Eighty percent of Americans don’t get enough daily exercise, but dog owners are more likely to get the physical exercise they need. In fact, people with dogs have 69% more chance of fitting in physical activity during their leisure time. It can be incredibly difficult to find the time to fit a workout into your schedule, especially if you have a dog to take care of. However, it’s more than possible to get fit with your pet. Around 35 million dogs in the US are considered overweight, so here are some ways to make sure yours isn’t one of them. While you focus on your dogs needs, such as long walks or fun activities, you’ll find yourself also spending more time outdoors and getting more fit.
Summer Fun
Though exercise does take time, you can add fitness to your every day schedule and help get yourself and your pooch in shape. Summer is one of the easiest times of year to focus on fitness. The weather is perfect for a day outside playing catch with your pup. Catch is a great activity for making sure your dog runs of some energy, but it also helps you build up hand-eye coordination and increase your arm strength. For an added workout change your position after each ball toss. Think of it like catch meets hide and seek. Throw the ball for your dog, then try to get to a new spot before your dog brings back the toy. Build yourself a summer body by spending as much time outside as you can, and your dog will definitely thank you for the time spent in sunshine and the opportunity to run off some energy.
Fall Fitness
As the weather begins to cool it’s still important to spend as much time as you can outdoors so your dog can expend energy and sharpen his muscles and mind by exploring. Fall is the perfect season for long hikes. Hiking will challenge both you and your pet, since the hills and rough terrain will use different muscles and test both you and your pooch as you practice balance, endurance, and focus. The new scents and sights of a hike will improve your dog’s mind, and the exercise will reduce both your dog’s and your risk of obesity, which can cause heart problems, diabetes, and other illness.
Winter Workouts
Although we are sometimes guilty of holing up inside during winter, the cold weather doesn’t mean you can’t be active. Winter might take a bit more creativity, but activities like playing catch with the snow can be a lot of fun for you and your dog. Bring the dog outside with you when you shovel snow out of the driveway. Shoveling snow is a necessary winter activity for many parts of the world, but it’s also a great workout. You’ll develop strength in your arms and back and you can change the speed and intensity of your shoveling to develop a cardio-heavy exercise session. The challenge of keeping your dog out of the way and also entertained will use even more muscle groups and give excellent fitness perks such as more positive emotions and less risk of illness.
Spring Cleaning
Once the weather warms up you can head back outdoors to enjoy the newfound warmth and go back to hiking, running, or biking. However, spring is also a great time to focus on indoor workouts. Head to the pool or to a lake for some intense exercise which you and your dog will love. Swimming uses a lot of muscle and gets your blood pumping, but it’s easier on your body than a lot of other exercises. Swimming is a great alternative to spending a lot of time outside if you suffer from spring allergies. Plus, with swimming you can alternate the level of intensity of your workout, so that you can go hard or take a more relaxing day while still being active.
It doesn’t have to be hard to give your dog a push toward fitness, and the benefits far out way the cost. You’ll reduce your risk of illness and disease, you’ll feel better physically but you may also boost your emotional health. Your dog will also be healthier and happier. Workout year long to avoid obesity, diabetes, or other illnesses and you and your dog will both feel great from the exercise.