Flow + Meditation is a calming practice focusing on breathwork and mindfulness. Yoga + Stretching is a gentle class that helps to release tension and improve flexibility. Overall, Peloton yoga classes provide a comprehensive and personalized yoga experience for members of all levels. With various class types, expert instructors, and innovative formats, Peloton easily incorporates yoga into your fitness routine.

Peloton Yoga Equipment

When it comes to practicing yoga on Peloton, there are a few essential pieces of equipment that you will need. The right clothing and a yoga mat are the two main items you will need to get started. It is vital to wear comfortable and breathable clothing that allows for a full range of motion. A high-quality yoga mat will provide the necessary grip and cushioning to support your practice. Peloton offers its own branded yoga mat, but other options are available on the market.

In addition to the basics, there are a few optional pieces of equipment that you should consider. Yoga blocks, a yoga bolster, and a yoga strap, can all be helpful tools to enhance your practice. Yoga blocks provide extra support and stability during certain poses, while a yoga bolster can be used for seated and standing postures. A yoga strap can help you deepen your stretches and improve your flexibility.

While not essential, you should consider adding a few non-essential items to your practice. An eye pillow can be used during savasana to help you relax and unwind. Liquid chalk can also be helpful if your hands get sweaty during your practice, providing extra grip on your mat.

Overall, the equipment you need for Peloton yoga is relatively minimal. Investing in high-quality basics such as a yoga mat and comfortable clothing is a good place to start, and you can add additional pieces as you progress in your practice.

Peloton Yoga Membership

Peloton offers a variety of membership options for those who want to practice yoga. All memberships come with access to the Peloton App, live and on-demand classes, personalized class recommendations, and training programs.

The Peloton Yoga Membership is perfect for those who want to focus exclusively on yoga. This membership provides access to various yoga classes, programs, and instructors. With the Peloton Yoga Membership, you can choose from beginner, intermediate, or advanced classes and classes that focus on specific areas like flexibility, strength, and balance. In addition to the yoga classes, the Peloton Yoga Membership also includes access to Peloton’s yoga instructors.

The instructors are experienced and knowledgeable, and they provide guidance and support to help you get the most out of your practice. You can choose to follow a specific instructor or try out different instructors to find the one that works best for you. If you need more time to be ready to commit to a Peloton Yoga Membership, you can also access yoga classes through the Peloton App Membership.

This membership provides access to Peloton’s classes, including yoga, cycling, running, and strength training. You can take yoga classes as part of your overall fitness routine or focus exclusively on yoga when you want to. Overall, Peloton’s yoga memberships are a great way to practice yoga from your home. With a wide range of classes, programs, and instructors, you can find a practice that works for you.

Conclusion

Peloton Yoga is a great option for those looking to practice yoga from their home. With various classes to choose from, including different difficulty levels and lengths, there is something for everyone. Peloton Yoga also offers classes that focus on specific body areas, such as arms, core, and glutes, making it an excellent option for cross-training.

The five elements of Peloton Yoga – foundation, power, focus, recovery, and unity – provide a framework for members to curate their practice to match their interests, experience, and ability. The instructors are knowledgeable and skilled, giving clear instructions and modifications for different levels.

In general, Peloton Yoga classes are good for enhancing recovery, improving athleticism, and increasing performance. They offer restful workouts and meditation for healing and focus, while providing challenging courses for those looking to improve their strength and flexibility. Overall, Peloton Yoga is a great option for those looking to practice yoga in a convenient and customizable way.

Peloton yoga sessions focus on delving into specific poses, targeting particular body parts, or exploring different moods.

These classes are intended to assist with recovery from intense workouts and to help reduce stress levels.

Reported benefits of Peloton Yoga include reducing stress and tension in the body.

It can also foster a greater sense of connection to one’s body and environment.

Peloton Yoga provides a sense of community and support for its users.

To get started, the essential items needed are suitable clothing and a yoga mat.

There are also optional pieces of equipment that may add to the experience.

Yoga classes can be accessed without a full Peloton Yoga Membership via the Peloton App Membership.

Participants can integrate yoga into a broader fitness regimen or focus exclusively on yoga when desired.

A broad selection of classes, programs, and instructors enables users to personalize their practice.

Peloton Yoga offers a convenient solution for those wishing to practice yoga from home.

In Kansas City, inspiration from others who innovate encourages individuals to pursue creating new fitness spaces.

Title:

Content: The changing face of fitness in India

New Delhi, April 9 (IANSlife) Over the last 24 months, the fitness industry has seen a complete shake-up, with Covid-19-related shutdowns resulting in gyms closing shop, many scrambling to digitise their business offerings, and many trainers and small businesses left hapless in its wake.

As with most businesses around the world, technology has been a central theme, with accelerated adoption during the pandemic fueling unprecedented changes in consumer behaviour willing to try new apps, workouts, and be counselled all from the comfort of their own home.

However, with everyone jumping on the “online fitness” bandwagon, albeit with a variety of approaches, there has been a significant increase in the number of fitness platforms all vying to “disrupt” the fitness industry.

The fitness industry in India is no different, and here are some material changes.

The Customer

The pandemic drove millions of people who were suddenly barred from their favourite gyms, forcing consumers to accelerate their adoption of home fitness. Home workouts, which were previously unthinkable, became the only way to go, and people began to see the benefits of these workouts, which included increased flexibility, privacy, and the convenience of being able to workout at home. In addition, many myths about bodyweight workouts being ineffective were debunked, allowing consumers to push themselves through intense workouts.

Fitness app downloads are expected to have increased by 46 percent worldwide in the second quarter of 2020, with India leading the way with a 156 percent increase, adding approximately 58 million new active users!

Fitness Studios

Traditional studios became agile during the pandemic by developing capabilities to cater to at-home consumers, focusing on home workouts, and moving all personal training to video apps for nearly a year. Similarly, many coaches began offering online group classes in order to retain customers and make ends meet.

And now that gyms and studios are open again, businesses and trainers are continuing to offer hybrid programmes to help clients stay consistent regardless of which mode they choose.

Fitness Tech Platforms

Fitness platforms offer far more than just fitness through technology, but also accountability, community, group challenges, rewards programmes, access to exclusive events, and so much more  no wonder people embraced them, and they became the pandemic’s largest gainers, with ready solutions to die-hard enthusiasts’ fitness woes. To attract customers, they also included a variety of entry-level programmes such as dance, yoga, and mindfulness.

Their subscription services allowed you to exercise at your leisure while feeling more connected to those around you and accountable to a coach or community.

Big changes are still taking place in the industry, as the entire spectrum of home fitness (or anytime-anywhere-accessible-fitness) is quickly becoming the norm, with more people opting for remote formats.

Tech platforms are currently reimagining the entire fitness experience, putting the consumer at the centre. This is accomplished through the use of hyper-personalization, in which programmes can be built seamlessly around clients’ lifestyles, heart rates, sleep, nutrition logs, daily step count, and mood patterns, among other things  using these correctly can be powerful in how we can improve results for each individual, all while doing activities they enjoy.

Fitness apps can be designed to provide meaningful experiences for customers regardless of their preferences, location, or price point. This, combined with meaningful insights, can assist us in losing weight while not giving up foods we enjoy or engaging in activities we enjoy!

Doing what we enjoy leads to consistency and sustainability, which makes leading a healthy lifestyle easier. “What gets measured gets done,” and “what gets done gets done”! All of this culminates in hyper-personalization and keeping the customer at the centre of everything we do!

(Ketan Mavinkurve is Founder and CEO of Alpha Coach)

20220409-205953

RELATED ARTICLES

Gyms aim to be inclusive, cultivating safe spaces where trainers can express their identities, such as teaching classes in drag.

Title:

Content: (Fitness)

How The Queer Gym Became A Safe Space For The LGBTQIA+ Community

12 years of inclusivity.

