Your Best Exercise Buddy
Sally Perkins explains that if you need to stay fit, consider working out with your dog, your best exercise buddy.
Exercising with a partner has several benefits, including increased motivation, enhanced workout intensity and time, and better success at weight loss goals. Ideally, a buddy in better shape than you is the perfect partner because their fitness habits can rub off on others and inspire them to attain higher fitness levels. If you plan to lose weight or maintain excellent physical condition, why not exercise with your pooch? Having your best friend beside you when you work out offers advantages, making you fit and healthy.
A Faithful and Enthusiastic Partner
As a dog parent, you might notice that your four-legged companion is, like you, putting on weight. Whether old age, poor diet, or lack of movement, the extra pounds on your mutt are unhealthy and can affect your quality of life. They can result in diseases and undesirable side effects such as arthritis, diabetes, cancer, and hypertension, to name a few, affecting their mobility and longevity. Hence, it is best to determine if your dog is overweight or obese so that you can take corrective action. Being overweight or obese is a preventable and treatable; you can benefit from making your dog your workout buddy.
Do not worry about having a no-show partner, for your pooch will always be there to do things with you. Even if they carry extra weight, they will be happy to move, helping you both fit. In addition, exercise is suitable for both your emotional and mental well-being. Plus, your pet will be less likely to get into mischief if they move or do something.
Exercises That You Can Do Together
Long walks are good for you and your pooch because they help burn calories. Change your routines every so often so that neither of you is bored with the scenery. New scents, people, and areas are mentally stimulating for your pets. They can explore, alleviate boredom, and exercise with their pet parents.
Another activity that never gets old is playing with a ball or catching with your pet. They are enthusiastic and will go for the ball, Frisbee, or stick as fast as possible. That is good arm exercise for you while Fido gets to expend all that pent-up energy. If you are both up for the challenge, go on a cardio circuit alternating between running and squatting. At home, there are also several exercises that you can do together. Do yoga stretches, shakes, lunges, or push-ups.
Whether taking long walks, running, or just playing fetch, working out with your dog is a win-win situation. You both get to burn calories, get fresh air, stay fit, and socialise.
Page Reference
If you quote information from this page in your work, then the reference for this page is:
- PERKINS, S. (2021) Your Best Exercise Buddy [WWW] Available from: https://www.brianmac.co.uk/articles/article658.htm [Accessed 24/5/2025]
About the Author
Sally Perkins is a professional freelance writer with many years of experience across many different areas. She moved to freelancing from a stressful corporate job and loves the work-life balance it offers her. When not at work, Sally enjoys reading, hiking, spending time with her family, and travelling as much as possible.
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