So if you’re like most Americans, you made that year in – year out New Year’s resolution to lose weight this year! Well good for you! But will you do it? Try this method to stick to your game plan….exercise with your pet! Yes, your pet! They can make great workout partners and exercising together helps keep you both healthier.
While most people can think of all the ways you can workout with a dog: walking, running, bicycling while they run alongside, hiking, etc., cats can help you as well. Playing a simple game of fetch or hide and seek with your cat does the impossible…it gets YOU off that couch and out from in front of the computer or TV. We become more active when we interact with our pets. Both cats and dogs are great at foraging for treats and hiding those treats all over the house or yard gets you moving, bending and stretching! Doesn’t seem like a lot does it? Most exercise experts will tell you that moderate activity for 30 minutes, 5 days a week that gets your heart rate up is a good start. So race your cat up the steps! Play tag in the back yard with your dog. Get either your cat or your dog involved in agility – dogs can go out to an agility course or you can make one of your own. And you can make one inside for your cat too!
There are many great ways to exercise with your pet that doesn’t feel like exercise at all…and isn’t that the point! We are more willing to get up and move if it’s fun and not something we dread doing! And science has proven that interacting with our pets helps reduce stress and lower our blood pressure! What could be a better way to start the New Year than with an idea that is a WIN-WIN for both you and your pet?!
For more information on this topic, please click on the resource links below:
http://www.prevention.com/health/healthy-living/fun-ways-lose-weight-your-pet
http://www.animalplanet.com/pets/healthy-pets/10-fun-ways-to-exercise-your-dog/
http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/ss/slideshow-exercising-with-your-dog
http://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/dogs-exercise