By Elyssa Goodman
Courtesy of The Queer Gym

It’s Sunday morning on the West Coast and Nathalie Huerta, aka Coach Nat, is on Zoom with a group of her clients from The Queer Gym. They’re tuning in from across the country: Shreveport, Louisiana, Appleton, Wisconsin, New York City, and San Francisco, among others. Sunday mornings are for The Queer Gym’s Adulting class, which instructs clients on everything from today’s topic of protein to finance to time management and more. In the class, Huerta is charismatic and accessible: this is what micros are, this is what macros are, these are some of her favorite proteins (“Dude, protein pasta with my meatballs, you can’t tell me sh*t!”), this is how often you need to eat protein and how much. She encourages people to ask questions, make recommendations, tell her what they want to get out of the class, and offer feedback. But there’s more happening here than just a talk about protein. “Fitness and nutrition is our drag,” Huerta likes to say. “Accountability and community is really what we're about.”

In fact, the latter have been central to The Queer Gym since Huerta opened it in 2010. Originally based in Oakland, California, the fitness studio — the first of its kind in the country — has since gone totally online, having given up its brick and mortar space during the pandemic. But, as Huerta says, this actually makes the gym more accessible to people around the country seeking queer-friendly fitness classes they might not have otherwise. Such an experience is central to the reason The Queer Gym exists at all.

Huerta remembers working as a trainer in a gym over a decade ago, being treated differently once she cut her hair from what she refers to as a “more feminine-presenting look to a more queer-presenting look.” She realized, too, that though she was out herself, she rarely found other queer members at her gym. There were “ripped hot gay men,” she said, but she noticed any other queer folks would come in for a week or two, try it out, and rarely return.

She also noticed that, even as a trainer, she wasn’t always well-equipped to help some members of the queer community. A client, a trans woman, came to her with questions about hormones and fitness and Huerta didn’t know what to say. “I remember feeling inadequate and being like, if I'm the best suited in here to train them, and I am finding myself clueless, it makes sense why there's no [queer] people, because there's no one that knows how to serve the community,” she said. “And they would rather not show up and be uncomfortable. Because it's already an uncomfortable feeling if you don't know what you're doing in the gym, which is 90% of people. And then you slap on the queer thing. Like, no wonder.”

Huerta didn’t want anyone else to feel this way and wanted to find a way to get everyone the training they needed and deserved — create a space where people could feel nurtured, a place where fitness could be for everyone regardless of gender, presentation, size, sexual orientation, anything. Then, at 25, as a full-time grad student, she opened The Queer Gym. At first, the gym offered only one-on-one training, then expanded to group training, where more people seemed to thrive. Group training became the focus, with an addition of semi-private instruction. As years progressed, semi-private instruction with an option for online classes then became the order of the day.

Then, the pandemic hit. The gym pivoted yet again and left its brick and mortar space, transitioning fully online, where members can now take classes via group training classes on Zoom. There are sessions every day, like “Biceptuals” on Mondays and Thursdays; “Oakland Booty” on Tuesday, Thursdays, and Saturdays, to name a few. There’s also the Hard Core Homo Academy, which offers access to classes, nutrition, and regular coaching at a financially customizable rate. Classes are an hour long and kept at small sizes so members can still get personalized attention. Shorter classes launched on IG Live on June 9.

Every class offered by The Queer Gym is led by coaches trained to work with the queer community and of the community themselves. Huerta recalls a former marine applying for a job as a trainer. “He was giving me his straight, corporate vibe, but I could see right through it,” she says. “Be you,” she said to him. “We want this to be a safe space for you, too. So if you want to show up to teach a class in drag, I'm here for it.” Although she was just offering an example, as it turned out, the trainer really did do drag, and was soon teaching in it. “His classes were a show of him kicking your ass in full drag,” she says with a smile.

Every class has its own vibe, of course, but always with that same sensitivity to creating community and safety. They all open with a statement of pronouns and an ice-breaking discussion question. In Coach Lisa’s Weights & Meditate virtual class I attended on a Friday, for example, the ice-breaking topic is favorite de-stressors. Two attendees wear Street Fighter and Sailor Moon shirts, which another attendee loves — “these are my people!” Even if it’s just about the moment, it’s still poignant. Positive affirmation empowers them to feel strong, but they’re also not deterred from sharing difficulties while rising to the challenge that the class’ HIIT training presents.

As much as The Queer Gym allows both clients and trainers to feel more relaxed wherever they are in their fitness journey and/or identity experience, it’s something that has grown over time and continues to progress every year, every day even. Huerta noticed early on, for example, that even though part of her original goal was to better serve the trans community, transgender clients would stay for two months then cancel, so she finally asked for feedback. While people she spoke to understood her intention of creating an accessible fitness space, they felt the execution wasn’t there. Even if the space was safe, training and language usage needed to be more inclusive. “They were right,” she said. “I realized that I can be the gay and lesbian gym, or I could be the queer gym, get educated on what I need to learn, and be inclusive of everybody in the community.” She took their feedback to heart and educated herself and her staff to make sure they were properly serving all members of the queer community.

Since it began, the gym has made strides in making sure everyone feels safe, seen, and secure, and the strides show: one third of its clientele identify as transgender now, for example, and retain their memberships. So accountability is not just for the clients. “Nothing tells you about yourself like a business. Because it will show you where you suck. And for me, I grew up,” Huerta says. “I'm the first queer gym which is cool, right? It's cool to pioneer [a] new space. But there's also nobody that's gone ahead of me. And I think there's a certain expectation for me to get it perfect. And when I didn't, you know, the internet's quick to tell you about it.” Huerta is proud that there’s a diverse representation of the queer community, that people join and stay. The community is dynamic, she says, and she knows the best way the gym can continue to serve is to be dynamic, too.

The dynamism doesn’t stop with the gym, either. “One of my biggest growth opportunities as a leader was changing my perspective on vulnerability, like vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness, and the more vulnerable that you're comfortable being, the better leader you become.” The fact that Huerta’s business actively engages with queerness was part of what helped her access her own vulnerability, always fueled, she said, by “my passion for what I do and who I do it for, who I do it with.” This passion is part of what keeps her and The Queer Gym afloat. Another part is always the desire to remain true to the gym’s original mission. “I want to be proud about the realness I'm bringing,” she says. “I just don't have time to be fake.”

Dynamic communities require gyms to remain adaptable to effectively serve their members.

Boutique gyms in Santa Barbara personalize approaches, encouraging greater challenge and adjusting exercises based on individual needs and medical histories.

Title:

Content: Boutique Gyms Provide Personalized Fitness in Santa Barbara

Taking the Plunge at Two New Gyms: RSTR and Off the Grid

Say “boutique” and what usually comes to mind is a hipster hotel or a shop filled with pricey clothes. But in the same small-batch, non-corporate spirit as craft beer, artisanal bread, and handmade gifts, there is also the boutique gym. I checked out a couple of Santa Barbara’s newer boutique gyms to find out what these small facilities have to offer.

RSTR (pronounced “restore”) and Off the Grid both followed surprisingly similar paths to their current incarnations, starting out in tiny, hard-to-find spaces. Jade Wilson launched Off the Grid on her 10′x10′ patio; Fil and Kelsee Curiel started RSTR out of their garage, then moved to a spot hidden away above an optical shop. Even their present locations in downtown Santa Barbara are similar: RSTR is behind Cantwell’s Market; Off the Grid is behind an extravagantly gabled yellow Victorian house with fish-scale shingles.

Each facility is well-stocked with equipment and weights, and both of them offer personal training sessions and small semi-private circuit-training classes. As you would expect, students receive considerable personal attention in the semi-private classes at these gyms. The trainers circulate constantly to correct form, offer encouragement, and suggest modifications. Fil Curiel of RSTR noted that some of their clients also have large-gym memberships but tell him they get lost in the shuffle at the other facilities. At Off the Grid, one of my workout partners told me her wife — also a member — felt a sense of community at Off the Grid that she hadn’t experienced at other gyms.

Each gym is a very personal reflection of the owners. The Curiels are bodybuilders; competition photos of them adorn the walls. Kelsee designed the logo and built many of the fixtures in the studio herself. At Off the Grid, you’re likely to be greeted by Wilson’s friendly German shepherd mix, Draven, and may get to coo over her infant son, Jett.

