Exercise is great, but sometimes it’s hard to find the motivation. Nowadays, we have to consider the health and weight of not just ourselves, but also our pets. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, an estimated 59 percent of cats and 54 percent of dogs in the U.S. are overweight or obese. Even worse, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) claim that more than 70 percent of U.S. adults are overweight or obese.
Two birds, one stone. Plus, including your pets in your exercise can make it much more fun. We have some tips that will take you and your pet’s exercise routines to the next level!
Explore new areas!
Do you go for the same walk every day with your pet? Try a new route, take a long way, explore that new path and change the routine. Instead of walking your dog, let your dog walk you. You might enjoy letting your pup lead the way through uncharted territory. It will keep you both engaged and interested.
Change the pace.
Walking is good but interval training is what burns fat. Try walking, then jogging or speed walking. Take the stairs or the path that goes uphill. Increase both of your heartrates by mixing in some different, more intense movements, like jogging, shuffling sideways and running backward. Your dog will love the added element to their walk.
Work your muscles into play time.
You don’t have to be outside to enjoy exercising with your pet. Even a simple game of fetch in the living room can lead to exercise for both of you. If your dog loves to play fetch and your abs could use a bit of toning, grab your dog’s toy of choice and lay flat on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the ground. As you sit up, throw the toy. Your dog will run after it as you slowly lower your back onto the floor, and he’ll bring it back (hopefully) just in time for you to sit up again and throw it. You can do the same with squats: As you lower into a squatting position, you can raise the toy over your head, prompting your dog to jump for it.
Cats can join in the fun too!
Exercising with your pet isn’t just for dogs, cats can join in the fun too! Grab a laser pointer and run around the house with your cat, letting them chase it. Cats need exercise just as much as dogs, sometimes more if they are strictly an indoor car. Want to try something totally wild? Tie a catnip toy to your dumbbells while you do bicep curls or tricep extensions.
Your pet’s weight says a lot about their overall health. Don’t hesitate to speak with us about their exercise habits during your next visit!
