Your Dog is the Workout Inspiration You Needed this Summer

June 12, 2017

We have all heard that fitness is important for your long-term well-being, but what about your dog’s fitness? Yup, you guessed it – it is just as important.

So why don’t you exercise together? (And we’re not just talking about a ten-minute walk!)

Not everyone is suited to be a “workout-aholic” or a “CrossFit master,” but you and your furever friend can start building up a healthy habit of working out this summer, with these dog-friendly, tag-team workouts.

And who knows? You might end up sticking with it into the fall, winter, and spring!

1. Strength training

   Yes, you can help you and your dog build up muscle mass. But how?
   
   
   
   Slimdoggy.com offers a few strength training options, including: wearing a weighted vest on a run, squats, sprints, rope tugs, and jumping exercises. Just be sure that you both use the right equipment, and properly stretch first!
   
   

2. Endurance running

   We’re not saying that you should train with your dog for a marathon, but you can certainly elevate your daily walks into light jogs and runs, and increase the distance each time you go out. You’ll give yourself and your dog a great workout! (Just be careful not to overdo it, especially with elderly dogs.)
   
   

3. Agility training

   
   
   Obstacle courses aren’t just for show dogs and their owners. You too can build a fun course of jumps, ramps, and tunnels in your backyard for your dog to run through. And don’t worry – in the process of training them how to run the course, you’ll get quite the workout!
   
   

4. Sprints and lunges

   A great way to get some sprints and lunges in for both you and your dog is to grab a tennis ball and an isolated wall, and throw the ball against the wall. Then, both you and your dog chase after the ball, and the first one to reach it wins! Then rinse and repeat, changing the direction the ball will go by angling your throw differently.
   
   

5. Doga (doggy yoga)

   Yes, you read that right. Doggy yoga!
   
   There are now programs being run across the United States that blend yoga with moves that your dog can participate in. And as you might already have heard, yoga has been proven to lead to some great health benefits, including added flexibility, muscle toning, and strength building. Namaste to both you and your pup!
   
   

Do you feel inspired? We’d like to know!

Share your tales of working out with your dog in the comments below, and help your fellow pet-lovers get up, get active, and get fit!

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