RSTR combines tech tools with its personal touch. A monitor on the wall displays the names and photos of the exercises to help you remember the day’s circuit, and an electronic timer cues you when to start and stop. By contrast, Off the Grid is more high-touch than high-tech. Wilson writes the day’s circuit on a whiteboard, and you keep track of your own reps. Wilson typically pairs up exercisers by height, so you and your partner can help each other remember what you’re supposed to be doing.

At both these gyms, I was urged to use far more weight than I’ve been accustomed to. At RSTR, after I’d done a couple of warmup sets on the leg press machine at 160 pounds, Fil loaded a pair of 45-pound weights onto the machine. For the last few reps of the final set, he snuck on another pair of 45-pound weights. His rationale: “People have more strength in their legs than they realize. I wouldn’t put the weight on there if I didn’t think you could do it.”

It would be easy to chalk that up to the Curiels’ background as bodybuilders, except that Wilson — a functional strength trainer who’s certified in corrective exercise — takes a similar approach. She enthusiastically loaded up my bar with 95 pounds for the hip thrust and the same amount for the dead lift, and handed me a 15-pound dumbbell for renegade rows. Even so, I felt like a literal lightweight when I saw the size of the plates the longtime members (all of whom were women in the classes I took) were putting on their bars.

One of my favorite things about the boutique gym experience was the one-on-one assessment that Wilson conducts for all new members. She asked me about my exercise history and wanted to know more about the foot surgery I had a few years ago. She observed that one of my shoulders is lower than the other (scoliosis) and one of my feet pronates. She had me take off my shoes and socks and asked me to stand, walk back and forth across the room, and demonstrate a deadlift, then corrected my form. She endorsed my choice to use a wide stance when I do squats. I asked her why I tend to feel abdominal work in my hip flexors. “Let’s fix that right now,” Wilson said, and showed me how to make sure I’m contracting the abs and keeping my back on the ground. That session was far more rewarding than any doctor’s visit I’ve had.

A common feature of these two gyms is their emphasis on post-workout recovery. They both offer percussion massagers and the Normatec compression therapy system that filters out lactic acid. The Curiels have partnered with physical therapist Heidi Whitney, who has a treatment room in the studio where she can treat RSTR members and coordinate their exercise programs.

Off the Grid also features two saunas. At the other end of the temperature spectrum, Wilson coached me through my first-ever cold plunge (47 degrees). She played Elle King’s “Ex’s & Oh’s” for me while reminding me to breathe and to wiggle my fingers and toes, and keeping time (three minutes, 20 seconds). I tried the cold plunge after my workout one day and found that it prevented muscle soreness, as advertised. On another day, I tried the cold plunge beforehand, which is supposed to boost your metabolic rate. I don’t know if that really happened, but I ate a big dinner afterward in case it was true.

RSTR Fitness (11 W. Arrellaga St.) offers Full Body, Upper Body, and Lower Body classes; register with mobile app. Towel service; cubbies for storing personal items. Combined bathroom/changing room with a single shower. Lot and street parking. Physical therapy available on-site (not included in membership). See rstrfitness.com.

Off the Grid Fitness (815 De la Vina St.), key club capped at 250 members, who receive individual door codes. Initial consultation and pre-registration required, with mobile app. Towel service; cubbies for storing personal items. There is a bathroom but no shower; cold plunge room doubles as a changing room. Lot and street parking. Cold plunge uses an ozone sanitation system (no chlorine or chemicals) and is constantly filtered. See otgfitnesssb.com.

Login

Please note this login is to submit events or press releases. Use this page here to login for your Independent subscription

Not a member? Sign up here.

Instruction at these new gyms includes hands-on problem solving for exercise techniques.

Title:

Content: Skip to content
PUBLISHED: | UPDATED:

For those looking for a new way to have fun with exercising, Right Track Nutrition in downtown Amherst says it has the answer.

Since 2018, staff members at Right Track Nutrition, 138 Park Ave., in the heart of the historic downtown, have dedicated themselves to bringing healthy living to the community.

Boasting a full line-up of healthy nutrition programs, including Herbalife, the nutrition and workout center has continued its mission, said owner Alisha Stewart.

“One of the bigger things that we do here is our exercise classes,” Stewart said.

Ranging from the beginner courses to high intensity workouts, Right Track Nutrition’s mission is to find fun and unusual ways to work out, she said.

One such class is the bounce course offered Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Walking into the studio at 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays, guests are greeted by a line of people on shock absorbent jump moon shoes.

Loud, energetic music fills the air.

“This is our high intensity, low impact workout,” said Jerri Leigh Ciss, trainer and class leader. “It is open to all sizes, shapes, ages; anyone can do it.”

The class serves as a model of the studio’s mission of inclusivity with women ranging in age from early 20s to their mid 40s working out alongside one another.

“We are here to build success stories,” Ciss said. “It’s not about intimidation but rather inclusion and success.

“Here, we are a family.”

The shoes worn during the workout help participants bouce higher, which adds to intensity without the added stress on the joints.

Similar to jumping on a trampoline, participants can move freely and gain momentum throughout the exercise.

“As someone who has bad everything, these boots are really good on your joints,” said Ronda Wagner, a class participant. “I am able to get a nice workout without the pain.”

Classes start at $15 per person and last about an hour.

The boots for the class are provided.

“This is really about everyone,” Ciss said. “Whether you are young or old, active or not, we are all in this together.”

CorePower Yoga provided free online classes during the pandemic, expanding access to yoga.

Title:

Content: Jan. 6 and the truth CES 2022 takeaways Why Elmo is trending Omicron cancellations and delays: Grammys, Sundance How to find at-home COVID-19 tests PS5 restock tracker
CNET editors pick the products and services we write about. When you buy through our links, we may get a commission.

Keep your New Year's resolutions with these free streaming workouts on your TV

Jump into your 2022 resolutions with your TV remote to stream these free workout options.

Raise your hand if you've ever felt inspired to jumpstart an exercise regimen while devouring YouTube videos or Ebenezer Samuel's Instagram posts. Each turn of the new year, millions of us resolve to devote more time to personal wellness with an emphasis on physical activity. Cozy holiday meals and months of sedentary living give way to visions of Rocky-like training, curated workout playlists, and lofty fitness goals. It's 2022 and time to step it up.

Now you can tap into the power of streaming TV to help meet those New Year's resolutions. Rather than pay for a gym or yoga studio membership, you can attend classes right at home, for free, and work out in your living room.

Here are a few of the best places to start.

YouTube is the most obvious stop for fitness content where you'll find a variety of styles, trainers, and niche fare. Whether you're looking for weight-lifting instruction, dance, yoga, full body workouts or cycling, there's something for everyone on YouTube. To help you navigate the scene, we suggest checking out a few channels.

Visit The Yoga Room or Yoga with Adriene for beginner yoga techniques. Body Project's YouTube videos have multiple intensity levels, and More Life Health Seniors features stretches and other exercises for strength and balance.

Head over to 305 Fitness for high-energy dance workouts with in-house DJs. Of course, Chloe Ting, Thenx, Simeon Panda, and Pamela Reif's channels all provide at-home programs that focus on every part of the body.

Launched in 2019, FitOn offers hundreds of free on-demand and live workouts that include strength training, HIIT, cardio, yoga, walking, dance, prenatal and circuits. Home to an array of high- and low-impact sequences, the app has routines that are tailored for individuals or entire families. You have the option to choose your intensity level, session length or target body area.

Follow along with professional trainers or celebrity instructors like Halle Berry, Lindsey Vonn, or the Chainsmokers to experience martial arts, Zumba, and body sculpting drills. And each day, FitOn offers up to 10 live group classes that you can attend without anyone seeing you. Now available to stream on Roku and Apple TV.

During the pandemic, CorePower Yoga began offering some of its online classes for free. While the majority of its content is accessible with a paid subscription, you can also stream its collection of free classes without being a paying member.

Ranging from 20 minutes to an hour, each of the seven sessions focuses on a different area. Keep in mind that in yoga, it's OK for beginners to follow one or more of the same routines daily as the body and mind become accustomed to the new practice. Download the CorePower Yoga app on Roku, FireTV, Android TVs or Apple TV to stream the free classes.

