Get Fit and Have Fun With Your Furry Friend: Fitness Ideas for Dog Lovers – Who says you can’t stay in shape and have fun with your four-legged friend at the same time? For pet owners, getting fit doesn’t have to be a chore – it can be a great way to bond with man’s best friend. Whether you are an avid runner or a casual walker, introducing your pup into your fitness routine can provide some much needed encouragement and motivation to help keep you both healthy physically and mentally. In this blog post, you’ll learn some of the best fitness ideas for dog lovers so that you can get fit and have fun with your furry friend.
People get pets for many reasons, but one of the main reasons is to provide companionship and emotional support. Having a pet can be incredibly rewarding and it can also provide numerous health benefits such as reducing stress, promoting physical activity and improving overall wellbeing. Research has found that people who own pets tend to be more active and have lower body weight than those who don’t own a pet. Therefore, getting fit with your furry partner can be a great way to get the health benefits associated with pet ownership.
And if you don’t have a pet yet, look for one that will fit with your own health or fitness goals. For example, a pet that would be a good walking buddy is a great option for those who want to get out and get some exercise, while a dog that likes to run might be the perfect fit for someone who likes to jog. There are also dogs like purebred toy poodles that are small but very active – ideal for doing circuits together in your back yard.
So what kind of fitness could you do with your dog?
1. Take a Walk
A leisurely stroll with your pup is a great way to get some fresh air and exercise at the same time. Plan a route around your neighborhood and make sure it’s long enough so that your pup gets a good workout. The length of walk depends on the dog breed you have and what your own fitness levels are like. For example, a small toy poodle might only need a short 15 minute
walk, while a large Labrador retriever could benefit from an hour-long stroll. You could gradually build up your stamina and walking time together.
2. Run Together With Your Dog
If you’re an avid runner, taking your pup along with you could make it even more enjoyable. You’ll both get the chance explore new paths while getting fit at the same time. Again, the speed and distance of your run should depend on the breed of dog that you have and how fit they are. Make sure to always check with a vet before introducing any rigorous activity into your pup’s routine.
3. Try Agility Training
Agility training is a great way to exercise both your mind and body. It involves teaching your pup basic commands such as weave, jump and tunnel that can be used to guide them through an obstacle course. It’s a great way to keep your pup active and mentally challenged, while also giving you the chance to bond and have fun together. And you could potentially set up an obstacle course or circuit in your back yard that you could both take it in turns to do.
4. Play Fetch
If you’re looking for a low-impact way to get in some exercise, why not try playing fetch with your pup? All you need is a ball or frisbee and an open space, like the park or beach. It’s a great way to get your pup and you both running around while having a great time. And you can introduce more vigorous exercise for yourself as your fitness levels improve, such as sprinting for short distances between trees.
5. Go Cycling Together
If you enjoy cycling and your dog likes to run, why not try combining the two? You can invest in a pet trailer that attaches to your bike, or a specialized dog-specific bike attachment. This way you can go for long rides with your pup at a comfortable pace, and if your pup gets tired you can always take a break. And when it’s time for them to rest, they will be safe and secure in their trailer or bike attachment. This is a good way to exercise if you have a smaller dog that has less stamina too, as you can still spend time together and have new adventures, but you can balance how much exercise they get a bit better.
6. Do Water Sports
If you both enjoy being in the water, why not try swimming, kayaking or paddle boarding together? Your pup can easily jump in the water and enjoy paddling around, or you can help them stay afloat by using a boat or board. Swimming is an excellent way to get in some exercise, and it’s a nice cool activity for hot days. Just make sure that you take the necessary
steps to ensure your pup is safe when they’re in the water.
7. Take on an Adventure
You can also use your pup’s built in love for exploring to get them (and you!) active. Take a look at local nature trails and plan an adventure with your pup. This a great way to get both of you out in the open air, and you can have a great time discovering new places together. Make sure to check the trail maps first to make sure that it’s dog friendly, and to ensure that your pup is always on a lead.
No matter what type of fitness you want to do with your pup, it’s important to make sure that you start off slow and gradually build up the intensity as your pup gets used to the activity. This will help to ensure that your pup is getting the right amount of exercise for their size and breed, as well as reducing any potential stress on their body. So grab your pup and start exploring! Happy exercising!
