Your dog is the perfect workout partner

she'll exercise whenever you want and never cancel because of rain.

Turn a daily chore into a healthy and fun way to move more. Enlist your dog as your partner, and boost a leisurely stroll into a workout routine that will have you stretching, breathing, balancing, strengthening, and toning.

Dogs are actually nature’s perfect personal trainers—loyal, hardworking, energetic and enthusiastic. Unlike your friends, who may skip an exercise session because of appointments, extra chores or bad weather, dogs never give you an excuse to forego exercising.

How much exercise is enough?

According to the World Health Organization, adequate exercise to promote good health includes:• 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity daily for children 5 to 17-year-old

• 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise five days per week for adults 18 to 65 years old, plus strengthening exercises two days per week

• 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise five days per week, with modifications as needed in seniors over 65 years old, plus flexibility and balance exercises.

Is dog walking really effective exercise? Many people have become interested in exercise to help lose excess weight. Obesity is a global epidemic, affecting about one in every three to four adults in the United States alone.

Plan for success.

It’s easy to forget about healthy walking plans, so set the stage for a successful program:
• Establish a walking schedule; plan to walk 30 minutes total each day. This might include a 10-minute neighborhood walk in the morning and a 20-minute romp at the dog park after work. Or maybe three 10-minute walks or one 30-minute walk fit in better with your day.
• If dog walking is “scheduled” into each day, you’ll feel more responsible for sticking with your program. Plus, your dog will also get used to the routine and remind you when “it’s time!”
• Post a calendar on the refrigerator and add a sticker for each 10 minutes of walking you do each day. This will reinforce your good behavior and make you pause before opening the door to grab a calorie-laden snack!
So, grab a leash, whistle up the pup, and go for a walk—today and every day! Dog walking is a great way to jumpstart a healthy lifestyle program.

Sources:  Healthy Living, World Health Organization
Written by:  Julie Bradford