Prime Video members have access to Amazon's free library of exercise videos that cover Pilates, yoga, strength training, weight-lifting and more. The platform's "Exercise & Fitness" section houses fitness content for all ages. Stream workouts from Maggie Binkley, a 10-day yoga challenge with Chelsey Jones or Qigong instruction from Don Fiore.

Fawesome is known for being a streaming service that offers movies and TV shows, but the app also has dedicated fitness content. Users can stream videos under its Fawesome Yoga, Fawesome Pilates or Fawesome Fit You umbrellas where you'll find barre, cardio, yogalates, kettlebell, full body sequences and more. And most of the workouts are short and sweet. Stream the Fawesome app on Roku, FireTV, Apple TV or your smart TV.

Looking for more? Netflix makes it easy to practice mindfulness with its Headspace content. Samsung's new smart TVs have a wellness hub, and Tubi users can tap into more than 100 free fitness videos (including Jane Fonda classics). You can also hit the ground running with these paid subscription services for your workouts.

Now playing: Watch this: Apple Fitness Plus adds new workout routines
1:47

Streaming apps like Fawesome and major smart TV platforms make a variety of workouts, including yoga, easily available.

IMAGE TECH is an example of a practice used by dancers for pre-class preparation.

Title:

Content: Alexandra Wells leading IMAGE TECH for Dancers. Photo by David Gonsier, Courtesy Wells

5 Somatic Techniques Founded By Dancers

Although somatic disciplines share a common set of values—internal sensing, increased ease, embodied anatomy, efficient action—the path to achieving all of that can vary wildly. How can you find the method that best speaks to you? It may be useful to look at some less familiar yet potent somatic gems founded by dancers and deeply tied to performance practices.

Noyes Rhythm

The founder: Florence Fleming Noyes was a prominent member of the free-dance movement of the early 20th century. She looked to patterns in nature, from the unfurling of a leaf to cloud formation, to better understand the work of the body. Noyes also emphasized deep rest, slowing down and outdoor improvisation to achieve "sentiency," her idea of aliveness.

What class involves: Noyes Rhythm includes a technique class to learn the "mathematics of the body," and a recreation class, which is a guided improvisation inspired by nature. Both take place outdoors most summers at Shepherd's Nine in Portland, Connecticut, the home of the work since 1919.

"Noyes is both somatics and dance—not somatics separated from or applied to dance," says Meg Brooker, a Noyes Rhythm teacher. "The use of music and work with ensemble awareness distinguish us from other somatic practices."

Is it for you? This is ideal for those who want to connect the inside with the outside, along with a chance to dance freely after somatic explorations.

Shin Somatics

The founder: Sondra Fraleigh, professor of dance emeritus at SUNY Brockport, is certified in Feldenkrais and craniosacral therapy, and also brings extensive study of myofascial release, effective communication, butoh, yoga and Zen meditation to the somatic table of riches she has created.

What class involves: Shin Somatics offers a range of practices, such as intuitive dance, somatic yoga and Shin restore bodywork. Workshop themes include "Dancing Down the Bones" (focusing on experiential anatomy) and "Land to Water Yoga."

"Body and mind unity guides our work," says Fraleigh. "The curriculum works in a spiral, and topics return with more enrichment each time."

Is it for you? Shin Somatics works well for those who want variety and agency. "The practice has just enough structure to provide a score for somatic exploration, while creating space to bring your own experience," says Denise Purvis, who is pursuing a doctorate in dance focused on Shin Somatics at Texas Woman's University.

Kinetic Awareness

The founder: Choreographer and filmmaker Elaine Summers, a founding member of the Judson Dance Theater, was a proponent of deep listening to the body and a student of somatic legend Carola Speads.

What class involves: Students might start out focusing on one part of the body, exploring all of its potential in a free-movement section. Kinetic Awareness is sometimes known as "the ball work," because a class might include balls of varying sizes. "The balls are not just used as props, but as tactile and sensory aids," says master teacher Jill Green. "We press into the ball, and think of the ball as part of our body."

Is it for you? Kinetic Awareness is for those wanting a subtle, gentle and informative practice, respecting the intrinsic intelligence of the body. "The concept of letting my body stretch itself created a deep connection to myself as a performer," says Johanna Meyer, who brings Kinetic Awareness concepts into her popular Pilates for dancers class at Movement Research.

IMAGE TECH for Dancers

The Founder: During her time teaching at Juilliard, Alexandra Wells created IMAGE TECH for Dancers. Her ballet class directly followed somatics, and she noticed that students weren't carrying the information from their work with Irene Dowd and Alexander Technique into their vertical, weight-bearing classes, like ballet. Now senior director of training at Gibney, Wells continues to develop her practice, which is one of the few somatic methods that takes place in the vertical plane.

What class involves: The practice uses images and tactile prompts to inititate energetic directions, prompting muscle groups to activate, stabilizing the skeletal structure, and providing space for greater mobility. The aim is to connect the dots while standing. Wells borrows images from dance and somatic leaders, such as Victor Quijada's "nutella arms," Dowd's "visceral sphere" and Artemis Gordon's "marching ants."

Is it for you? IMAGE TECH can be used as a pre-class tune-up. "The combination of direction and images helps me engage properly," says Leslie Andrea Williams of the Martha Graham Dance Company. "I understand how my body works and feel the support I need in my back."

Topf Technique/Dynamic Anatomy

The Founder: Nancy Topf's seminal work with her colleagues helped lead to the development of Anatomical Release Technique. After intense study with Barbara Clark, Topf developed her own method.

What class involves: "Visualization changes the direction of our thoughts and leads toward an awareness of our center," wrote Topf in The Anatomy of Center. Before and after taking a close look at the anatomical focus of the day, such as the psoas muscle or diaphragm, the class offers time to explore. Topf's work is equal parts poetic and precise as students work toward internalizing anatomical knowledge.

Is it for you? This is a great class for performers who want to better understand anatomy and move from that information.

Latest Posts

Photo by Ema Peter, Courtesy University of Southern California, Glorya Kaufman School of Dance

More Than Just a Studio

There's a special connection between dancers and the studios where they spend countless hours—even years—developing their craft. That's why colleges that want to attract and nurture the very best talent invest in the very best resources—like top-quality flooring from a trusted manufacturer like Harlequin—to inspire and support their students both mentally and physically.

Check out these college dance studios—and their sweeping views, eye-catching design, and industry-leading Harlequin floors—that are soon to become a home away from home to the class of 2025.

GO DEEPER SHOW LESS


The Elgin Marbles, also known as the Parthenon Marbles, are ancient Greek sculptures that have been Greek for over two thousand years and continue to be considered culturally Greek except for their current location.

These marbles were removed from the Parthenon in Athens by Lord Elgin in the early 19th century and were transported to Britain.

Currently, they are housed in the British Museum, which is a central aspect of a longstanding dispute between Greece and the United Kingdom.

Greece has been seeking the return of the marbles, arguing that they are an essential part of their heritage and should be in Athens rather than London.

The British Museum, however, maintains that the marbles were acquired legally and that they are accessible to an international public in its collections.

The controversy remains unresolved, as both nations hold differing legal and ethical perspectives on the rightful ownership and location of the marbles.

Discussions about potential resolutions often focus on diplomacy, cultural cooperation, and the establishment of possible rotating or shared exhibitions, though no definitive agreement has been reached so far.

The matter is emblematic of larger debates within archaeology regarding respectful treatment of cultural heritage and the responsibilities of museums in the modern world.

This ongoing dispute continues to inform broader discussions about the stewardship, repatriation, and ethical management of archaeological finds globally.

The Elgin Marbles, also known as the Parthenon Marbles, are ancient Greek sculptures that have been Greek for over two thousand years and continue to be considered culturally Greek except for their current location.

Title:

Content:
Send Them Home

The Elgin Marbles, actually the Parthenon Marbles, have been Greek for over two thousand years and still are in every way except location. They were taken, realistically stolen, by Lord Elgin in the early 1800s and most people believe should be returned but that is actually illegal under British Museum Act 1963 and offers to ‘lend’ them are insulting.

