How Dogs Help You With Your Fitness?
Your dog deserves optimal health, and so do you. Keep these tips in mind to motivate you to get healthy together with your pet.
When it comes to working out, many of us want a fitness buddy since some struggle with sticking to their routine because they don’t have an accountability partner.
But what if your perfect workout partner is already in front of your very eyes?
We all know that our four-legged best friends make excellent companions in every daily activity we do—from lounging around, taking out the trash, and going for quick car rides. But what we do not immediately realize is that our dogs may be the perfect fitness buddies we’re longing for!
Now is the perfect time to quit making excuses not to exercise. Here are some reasons that may urge you to stand up, get your dog’s collar and leash, and get out!
Reasons To Exercise With Your Dog
Here’s why you should make your dog your workout partner:
1. Share Equal Energy Burn
Did you know that humans and dogs burn almost the same amount of energy per pound per mile when running or walking?
Your dog burns approximately 0.8 calories per pound per mile while brisk walking to 3.7 to 4.0 miles per hour. Meanwhile, you burn about 0.73 calories per pound per mile at the same speed.
Therefore, if you are walking on 150 pounds and your pooch is around 40 pounds, both of you will lose 100 and 32 calories, respectively, during a 1-mile walk.
Stay in shape together by enjoying a 30-minute morning stroll daily then slowly increasing your stroll duration over time.
Walking is known to promote better heart health, lower blood pressure, stronger bones, and high energy levels.
Remember that some dogs can walk or run faster and farther than people, but it does not mean you have to keep up with your furry friend! Take it easy and build your distance slowly.
Here are some tips to help you protect your dog’s paws while walking, jogging, or running:
- During cold weather, consider buying dog boots to prevent the dangers of abrasive ice and chemicals.
- During hot weather, walk your pooch over grassy areas to avoid burning the paws on the pavement.
- After spending time outdoors, always wipe off your fur baby’s paws to avoid contaminating your floors.
- Before and after every outdoor activity, inspect your dog’s paws for any cut or nail damage, then tend to it immediately.
2. Reduce The Risk Of Diseases
Engaging regularly in aerobic exercises such as swimming, walking, cycling, and running is great for maintaining optimal cardiovascular health and reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoarthritis, and more.
Squeeze in at least 30 minutes each day for any of the activities mentioned. Start with walking, the most basic and most uncomplicated form of exercise.
However, always keep in mind to schedule a checkup with your dog’s vet to see if your pooch is fit for your intended exercise.
It is a great idea to keep puppies from long, strenuous activities to avoid damaging their joints and bones.
Moreover, old dogs that have arthritis or are currently recovering from an illness or injury should only engage in relatively easy exercises. For instance, you can shorten your daily 30-minute walk to a 15-minute walk.
3. Have Fun While Getting In Shape
It gets easy to be demotivated while working out, especially if you are not seeing any progress. And in the “new normal,” it is effortless to delve into a sedentary lifestyle.
You can easily order take-out and have anything you wish for on your doorstep.
The beauty of working out with your dog is more beneficial than take-out fast-food meals.
When you think about it, walking with your dog daily lets you see your friends around the block, catch up on good neighborhood news, and be forced to be one with nature.
Like you, your dog would also need environmental stimulation to maintain his overall wellbeing.
4. Strengthens Your Bond
Working out is more fun with your tail-wagging fur baby. Having your dog as your fitness buddy feels like a bonding time rather than a chore.
And whether you notice it or not, there is just something rewarding about achieving your goals with your four-legged best friend.
If your dog is fit enough for a strenuous outdoor activity, we highly recommend conquering hiking trails with him. And to add more challenges to your adventure, you can let your furry companion carry their supplies!
Please note that working dogs such as German Shepherd, Siberian Husky, and Dobermann are usually the only ones that are properly conditioned to carry their stuff.
Whether you’re playing fetch outdoors or doing some stretches indoors, there’s no better way to celebrate your progress with you than your dog.
You’ll feel better about yourself, and your dog will love you more for spending more time with him — a win-win situation, indeed.
Now, get off the couch, lace up your walking shoes, get your dog’s outdoor gear, and take a walk outside or play fetch with your furry companion. Soon enough, you and your dog’s efforts will pay off!
