Walking your dog is a simple task that has a positive impact on many aspects of overall health such as: Weight and Body Condition. Regular exercise, like walking, is a good way to burn excess calories and keep the pounds off – for both you and your dog. Of course, consult your doctor and your veterinarian before embarking on an exercise program.
Benefits of Walking
Mental Health: Walking exercises the mind as well as the body
- Emotional Health: Spending one-on-one time with your dog will deepen your bond and help deter annoying, attention-seeking behaviors
- Personal Health: Many people need outside motivation to work out, and may depend on an exercise buddy to get them off the couch. Your dog is the perfect partner
How do we get started?
Make a reasonable exercise plan that does not overwhelm you by including your best exercise buddy
- Try to walk for a total of 30 minutes each day
- The goal is to make exercise a priority that holds a scheduled spot in each day so that you feel less likely to avoid your plan
Rewarding your efforts
Some humans like to be rewarded for their workout efforts, so they grab a cookie or have a beer after exercising.
Dog walkers: healthier people with healthier dogs
Regular walking has health benefits for both you and your dog and will help prevent obesity, which is a significant problem in both species
- Nearly 75% of Americans are overweight and childhood obesity is on the rise (close to 20%).
- In a 2008 study, adults who regularly walked their dogs were less likely to be obese than their non dog-owning neighbors.
How much should we walk?
Children 5-17 years old should accumulate at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous (aerobic) exercise every day
- Adults 18-64 years old, should engage in moderate exercise for 30 minutes 5 days a week and engage in strengthening exercises at least twice weekly
- Seniors over 65, should also participate in moderate/strengthening exercises 2-3 times a week