One of the most obvious concerns that many museums have is that they would be emptied of items that were acquired, a weasel word for stolen, during times when the attitudes were different. Different attitudes do not condone theft.

Let’s return the thefts of the past to their rightful owners and put the past attitudes in the rubbish bin of time.

Dennis Fitzgerald,
Melbourne, Australia

Related Articles

These marbles were removed from the Parthenon in Athens by Lord Elgin in the early 19th century and were transported to Britain.

Title:

Content: News, Views and More

Could Snapchat have a solution to the Elgin Marbles dispute? | Science and technology news

The developers of the popular app that most people associate with wearing silly filters specialize in culture and art, offering museum visitors new ways to experience history in some of the world's most famous museums and galleries.

From Tom Acres, technology reporter

Saturday 2 December 2023, 2:50am, UK

Rishi Sunak is known for loving technology. So could it offer him a way out of his unpleasant diplomatic dispute with Greece over the Elgin Marbles?

Augmented Reality (AR) is exciting Snap think it could.

The developers of the app that most people associate with wearing silly filters specialize in culture and art, offering visitors new ways to experience history in some of the world's most famous museums and galleries.

Snaps AR has been used to reinvent exhibitions Amsterdam's Rijksmuseum, Miami's trendy Art Basel fair, London's Design Museum and most recently the legendary Louvre in Paris.

The museum's Egyptian Antiquities Department now offers 3D reconstructions of long-lost works of art and other historical monuments, viewable via QR codes or the Snapchat camera on mobile phones.

If it's good enough for the Louvre, could it be good enough for the British Museum and enable the return of the Elgin Marbles? Greece?

Read more:
What are the Elgin Marbles and why are they in the British Museum?

What is the Elgin Marbles dispute about?

History in your hands

“We started conversations,” jokes Donatien Bozon, head of Snap’s AR studio in Paris.

Its 14-person team was founded last year with a mission to bring AR to arts, culture and education and prove that Snapchat's technology can go far beyond giving your friends virtual dog-ears.

Cultural institutions expressed interest in tapping into the app's 750 million user audience and offering new experiences to regular visitors – all without requiring additional physical space.

“We felt confident that we could leverage not just the front camera of the phone,” he says, pointing to Snapchat’s common use case as a selfie-driven messaging app, “but also the back camera.”

“You can expand the world,” he adds. “And it opens up so many possibilities.”

Also in the Louvre is a digital twin of the 222-ton granite Luxor Obelisks. Built during the reign of Ramses II for the Egyptian Luxor Temple, one was later moved to the Place de la Concorde in Paris.

However, a spot in the Louvre's courtyard was originally considered. And so, in its own attempt to rewrite history, the museum worked with Snap to “remove the constraints of physics” and have one installed virtually.

Point your phone's camera at the spot where it might have been standing and this is how it appears.

Picture:
A Luxor obelisk stands in the Louvre and uses augmented reality technology. Image: Snap

Where tradition meets technology

Not that AR could ever really replace the original.

“It’s in the name,” says Bozon. “It enhances the experience, not replaces it.”

Probably not a truly satisfactory solution to the Elgin-Marbles dispute.

But the British Museum has dabbled in AR. Aimed primarily at children, it allows guests using Samsung tablets to take AR-controlled tours of the Roman Empire and Parthenon.

The British Library has also used the technology for your own exhibitionsas some of the world's oldest institutions are proud of their traditions and try to keep up with the times.

Qi Pan, director of computer vision at Snap, says AR allows them to “do things that weren’t possible before.”

Its London team is responsible for how the company's technology actually works, both on phones and in a hypothetical future where millions of us walk around wearing futuristic glasses.

“Nowadays, a lot of AR happens on mobile devices, where we are limited by the view of a small rectangle,” he says.

“With AR glasses you can see it directly in the world around you.”

Unfortunately, as this is a limited version of the story, this content is not available.

Open the full version

Accessible artwork

Despite previous attempts with such lenses from people like Google And Snap yourself Pan is confident that AR is on the cusp of a “hardware paradigm shift” as it has failed to achieve mainstream breakthrough.

Apple's upcoming mixed reality headset might prove him right, although at a price of £2,800 probably not.

The appeal of AR artworks, for now, lies in their accessibility — not just to users who only need a phone to experience them, but also to the creators behind what they see.

By teaching himself how to create AR art at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, British artist Doddz managed to earn a six-figure salary after struggling at school.

Traditionalists may cry foul, but his success seems to be evidence of a new interpretation of artwork that people can view and take with them wherever they go.

Bozon says, “Ten years ago, you wouldn’t have bet that being a YouTuber was a real job.”

“In ten years, building in AR will be a real job for thousands of people.”

Let's hope the series of marbles is over by then.

Currently, they are housed in the British Museum, which is a central aspect of a longstanding dispute between Greece and the United Kingdom.

Greece has been seeking the return of the marbles, arguing that they are an essential part of their heritage and should be in Athens rather than London.

The British Museum, however, maintains that the marbles were acquired legally and that they are accessible to an international public in its collections.

The controversy remains unresolved, as both nations hold differing legal and ethical perspectives on the rightful ownership and location of the marbles.

Discussions about potential resolutions often focus on diplomacy, cultural cooperation, and the establishment of possible rotating or shared exhibitions, though no definitive agreement has been reached so far.

Title:

Content: GET BREAKING NEWS IN YOUR BROWSER. CLICK HERE TO TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS.

X

University of Colorado Boulder study digs into geological mystery of the Great Unconformity

PUBLISHED: | UPDATED:

A new study led by University of Colorado Boulder researchers sheds light on one of the world’s great geological mysteries: a missing chapter of the earth’s rock record known as the Great Unconformity.

There are places around the world where great chunks of the earth’s geological story have disappeared altogether, including in the Grand Canyon, where some sections are missing more than 1 billion years’ worth of the rock record.

There are plenty of hypotheses around what caused the Great Unconformity, said lead author and CU Boulder graduate student Barra Peak, and plenty of debate among the scientific community. Could it be shifting tectonic plates or worldwide glaciers?

The study, published in August in the journal Geology, aimed to test those hypotheses by looking at the timing of erosion.

“What we have found is that even though the Grand Canyon is not that large geographically, it has a very complex history related to the Great Unconformity and spatially with what the landscape was experiencing,” Peak said.

For example, rocks near the western part of the canyon seem to have an erosion history that corresponds with the breakup of the ancient supercontinent Rodinia. But on the eastern area of the canyon there doesn’t appear to be a single erosion event, and tectonic faults are preserved where sediments were deposited in them and unable to escape.

“It’s the same cause but it’s not a single, one-time event,” Peak said. “It’s a process that’s been happening over millions of years and related to tectonic activity associated with Rodinia.”

In the past, the Great Unconformity has been thought to be caused by a single event, said co-author and CU Boulder professor Rebecca Flowers.

“What Barra’s study does is illustrate that even over a small area in the Grand Canyon, it has a more complicated origin than that, that it is likely caused by multiple erosion events with different causes that are ultimately responsible for this knife-sharp feature we see in geological records,” she said.

The study is also unique in that it looks at a relatively small geographic area and also uses a process called low-temperature thermochronology, Peak said. As rocks form below the earth’s crust start to rise to the surface, they cool and begin a process of radioactive decay. One of the byproducts of that process is helium, and measuring the helium in rocks in relation to its radioactive partners means scientists can date the rocks.

Using this kind of method allows scientists to interrogate that missing record, Flowers said.

“We can see the thermal imprint of material that used to be there and was eroded away, and we can begin to go into gaps in geological record and decipher the history of them using minerals,” she said.

Understanding this geological mystery is in many ways key to understanding the beginning of modern earth, Peak said.

“The time period when the Great Unconformity formed is a really pivotal point in earth’s history, or we think it is,” Peak said. “It’s a hot topic because there’s a lot we don’t know about it, but we do know there was a lot of transition going on.”

Researchers involved in the study, including Peak, will continue to study areas of the Great Unconformity, such as in Colorado and Canada.

