Companions & Fitness

Any daily workout can be great, but what happens when it becomes monotonous and boring? How does an exerciser go about changing their routine to make it fresh again and push through their plateau?

Add in a companion! A workout partner is great; however, try working out with the one companion that would never let you down and would do anything to stay by your side: your dog.

The human-canine relationship is a beautiful bond that can never be broken. According to CBS News, the bond between an owner and dog is comparable to parents and their baby. Dogs care about their owners as much as, if not more, the owner cares for their pet. This bond makes for a perfect workout partner because both sides are looking out for one another equally. In a study conducted by James Serpell, PhD, it was concluded that owning a pet can help reduce minor health issues by just simply being around. However, due to the fact that dogs need to be walked, health and fitness increase along with the relationship between the two.

In a similar study by Shane Brown B.Ed., and Ryan Rhodes PhD, pet owners, on average, have a higher activity level and bluntly state, “Acquiring a dog should be explored as an intervention to get people more physically active.” Also in this study, these men state the obvious by saying that walking in an effective form of physical activity that is low cost, accessible for almost everyone, and convenient. Even though they make this obvious conclusion, it is also mentioned that it is a highly underused form of activity.

So what are different forms of exercise that can be done that are beneficial for both?

•       Walking at a steady state
•       Walking/jogging intervals
•       Hill climbs
•       Hiking
•       Fetch for both (aka sprints)

Hanging out with your dog can be more valuable for each of you than expected, but it will also help build a better relationship for the two of you! Get active and go play!

k9fitnessmagazine.com