Do you want to get fit but not sure where to start? Sometimes getting started is the most challenging part. Fitness is an important component to being healthy. So, let’s talk about fitness and what we can do to make sure we are setting aside time for selfcare and putting action to it.
As a certified HCFC (Human Canine Fitness Coach), I will bring to light some benefits of exercise and why penciling in time for yourself to get moving is important. It is a proven fact that exercise improves a person’s overall health when done on a regular basis. Besides its use in maintaining and losing weight, exercise is known to improve the heart and blood system. First of all, if you make fitness fun you will be more likely to opt in frequently.
You may be thinking, “what could make exercising fun?” I’ll tell you, add your canine buddy to your workout! People who work out with a partner are more likely to stick to a long-term fitness regimen. Our dogs are the BEST workout partners because they are always ready to move.
Everyone. Regardless of age, shape, or size can reap the benefits of exercise. It’s true that there is something for everyone when it comes to physical activity and it doesn’t have to be complicated. My dad always tells me, “you can’t manage something that you don’t measure,” with that said write down your activity.
Need strategies for goals, check out my blog on goals.
If your goal is to be more active and you already walk your dog every day, that’s a great start! Now all we have to do is keep track of how far and how often you and your buddy walk. You can download a step tracking app and measure exactly how far you are walking. It’s ok if you’d prefer the old pen and paper too (try using google maps to measure your distances accurately). Tracking your activity digitally or analog is a great way to determine if taking that long way home is worth it. Your canine buddy wouldn’t object to setting a new goal so go for it!
As a HCFC, there are many creative and easy ways to turn “walking your dog” into a workout. For starters, try adding a warm-up before you walk or try getting more out of your walk. See the below details.
- Warm up: Start with squats for you and doggy pushups (sit, down, stand) for your buddy. As you’re on the down of your squat, have your dog sit or down, then as you raise up have your dog stand. Start out with one set of 12 – 15 reps.
2. Add intensity to your walk: Add lunges to your walks, one set of 12 – 15 reps, three days a week.
No time to walk your dog, you can still perform stationary strengthening exercises indoors while training your dog. There are a number of ideas for this on the internet or head over to my website and get some ideas. Do you have any creative workouts you have incorporated with your dog? If so I would love to hear them, drop me a line.