Doga Anyone? By: Shannon Hartwig
As many of us do each year, our New Year resolution is to be more fit. While you plan out those non-running workouts into your weekly routine, there is no reason for you to leave out your pups walks when it comes to your fitness plan. When you consider how these dog walks can help you get fit, lose weight, and have fun in the process, the extra pit stops for your pup are worth it in the end. Dog owners often double their workouts because they don’t see taking their dog out for a walk as a workout for themselves so they still pursue other activities. Don’t discredit the walk. By keeping a moderate pace, you can burn up to sixty calories in twenty minutes. You are not going to find anyone who loves exercising more than dogs.  Plus, unlike a friend or family member, your dog is not going to cancel on you last minute. Since dogs are animals of habit, they will also help you stick to your routine. Once your dog gets into the routine of a morning walk or run, you won’t need an alarm clock to wake you up anymore, the wet nose in your face will work just fine.
Don’t have a dog? That’s ok; there are other ways you can still participate. Volunteer to run or walk dogs at your local shelter or rescue. Studies have shown that those who volunteer to walk dogs tend to stick with their workout plans because they feel committed to the dogs they are working with. Your dog’s ability to do the same exercise as you depends on their current fitness as well as their health. If your pup isn’t very fit to begin with you’ll need to adjust your routine to help your dog become more fit. Have your dog fully examined by the veterinarian prior to starting a consistent exercise routine. A fit dog should eventually be able to run about 3.1 miles with you, gradually building up to 6.2 miles. Some dog breeds are also just not fit to be running partners, either because they are too small, too large, or are prone to overheating. It’s best to consult with your vet first.
Remember to hydrate after your workout and even reward your dog with a treat. Both you and your dog will need some cool water. Allow your dog to drink as much as he/she wants. Add a few ice cubes to your dog’s water to keep it cool or just give him/her some ice as a treat. Consider offering your dog a special treat; one that won’t pack on extra pounds but will taste like a reward after a good workout. Frozen bananas or blueberries work great for this: both have plenty of vitamins and taste wonderful, especially when frozen. It is never too late to start working out with your pup!
