Health Benefits of Having a Four-Legged Friend
The next time you’re in search of a fitness partner to help keep you motivated and on track – look to one of the most important members of your family…your dog!
Did you know that dog owners are more likely to exercise daily than non-dog owners? A study in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health reported that dog owners are 34 percent more likely than non-dog owners to get the exercise they need.
“Owning a dog has been a great motivator to help keep me active,” said Stacy Vogel, a Bridgman resident who regularly walks her dog Dozer. “Dogs truly are judgment free – they don’t care how fast you’re walking, what you look like, or what you’re wearing. Dozer also has a special way of letting me know if he feels I’m ignoring our time together and holds me accountable to our daily walks.”
What type of exercises can you do with your dog?
Walking or running outside or playing catch are great ways to burn calories and improve your dog’s mental health by stimulating their sense of smell. You can also try cardio and strength exercises to get both of your hearts pumping such as: