Dogs and Exercise

Recommendations for maintaining optimal health include:

1. To be fit and remain healthy
2. Get in 30 - 60 minutes cardiovascular exercise on most days and
3. To engage in 2 - 3 sessions of resistance based exercise per week.

So when we become the guardian of a furry, four legged companion, we know that the same cardiovascular requirements apply for them…..So we do it; well most of us do because we know that we have to look after our pets.

However when we don’t have someone else to go for a walk with, be they human or canine, we don’t tend to exercise as religiously.

Enhance motivation from your pet:
Pets can bring a lot of joy; they are a great way for a family to bond as well assisting with our exercise routine. Dogs have so much energy and their enthusiasm to get out of the house and go walking each day is precisely why having a pet will help you stay true to your exercise routine. Getting out for a walk with your dog is a great way to get our 30 – 60 minutes in daily. Not only will you feel great after you get your exercise in for the day, but you will also keep your dog happy and calm.

Ways to benefit from your differing walking needs:

• People often comment on their dog stopping and exploring can be a hinder on their walk however, this is a great opportunity to get some resistance exercise in. While the dog is doing this, do some squats or some lunges.
• These days most people take the dogs to the enclosures found at parks, this does not get you off getting your steps in! Walk around the circumference of the park, do steps on park bench within the enclosures or when playing fetch, constantly move to a different corner of the enclosure.
• Safety is always of concern, especially when exercising when it is dark. Having a dog by your side is a great way to keep safe, especially when the days are shorter.
• It's social! You will find that when you are walking your dog around your neighborhood, you will come across other people also walking their dogs, especially in the dog parks. This is a great way to meet new people and find exercise buddies to do laps with while the dogs are running around.
• Get it done in the morning where possible. This will benefit both you and your pooch. You are much more likely to find an excuse by the end of the day when night is fast approaching or you are tired from a day's work and hunger pains are setting in. Your dog will benefit and be a lot calmer throughout the day as they will have expelled energy walking with you instead of digging up the lawn while you are at work!

In addition to the exercise benefits that both you and your dog receive from your regular walks, you are also having quality bonding time with ‘man's best friend.’