Health Benefits Of Including Your Dog In Fitness Workouts

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Studies have continually shown that working out with a partner increases your motivation and the likelihood that you will actually stick to your training program. But finding a reliable, training partner who’ll motivate you consistently and never cancel is a challenge. Ā We know of a partner who will never come to you with “I’m tired”, “I’m busy”, “I’m not feeling well”… and that’s your very best friend – the family dog!

  • You’re healthier for owning a dog: Ā Studies are now proving that dog owners are more likely to exercise regularly and to be fitter and healthier than their pooch-free peers. New research from Michigan State University reports that people with canine companions are 34% more likely to get the recommended 150 minutes of exercise a week than are folks with either other pets or none at all.
  • Dogs can do more for you than a treadmill:Ā A big part of motivation is that when you interact with your dog, endorphins rise and stress levels fall. This emotional connection definitely gives an extra boost to your workout.
  • You’re more active because of your dog:Ā Research shows that dog owners often log in twice as many workouts—they don’t see taking the dog out as a sweat session, so they still spin and lift. Ā A University of Missouri study found that overweight participants who walked dogs for 20 minutes five days a week for a year lost an average of 14 pounds. Ā If you include some light jogging, frisbee throwing, and tug of war, you can rev your metabolism up even more!
  • Your pooch will push you:Ā You will never find anyone more excited to workout than your dog- so much so that studiesĀ reported that people who walked with their dogs increased their speed by 28 percent over 12 weeks, while those who strolled with a human friend got only 4 percent faster. Ā Your dog will never complain or be discouraged!
  • Dogs will keep you on a routine:Ā Dogs are creatures of habit- which means that even if you try and forget to go on a regular morning run, you’re dog won’t, he will let you know in his way that it’s time to get off the couch.
  • Try new activities:Ā Dogs love adventure, many will love to hike, bike, swim, or even watch you while you do bootcamp!
  • Borrow a dog:Ā Even if you can’t own a dog because of where you live, or don’t want the responsibility, you can still get the health and emotional benefits by volunteering at a shelter and walking/playing with the dogs and fostering them on the weekends.
  • Listen to your dog:Ā Some breeds are more active than others so it’s important to watch for sign of exhaustion in your dog and listen to his needs. Ā Try not to run on very hot black pavement and make sure he stays hydrated and happy!

1 COMMENT

  1. I love to take my pup, Rucker, to the local dog park. He’s able to run freely while I power walk on the trails. It feels wonderful to be out in nature and exercising while Rucker gets his energy out, too. šŸ™‚

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