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Between a career, the kids, and the evening schedules, a consistent workout is not always conducive to our lifestyles or to the lifestyle of our dogs. With so many people working forty hours per week or more, our pets are left to roam the houses and yards alone.
Both you and your pets need a lot of exercise per week in order to stay healthy. With endless amounts of energy and endurance, our dogs might be the very best fitness partners we have. Here are some creative ways that you can stay fit with the help of your dog:
Play Fetch
Find a large open area like a dog park or your backyard and grab your dog’s favorite ball. Throw the ball and while your dog is running to go get it, either run in a different direction, complete several lunges, do some push-ups, or do some squats. Repeat this process over the next thirty minutes and you will not only have a great time with your dog, but you will feel the workout in the morning.
Walk the Dog
For a dog owner, this should already be a routine part of your day. Extend your daily walk to thirty minutes, then increase it by increments of ten minutes as you get comfortable with each time frame.
Run With Your Dog
Once you are comfortable walking your dog, start jogging with your dog. You can slowly work your way up to a brisk run. Just make sure your dog is capable of handling the distance you are prepared to go. Many small breeds won’t be able to handle longer distances.
Use Only A Dog Leash
If you have a fenced in backyard or a tie out to let the dog outside, it might become very easy to simply open the backdoor, and let the dog roam outside. Instead, use a dog leash and go outside with the dog. Having to do this task several times a day will get you up and may help you burn off some extra calories.
Watch Other People’s Dogs
If you don’t have a dog of your own, don’t let that hold you back! You can also offer to walk or play with your neighbor’s dog(s) throughout the week, and even become a paid for dog walking to make some extra money.
Tug of War With Your Dog
Teach your dog how to play tug-of-war with their toys. You will get a great workout for your arm muscles while helping your furry friend expend some energy at the same time.
Hike With Your Dog
This activity is more difficult than taking a simple walk with your dog. The terrain is often rougher and will be a solid workout for your leg muscles. Your dog will enjoy the scents while you enjoy the scenery.
Explore Parks In Your Area
Many dogs love to explore areas they have never visited before. Tour a new park in your community each week and walk the trails to see which park is your favorite!
Volunteer at a Dog Shelter or Foster a Dog
There are dog shelters are the country that are seeking reliable and loving volunteers to walk the dogs and play with them. You can also choose to foster a dog and have full-time, temporary responsibilities for a furry friend. You may even eventually want to adopt them as well as your new fitness lifestyle!
-Paige Johnson
Paige Johnson has a passion for strength-training. She shares a vision with LearnFit.org, which is dedicated to providing information on living a lifestyle that’s healthy for both our bodies and our planet.