Exercising With a Pet

Does this scenario sound familiar? It’s 6:15am and you feel a little nudge on your hand courtesy of a cold wet nose. You turn over, only to have that nudge coupled with a whine and then a high pitched bark. Yes, it’s time to walk the dog again, but the bright side is that pets are great for holding you responsible when it comes to being active. Yes, he’s waking you up to get you to do him a favor. But in actuality, Rover is doing you a favor. Many studies have shown that pets not only have a positive impact on their owners’ mental health, but can also play an important role in maintaining the physical health of their owners as well. That being said, below are the top 5 reasons as to why exercising with a pet is a great way to lose weight.

Reason #1: You Won’t Even Realize That You’re Exercising

If you’re a dog person, then you already know how much energy you can expend just playing tug-o-war with your furry friend. You probably also know that you can spend hours playing with your dog without even noticing. Try extending your morning or evening walks and you’ll keep your pet happy as well as your body. Toss in a game of Frisbee and the pounds will be melting off, just from having fun with your pet. Most importantly, you’ll be more likely to maintain any weight loss if working out becomes your routine, and if Rover is part of that routine, keeping the pounds off is a guarantee.

Reason #2: The Company is Always Good

Unless he eats your shoe or forgets that he’s house trained, your dog is always great company. Imagine having an exercise partner who just wants to exercise and that’s it! That’s a pet for you: He’ll run with you for miles on end, without complaining or tiring. You’ll never get into a fight or a petty squabble! And when you’re tired and want to quit, he’ll be there to nudge you to keep on going. You can’t go wrong with Rover as an exercise buddy.

Reason #3: Better Yet, the Company is Always Reliable

Unlike the co-worker who promised to meet you for a game of racquetball and then disappeared or your spouse who refused to get out of bed to go speed walking with you this morning, your pet is always willing and able. Above all else, your pet will always be the reliable one. Do you have trouble getting up early in the morning? Consider your dog the most dependable and persistent alarm clock ever known to man. Trust that you will not miss another workout with him as a partner.

Reason #4: The Activities are Endless

Running, walking, Frisbee, swimming: These are all activities that you and your pet can do together. You’ll never get bored with your fitness routine if you’re constantly changing your fat blasting activity with Rover at your side.

Reason #5: Working Out with a Pet is Great for the Whole Family

Staying healthy as a family is easier when a pet is involved. All the activities mentioned earlier can easily be adapted to family activities. Walks in the park or Frisbee are great activities to get the whole family involved in healthy living while having fun with your pet.

Overall, exercising with your pet is an easy way to lose weight and is guaranteed to help you stay motivated to reach your weight loss and fitness goals.