China's first dog-only gym has opened at Shanghai's West Bund, offering a dedicated space for canine fitness and rehabilitation. The 300-square-meter facility, called Gogogym, is designed to support dogs' physical and mental health through custom workouts, hydrotherapy, and expert care.

From the moment visitors walk in, the bright blue-and-yellow color scheme stands out. And that's intentional. "Dogs are most responsive to these colors, so we designed the space with their visual comfort in mind," explained a staff member.

The gym features four main zones: retail, fitness, hydrotherapy, and massage. It's a one-stop destination for evaluation, recovery, and day-to-day health care needs.

At the entrance, dogs first walk over a gait analysis machine, which functions like a mobility check-up — identifying potential joint or spinal issues before symptoms appear. Trainers then prescribe tailored exercises based on the results.

Professional pet rehabilitation therapists assess each dog's size, age, and temperament before recommending equipment like balance pads, incline boards, or underwater treadmills.

"If a dog has joint problems, hydrotherapy is a safer and more effective option than land-based workouts," said Lu Yilin, a rehab specialist at the gym.

After exercising, dogs can unwind with hydro-swimming sessions or essential oil massages. According to Gogogym's founder, the gym was created to address common pain points: busy pet owners, high-energy large breeds with no space to release energy, and aging dogs in need of structured care.

With Shanghai's strong pet-friendly culture and the West Bund being a popular gathering spot for dog owners, Gogogym has quickly gained attention. Now, more than a dozen dogs check in daily — from active puppies to senior companions.

Source: Official WeChat account of Xuhui Media Center at "xuhuifabu"