Your Dog Can Help You Lose Weight
If you resolve to walk your dog for fitness once or twice a day, you have unwittingly made your dog “The Enforcer” of your exercise program. That first time you think you’ll just pass on walking your dog, you’ll have your dog to answer to. He’ll remind you that it’s time to go for “The Walk”. Those deep eyes and frantically wagging tail will be hard to resist. If you remain reluctant, he’ll run from you to the door, turn circles, whine, bring you his leash…whatever it takes. It’s pretty difficult to disappoint your dog who is so eager to keep you on your fitness plan.
Walking your dog is one of the more enjoyable ways to lose weight
Fortunately, walking your dog for exercise is not drudgery, so you are less likely to avoid it. Walking your dog may be even more enjoyable than you imagined. Your dog is so eager and excited, her enthusiasm will rub off on you. You’ll get to know your dog better and enjoy the time together. Your focus on your dog will keep your mind off your own fatigue or discomfort. You may meet other people, other dog owners and have new social interactions. And before you know it, you may just find yourself having more energy and wearing a smaller pant size.
Walking is good exercise for you, but your dog needs to run
Of course, one or two walks per day may be plenty of exercise for you, and you’re likely to lose weight and get in shape. But it isn’t enough for your dog, especially if she doesn’t have a yard to run around in at home. For your dog’s fitness, find a safe off-leash area on your walking route and let your dog have a good, hearty run. Bring a tennis ball or flying disc for a vigorous game of chase and fetch. This can be pure heaven for your dog. Bonus – it will help make your walk back home calmer, since your dog will have burnt off that high-octane doggie energy and won’t be so compelled to pull on the leash.
To get pumped up for your doggie exercise plan, and to learn about all the health benefits, we highly recommend Fitness Unleashed . Remember: always have your pet’s health evaluated by his veterinarian before beginning an exercise program.