The matter is emblematic of larger debates within archaeology regarding respectful treatment of cultural heritage and the responsibilities of museums in the modern world.

This ongoing dispute continues to inform broader discussions about the stewardship, repatriation, and ethical management of archaeological finds globally.


King Charles Spaniel numbers are declining and the breed is now on the Kennel Club's 'vulnerable list,' while corgis have seen a resurgence in popularity following Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee and death.

Numbers of Pembroke Welsh Corgis registered with the organisation have reached a 30-year high, according to the Times.

Queen Elizabeth II was gifted her first corgi, Susan, for her 18th birthday by her late father King George VI, beginning a lifelong passion for the breed.

She left behind two dogs, Sandy and Muick, who are now cared for by Prince Andrew and the Duchess of York at their Royal Lodge home.

Another corgi, Fergus, named after the monarch's uncle, died after just five months.

The annual Tour de Corgi parade will include a new element this year as a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II.

The Queen's bond with her dogs formed a heartfelt connection that was evident throughout her reign.

Her corgi Susan even accompanied her on her honeymoon and gave birth to puppies in 1949, marking the beginning of the royal line of corgis.

Queen Elizabeth II is known to have had over 30 different dogs during her reign, with their lineage carefully maintained.

Her two remaining corgis, Muick and Sandy, were both gifts from Prince Andrew and will now be under his care.

Royal biographer Penny Junor noted that the Queen’s dogs have over the years been closer to her than any human being, never letting her down.

Queen Elizabeth's dogs lived lavish lifestyles, often served by footmen on silver trays, with their own designated room and freedom to roam the palace.

Throughout her 70-year reign, the Queen owned two corgis, a dorgi called Candy, and a cocker spaniel named Lissy at the time of her passing.

The Queen had more than 30 corgis in her lifetime, getting her first at age 7 after falling in love with her father’s dog Dookie.

Many of her later corgis were direct descendants of Susan, as the Queen continued to breed that line for over fifty years.

King Charles Spaniel numbers are declining and the breed is now on the Kennel Club's 'vulnerable list,' while corgis have seen a resurgence in popularity following Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee and death.

Title:

Content: King Charles Spaniel numbers are declining and the breed is on the Kennel Club's 'vulnerable list' - amid Corgi boom following Queen Elizabeth's death

  • Corgis have seen boom in popularity after Platinum Jubilee and death of Queen
  • Number of Pembroke Welsh Corgis registered with Kennel Club hit 30-year peak
  • But popularity of King Charles Spaniels is continuing to decline, hitting a low
  • Lovers of the breed are hoping sharing name with new King will boost the dogs

Interest in Corgis has boomed following the Platinum Jubilee and the death of Queen Elizabeth, according to the Kennel Club.

Numbers of Pembroke Welsh Corgis registered with the organisation have reached a 30-year high, the Times reports.

Conversely, King Charles Spaniels are continuing to see a decline in their popularity, with lovers of the breed reportedly hoping that sharing a moniker with the new monarch may give the dogs a boost (though the new king prefers Jack Russells).

The breed, which is on the Kennel Club's vulnerable list, hit a low in 2020, with just 56 registrations. This increased to 91 in 2021, but numbers so far this year are so low, it is likely to drop beneath 2020.

The number of Corgis registered with the Kennel Club has reached a 30-year high, with interest growing following the death of the Queen (pictured here in 1980 with three of the dogs)

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (as pictured) are doing well in terms of popularity, although their close relative the King Charles Spaniel (not pictured) is seeing a decline

However, it notes that Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, the original breed from which King Charles diverged in the middle of the century, is doing well, with 3,772 registrations last year.

The original Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dog breed was developed from toy spaniels. Popular as women's pets, they were also beloved of King Charles II, who was said to be so fond of his spaniels, he could not be parted from them.

Although Corgis were on the Kennel Club's vulnerable list in 2014, they are now one ofthe UK's most popular breeds, and the Queen is credited with boosting their popularity (pictured: Queen Elizabeth with one of her beloved corgis, Candy)

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi has become known as a symbol of British royalty thanks to its long-standing association with the Queen

Lovers of the ailing King Charles Spaniel may look to the influence the Queen had in turning around the fortune of corgis in recent decades.

The breed was listed as 'vulnerable' in 2014, and the Kennel Club credits Her Majesty's love of the dogs as the major factor in making them one of the UK's most popular breeds today.

Corgis, which have four short legs, a long snout and two huge pointed ears, are famous for being a symbol of British royalty.

HISTORY OF THE CORGI BREED

The word 'Corgi' is Welsh for 'Dwarf Dog', and there are two types; the Pembroke, which is the Queen's breed, and the Cardigan Corgi, a descendent Teckel family of dogs, which also produced the Dachshund

Pembroke Welsh Corgis originated in Pembrokeshire, Wales from the Spitz family of dogs which are characterised by long, thick fur and pointed ears and muzzle

Corgis are a cattle herding breed that can be traced back as far as 1107 AD, thought to have been brought to Wales by  Flemish weavers

They are the type of herding dog referred to as 'heelers', meaning that they would nip at the heels of cattle to keep them moving

The combination of their low height off the ground and the innate agility of Welsh Corgis would allow them to avoid the hooves of the larger animals

They were officially recognised as a native British breed by The Kennel Club in 1928, but Cardigans and Pembrokes weren't seen as separate breeds until 1934

Advertisement

The Queen owned more than 30 of the sandy, short-legged dogs throughout her reign.

She was gifted her first corgi, called Susan, for her 18th birthday from her late father King George VI. Ten generations of her corgis then descended from Susan.

Her dogs were given the Royal treatment having their own rooms with elevated wicker baskets and meals of beef, chick, rabbit, liver, cabbage and rice being prepared by a chef each evening.

Sometimes the Queen herself made the dog's meals. But her late husband was said to have 'loathed' the dogs' yapping.

She left behind two dogs - Sandy and Muick - who are now cared for by Prince Andrew and the Duchess of York at their Royal Lodge home.

Muick, pronounced Mick, joined the royal family at the start of 2021 along with a so-called 'dorgi', a cross between a corgi and a dachshund, called Fergus.

Fergus, who had been named after the Monarch's uncle who was killed during battle in the First World War, died after just five months.

He was later replaced with a new corgi called Sandy, as a 95th birthday present from Prince Andrew and his daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie.

Meanwhile Muick was named after Loch Muick on the Balmoral Estate.

Palace sources speaking to the Daily Mail previously revealed the beloved corgis were 'with [the Queen] in the room' at her deathbed when she died on September 8 at Balmoral.

They then touched people's hearts when they made a poignant appearance at Her Majesty's funeral on September 19.

As the late monarch's coffin made its way from London to its final resting place in Windsor, Muick and Sandy waited for the processional to pass, to see the Queen for one last time.

The dogs were seen waiting in the quadrangle with two aides before the late monarch was laid to rest in St George's Chapel.

Advertisement

King Charles Spaniel numbers declining amid Corgi boom following Queen Elizabeth's death

The comments below have been moderated in advance.

The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.

Numbers of Pembroke Welsh Corgis registered with the organisation have reached a 30-year high, according to the Times.

Queen Elizabeth II was gifted her first corgi, Susan, for her 18th birthday by her late father King George VI, beginning a lifelong passion for the breed.

She left behind two dogs, Sandy and Muick, who are now cared for by Prince Andrew and the Duchess of York at their Royal Lodge home.

Another corgi, Fergus, named after the monarch's uncle, died after just five months.

The annual Tour de Corgi parade will include a new element this year as a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II.

Title:

Content: Sunday, Sep 11, 2022

Annual ‘Tour de Corgi’ event to include new ‘Queen Elizabeth’ costume category to honour the monarch

“We all have a very strong affection for her as a fellow corgi lover," Tour de Corgi founder Tracy Stewart was quoted as saying

Queen Elizabeth II is seen walking in the private grounds of Windsor Castle, in England, on steps at the rear of the East Terrace and East Garden with four of her dogs: clockwise from top left Willow (corgi), Vulcan (dorgie), Candy (dorgie) and Holly (AP/PTI)

As a tribute to the late UK monarch Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away at the age of 96 at her Balmoral estate in Scotland on September 8, after reigning for 70 long years, the Tour de Corgi parade — an annual event that celebrates the dog breed corgi — will include a new element this year that is likely to make fans of the British royal family and corgi lovers happy.

