Did you know that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends that the average adult needs at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise each and every week?
Meet your weekly quota by partnering up with your four-legged friend.
By taking advantage of walking or exercising with your dog, you’ll likely optimize your time and save money by minimizing costly gym memberships. Plus, your dog needs anywhere between 30 minutes to two hours of exercise each day.
Multitasking never felt so good!
Read along to discover five amazing ways to workout alongside your dog.
1. Go the Extra Mile
To begin incorporating dog walking into your exercise regime, establish a set walking distance. It is a good idea to track your distance and time and work on slowly improving your statistics.
Build upon you and your dog’s stamina by challenging yourself to make improvements. Exercising in the gym has its benefits, but fresh air, a change of scenery, and the occasional social interactions will leave you with a smile on your face.
- Burns calories
- Regulates sleep
- Heightens your mood
- Enhances memory
- Improves balance
- Increases blood flow
Once you and your pup have established a comfort level, you can begin to push the boundaries.
Depending on your age and agility, that may mean working up to a faster pace, going the literal extra mile or two, or working your way into a job or run. Remember, you’ll need to find some middle ground between you and your dog.
You can also incorporate a game of fetch tug-o-war to help your dog feel more involved. This is also an excellent opportunity for increasing your heart beat or incorporating short sprints into your workout.
No matter what you decide to do, always keep in mind you and your dog’s safety. Wear the appropriate footing, clothing, and keep track of local weather conditions. Furthermore, speak with your doctor and your pet’s veterinarian if you have any concerns.
Lastly, compliment your new workouts by drinking plenty of water and eating a healthy well-balanced diet.
2. Safety in Numbers
It is one thing to desire to take a lovely hike in the woods and it is another to be wandering down a wooden path alone. Safety concerns can prevent you from enjoying or even pursuing a walk alone.
That being said, walking with a bold dog alongside you there is less to worry about.
While we always recommend letting someone else know where you are when walking alone, a firm bark and canine sixth sense are some adorable yet competent security measures.
Your dog doesn’t need to constantly veer its aggression. As a matter of fact, walking in the park is also a great opportunity for canine socialization. Invite a fellow dog owner and their pup for an exhilarating exercise experience.
Dogs have a great way of breaking the ice for people too. Oftentimes dog can pose as a meaning for quick forms of social interaction along the way.
3. Try Parkour
These days, the Parkour, the art of moving quickly through an urban landscape, is gaining in popularity… for humans and canines alike.
From running up steps to balancing along a cement wall, Parkour can help you and your pup to explore your surroundings while improving your agility and strength.
As with any form of exercise, you should dress appropriately and take safety precautions when practicing Parkour.
This urban discipline isn’t for everyone. However, for those ninja-like dog parents who are looking for a unique way to explore the public park, Parkour is the best!
Beginner parkour ideas for dog’s and their owners include weaving your way over and under fences, balancing with all fours on sturdy infrastructures such as fire hydrants and granite posts, and leaping from large stone to large stone.
With Parkour, there are barely any boundaries and, therefore, the sky is the limit.
In some cities, there may even be Parkour clubs for people and canines.
4. Mind, Body, Soul
It is important to focus on your body and well-being, but as a pup parent, you have an equal responsibility in your dog’s health.
By developing a workout schedule that benefits two, you’ll be less likely to skip out on your daily routine.
Moreover, you’ll be able to pat yourself on the back for taking adequate care of your dog while also working on self-improvements.
5. It’s a Lifestyle
Caring for a dog is a rewarding experience. From companionship to stress-relief, there are some incentives that only dog owners truly come to appreciate.
Sure, there are days when the chewed shoes, slobber, and constant shedding can outweigh those puppy-dog eyes, but deep inside dog owners know they have it made.
By taking your loving companion along for the journey, you’ll make daily exercise an intrinsic part of living. Moreover, you will bond with your dog while simultaneously improving their mood and health.
You’ll probably be able to look forward to fewer vet and doctor bills too.
