We dog owners have to take responsibility for our dogs' fitness. We monitor their weight and food quality, and we know they need exercise every day. We also have a responsibility for our own health. As the saying goes,
"you can't take care of others if you don't take care of yourself".
When you take the opportunity to stretch your legs along with your dog, you can make a big difference in your well-being.
According to active.com:
Researchers at Michigan State University found that dog owners are 34 percent more likely to fit in 150 minutes of walking per week than non-dog owners. The study also found that owning a dog promotes health and fitness even after you take your pup for a stroll, increasing leisure-time physical activity by 69 percent.
The 2008 U.S exercise guidelines recommend at least 30 minutes of moderate activity like brisk walking, at least 5 times a week - 150 minutes.
"Most people do not realize that sustained bouts of moderate to vigorous physical activity completely change our bodies from the inside out."
- Scientific American, Aug. 2013, Why Exercise Works Magic. Bassuk, Church, and Manson, p. 77.
Did you know you can turn some of your genes on or off with regular exercise? Scientists are in the process of identifying these genes, which affect a wide range of body systems.
In fact, scientists say each of these interacting parts of your bod are improved by exercise: nervous, endocrine, musculoskeletal, and immune systems. Result? Less risk of cancer, depression, type II diabetes, metabolic syndrome, autoimmune disease, fractures, falls, and last but not least the big killer of women, heart disease. And they can explain how exercise works its magic "at the level of cells and molecules ".
"But it's so darn hot!"
True. I love it that my workouts are in an air-conditioned studio. I go early in the morning and get home before the sun really starts cooking. I'm already sweaty anyway, and walking Toby is a great post exercise cool-down. Grab your leash, dog, and [stainless steel] water bottle and try it!
Oh, and follow all of the excellent advice from the other bloggers about looking out for your pup when exercising in the summer heat :)
"But it's so darn hot!"
True. I love it that my workouts are in an air-conditioned studio. I go early in the morning and get home before the sun really starts cooking. I'm already sweaty anyway, and walking Toby is a great post exercise cool-down. Grab your leash, dog, and [stainless steel] water bottle and try it!
Oh, and follow all of the excellent advice from the other bloggers about looking out for your pup when exercising in the summer heat :)
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8 comments :
Great advice - I love the focus on the human benefits - and it's just logical if the exercise is so good for you, of course it's good for your dogs. Hoping the more we get the message out the more people will follow your advice! Thanks for joining the Hop.
HEY TOBY YOU ARE ONE LEAN FINE LOOKING MAN DOG!! GOOD FOR YOU KEEPING YOUR HUMAN AND HER TOES.
MY EXERCISE IS RUNNING UP AND DOWN THE STEPS (MY BOX IS UPSTAIRS) AND MOM AND I PLAY WITH MY DA BIRD WAND TOY EVERY EVENING. MY PEEPS ARE MALL WALKERS THEY WALK ABOUT AN HOUR EVERY MORNING.
HUGS MADI YOUR BFFF
We exercise everyday accept when it is too hot and potentially dangerous. Other wise we always have our 2 hour walks/run. Have a fabulous fit Friday all.
Best wishes Molly
Great post Toby and you're an excellent poster dog for the benefits of regular exercise
Getting outside and being active with Chester and Gretel has gotten ME moving more. I feel so much better on the days I get at least some moderate exercise...versus the days I sit on the couch. I have to much to do around my blog though it takes discipline to get up and get moving.
i wish that would work for my peeps. I take them out twice everyday but they are still so unfit *sigh* guess I need to work them harder
Excellent post! In the summer heat I'd find it all to easy to be a slug if it weren't for my pups.
Great Post! There are many evenings that I'd just skip our evening walk if it weren't for my dogs!!!! I loved this post.
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