Buy Now | Our best subscription plan now has a special price

It is no secret that the queen was extremely fond of dogs, especially corgis, from a very early age, and that she had been breeding them until 2018, when she finally realised that she may have to leave some of them behind after her death.

According to Country Living, the queen had four dogs at the time of her death: two Pembroke Welsh Corgis, a Dorgi (Corgi-Dachshund mix), and a Cocker Spaniel named Lissy, who joined the family only this year, in January 2022.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Royal Family (@theroyalfamily)

In her lifetime, she reportedly bred 14 generations of corgis, and even famously declared: “My corgis are family.”

According to an Independent report, Queen Elizabeth‘s love for her four-legged friends was well-documented during this year’s platinum jubilee celebrations in the UK, when the sky above Buckingham Palace was lit up with images of the dog breed.

The publication mentioned that the Tour de Corgi parade this year — which has been taking place in Fort Collins, Colorado since 2014 — will include a “Queen Elizabeth and her corgis” costume competition, in “memorium and to honour her”, quoting the event’s organisers who shared this with a local newspaper ‘The Coloradoan‘.

This is a May 12, 1973 file photo of Queen Elizabeth II sitting with her corgis, at Virginia Water to watch competitors, including Prince Philip in the Marathon of the European Driving Championship, part of the Royal Windsor Horse Show.

Tour de Corgi founder Tracy Stewart was quoted as saying, “We all have a very strong affection for her as a fellow corgi lover. I think it is just, you know, our dogs are such a big part of our hearts that it creates a very heartfelt connection.”

Advertisement

The aforementioned event will take place on October 1, 2022, and will conclude with a corgi parade through the town.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by @bronskiandfriends

According to a Reader’s Digest report, the queen was fond of corgis because of their “energy and untamed spirit”, and the fact that her parents welcomed the family’s first corgi, Dookie, in 1933. Eleven years later, in 1944, the queen’s father gifted her a corgi named Susan for her 18th birthday. The pupper even accompanied her on her honeymoon, and gave birth to a pair of puppies in 1949, which reportedly marked the beginning of the royal line of corgis.

📣 For more lifestyle news, follow us on Instagram | Twitter | Facebook and don’t miss out on the latest updates!

First published on: 11-09-2022 at 07:10:45 pm
Next Story

Bombay High Court says judicial system answerable to accused, fair and speedy trial expected

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

The Queen's bond with her dogs formed a heartfelt connection that was evident throughout her reign.

Title:

Content: It's no secret that Queen Elizabeth is a huge dog lover, so it comes as no surprise that her pet pooches live very lavish lifestyles.

Her Majesty, 95, has taken care of numerous dogs throughout her 70-year reign, and she is currently the owner of two corgis, a dorgi called Candy, and a cocker spaniel named Lissy.

The Queen's pet corgis have been a constant throughout her time on the throne, and it's believed that she's had around 30 dogs throughout her lifetime.

Like any other dog owner, the Queen wants the very best for her pet pooches and that includes a tailored menu, special travel arrangements, and a specific feeding ritual.

Here we take a peek into the lives of Her Majesty's pampered pooches...

Get exclusive celebrity stories and fabulous photoshoots straight to your inbox with OK!'s daily newsletter

Tailored menu

It's no secret that members of the royal household have their own weekly menus and that also includes the Queen's pet dogs, too.

Her Majesty is very particular about what her pet dogs eat and she reportedly insists that they have their own personal menus.

Former royal chef Darren McGrady revealed what the pooches' diet entails, saying: "The corgis have their own menu. One day they'll have lamb, one day beef and then another, chicken."

He also added: "We had to make sure that all the meat was cut very finely and diced so there were no bones because we couldn't have them choking."

The Queen has also created her own special gravy recipe, specifically for her beloved pups.

In the book All The Queen's Corgis, author Penny Junor explained the dogs' diets consists of a "variety of fresh, cooked meat, vegetables and rice, prepared specially for them in the royal kitchens, topped with a little biscuit, homoeopathic and herbal remedies when required, and a special gravy that, legend has it, is the Queen's own recipe".

Feeding routine

It's not just their meals which are specially prepared, as the dogs also have a strict feeding ritual.

Animal psychologist Dr Roger Mugford previously worked for Her Majesty, and has opened up about the pooches meal times at Buckingham Palace.

Speaking to Town and Country magazine, he said: "Their food was served by a butler in an eclectic collection of battered silver and porcelain dishes.

"As I watched, the Queen got the corgis to sit in a semi-circle around her, and then fed them one by one, in order of seniority. The others just sat and patiently waited their turn."

Author Penny Junor also wrote in her book, All The Queen's Corgis: "Whenever possible, she [the Queen] feeds them herself and it is an afternoon ritual; but not an unruly frantic free-for-all.

"A footman brings the food and bowls on a silver tray and lays out a plastic sheet to protect the carpet.

"The Queen then sits them in a semi-circle around her and does the rest."

Travelling

The Queen regularly has to travel, but her beloved pooches are never left behind.

She ensures they also travel in style, with previous photographs showing her pets sitting on her lap while travelling in the car.

Her dogs have also been spotted at airports with her, and were once seen at Aberdeen Airport preparing to head off to the Balmoral estate, located in the Scottish Highlands.

Sleeping arrangements

As well as tailored menus and lavish travel arrangements, the Queen's pet dogs also have their very own quarters at the palace.

The dogs reportedly have their own spacious room where they sleep in luxurious raised wicker beds.

And that's not all, as their beds also have fresh sheets put on them daily – a tradition which was first started by the Queen Mother.

For all the latest celebrity gossip, sign up to our daily newsletter here .

Her corgi Susan even accompanied her on her honeymoon and gave birth to puppies in 1949, marking the beginning of the royal line of corgis.

Queen Elizabeth II is known to have had over 30 different dogs during her reign, with their lineage carefully maintained.

Title:

Content: Queen Elizabeth II is known to have had over 30 different dogs during her reign as the head of the monarchy until her passing last week, Thursday September 8th 2022.

The Queen who has been succeeded by her son, the now His Royal Highness King Charles III, was a big animal lover, but had a definite soft spot for dogs, and in particular, the breed Pembroke Welsh Corgi.

On the day she passed, Queen Elizabeth II had four dogs, two Pembroke Welsh Corgis, one Dorgi — a cross between a Dachshund and a Corgi — and one Cocker Spaniel.

Read more: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle set to fly children Archie and Lilibet to the UK for Queen Elizabeth's funeral

It has been confirmed that her two remaining Corgis, named Muick and Sandy, will now be looked after by her son, Prince Andrew The Duke of York.

He will look after the dogs alongside his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, The Duchess of York. Despite divorcing in 1997, they remain cohabiting.

The animals will live alongside The Duke and Duchess at their Royal Lodge in Windsor.

The change of ownership was confirmed by a spokesperson for the Duke of York.

Both dogs were gifted to the late monarch by the prince, and so will be returned to his ownership.

During lockdown, Prince Andrew gave Queen Elizabeth two dogs, Muick and Fergus. Sadly, Fergus died last May, and he was replaced with Sandy.

Sarah Ferguson, The Duchess of York, posted an emotional statement following the loss of her former mother-in-law.

"I am heartbroken by the passing of Her Majesty the Queen. She leaves behind an extraordinary legacy: the most fantastic example of duty and service and steadfastness, and a constant steadying presence as our head of state for more than 70 years," she penned.

"To me, she was the most incredible mother-in-law and friend. I will always be grateful to her for the generosity she showed me in remaining close to me even after my divorce. I will miss her more than words can express."

Queen Elizabeth II was renowned for her love of dogs, and other animals including horses.

She began her love of Pembroke Welsh Corgis back in 1933, when she was first given a little corgi named Susan as a gift for her 18th birthday.

All of the subsequent royal corgis bred by the monarch descended from Susan, the original.

It is not known or publicised who will care for Candy and Lissy, the previously mentioned Dorgi and Cocker Spaniel.

Get the latest RSVP headlines straight to your inbox for free by signing up to our newsletter

Read more:

Her two remaining corgis, Muick and Sandy, were both gifts from Prince Andrew and will now be under his care.

Royal biographer Penny Junor noted that the Queen’s dogs have over the years been closer to her than any human being, never letting her down.

Title:

Content: The Real Reason Queen Elizabeth Had To Stop Riding Her Horses

Queen Elizabeth is a well-documented animal lover and is rumored to have owned as many as nine Corgis (her famous trademark breed of choice) at one time, per Vogue. The outlet reported her dogs sleep in their own suite — dubbed the "corgi room" — inside Buckingham Palace and have meals prepared by their own chef. As royal biographer Penny Junor told The Sun, "They have over the years been closer to her than any human being ... they have never let her down."

The queen is also a lifelong devotee of horses. As the official royal family Twitter account wrote in May 2020, "Her Majesty has enjoyed riding since childhood and is closely involved with the welfare of the horses she owns for breeding, riding and racing." The tweet included photos of Queen Elizabeth interacting with horses over the course of her life.

Per People, the queen was gifted a Shetland pony — her first equine love — at 4 years old. Elizabeth's fondness for the animals and the sport of horseback riding was then passed down to her daughter, Princess Anne, and granddaughter, Zara Tindall. Anne even became the first royal to compete in the Olympics when she entered the 1976 Games in Montreal's equestrian event.

Given the news of her sudden late-October hospitalization, what does this mean for Elizabeth and her future as a hobby equestrian?

Queen Elizabeth can't wait to get back in the saddle

Queen Elizabeth has been on break from her cherished hobby of horseback riding since early September, and as a source told The Sun, she's not happy about it. "She was in quite a bit of discomfort," the insider's scoop explained. "She adores riding and it has been part of her ritual for most of her life. She has been extremely disappointed not to go riding since the beginning of September."

Elizabeth's health has been a matter of public discussion since she was hospitalized at King Edward VII's Hospital the night of October 20, per the Daily Mail. Prior to this news was announced, the monarch had canceled a scheduled trip to mark Northern Ireland's 100th anniversary and been spotted walking with assistance from a cane, as noted by People

Despite canceling a few more subsequent engagements, Buckingham Palace reassured that Elizabeth was on the mend at the time. "Following medical advice to rest for a few days, the Queen attended hospital on Wednesday afternoon for some preliminary investigations, returning to Windsor Castle at lunchtime today and remains in good spirits," its official statement read. People insiders also revealed that Elizabeth herself expected to be back on the horse (literally) as soon as she's rested up.

Queen Elizabeth's dogs lived lavish lifestyles, often served by footmen on silver trays, with their own designated room and freedom to roam the palace.

Throughout her 70-year reign, the Queen owned two corgis, a dorgi called Candy, and a cocker spaniel named Lissy at the time of her passing.

The Queen had more than 30 corgis in her lifetime, getting her first at age 7 after falling in love with her father’s dog Dookie.

Title:

Content: Queen Elizabeth II's corgis are 'thriving' a year after death of the monarch, Sarah, Duchess of York has said.

The late Queen's former daughter-in-law took over care of her final two corgis, Muick and Sandy, after her passing - housing them at Royal Lodge in Windsor.

The duchess has revealed how Queen Elizabeth 'entrusted' her with their care after death. Sarah shared a photograph of herself crouching on the edge of a field with the dogs, as she commemorated the anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's death a year today.

Sandy and Muick were given to the Queen during the coronavirus pandemic as gifts from her son the Duke of York. They played a sweet role in her committal service at Windsor Castle last September.

Read more: Anniversary tribute to late Queen Elizabeth II will be led by the Prince and Princess of Wales

The neatly groomed dogs were brought to the castle's quadrangle for the arrival of the late Queen's coffin, ahead of the service exclusive to family and trusted staff at St George's Chapel. Sarah Ferguson - nicknamed Fergie - wrote: "As we mourn a year on, we also celebrate the wonderful times we shared with Her Late Majesty the Queen.

"She entrusted me with the care of her corgis Sandy and Muick and I am delighted to say they are thriving."

Throughout her life, the Queen owned more than 30 corgis - many of which were direct descendants from Susan, who was an 18th birthday present from her parents in 1944. The Queen fell in love with her father George VI's dog Dookie, and wanted a corgi of her own.

Susan was so loved and cherished that she even accompanied Princess Elizabeth on her honeymoon.

Many of her later corgis were direct descendants of Susan, as the Queen continued to breed that line for over fifty years.

Title:

Content: Throughout her life, the Queen has made no secret of her love for her corgis and dorgis. The monarch has often been seen alongside her furry friends, and it is thought that she has looked after more than 30 of the dogs over the years.

As you can imagine, the Queen’s beloved pets have been treated to lives of pure luxury, with their meals more extravagant than most. The pampered pooches obviously couldn't just eat any old normal dog food, but instead are said to feast on the best ingredients produced by top chefs.

The corgis' diet is thought to be made up of luxurious meals such as fillet steaks and chicken breast. Royal biographer Brian Hoey revealed the details of the corgi’s luxurious diet in his book Pets by Royal Appointment.

READ MORE: Prince George's incredibly normal hobby that could see him play against members of the public and they won't even know

The biographer also revealed how the carefully prepared meals are delivered by a footman and then covered in gravy that is poured by the Queen herself. The pampered pets are also reportedly off limits when it comes to discipline. Brian wrote in his book that nobody is allowed to raise a finger or a voice to any of the dogs.

He claimed they cock their legs and do what corgis do wherever they want — on antique furniture, priceless carpets. They are also said to have their own room and they are allowed to wander around freely. According to Mail Online, the dogs never eaten tinned food and have even been given homeopathic remedies when they get sick.

The monarch’s close relationship with the corgi breed of dog goes back to 1933 when her father brought home a corgi that would later be named Dookie. When she was younger the Queen also had a corgi called Susan, who was gifted to her in 1944 for her 18th birthday, and quickly became a close companion.

Many of the Queen’s later corgis are said to be descendants of Susan, as the Queen continued to breed the line of dogs over fifty years. She even went on to create a number of 'dorgis', after cross breeding one of her dogs with Margaret's Dachshund, Pipkin.

Last year the Queen welcomed two new dorgis, one called Fergus and one called Muick, but the former sadly died from a heart defect in May. In June 2021, Prince Andrew and daughters Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie gave the Queen a new puppy, named Sandy, on what would have been Prince Philip's 100th birthday.

According to Hello!, one of the Queen's closest aides, Angela Kelly, has told how the pets "always brought a smile to everyone's faces" in a new chapter for her book The Other Side of the Coin, The Queen, the Dresser and the Wardrobe. She said: "I was worried they would get under The Queen's feet, but they have turned out to be a godsend. They are beautiful and great fun and The Queen often takes long walks with them in Home Park."

Angela revealed that the dogs accompanied the Queen on a flight to Balmoral in August 2021. She told: "They were very well behaved, with Louis the footman on hand. Candy, who is an old hand at flying – she must have been on hundreds of flights in her lifetime – ambled about and kept her eye on the young pups. The puppies stayed close to The Queen but occasionally sniffed around your feet as they hoped for a nibble of something tasty from our lunch."

Do you have a story you think we should be covering? Email ella.bennett@reachplc.com

Do you want the latest London travel, crime or transport news straight to your inbox? It only takes a few seconds! Click here.

Get London's biggest stories straight in your inbox

Do you want to stay up to date with the latest news, views, features and opinion from across the city?

MyLondon's brilliant newsletter The 12 is absolutely jam packed with all the latest to keep you keep you entertained, informed and uplifted.

You'll get 12 stories straight to your inbox at around 12pm. It’s the perfect lunchtime read.

And what's more - it's FREE!

The MyLondon team tells London stories for Londoners. Our journalists cover all the news you need - from City Hall to your local streets, so you'll never miss a moment.

Don't skip a beat and sign up to The 12 newsletter here.