Dogs are excellent companions and are proven to be good for your health. According to research, dogs can decrease your cholesterol and blood pressure as well as your levels of stress and anxiety. They can also encourage you to work out and help you lose weight. They’re like a worthy gym partner, just a bit cuter.
You’ll stop seeing going to fitness classes and workouts as a hard task when you have your furry friend by your side. They are upbeat, make you laugh, and give you hugs at the end. If you’re searching for a few great methods to exercise with your dog, check out our list of activities that are suitable for both people and dogs.
A Light Jog
Start your day by briskly jogging to a park, playground, or beach near your house. You’ll need to get out of the house either way since your dog would want to do its business. The next step is to teach your dog to focus on the activity at hand—jogging—instead of becoming sidetracked by every smell they encounter.
You can use a leash to direct your dog’s path and regulate speed. Your dog will learn what to anticipate if you frequently take the same path, but you can also make occasional changes. Once your dog gets used to it, you can increase your speed, and your dog can run alongside you without a leash. That’s one way to get your day started!
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Squat And Throw
Grip the dog toy in your hand while standing with your feet shoulder-width apart. Bend at the hips and move your butt back to do a squat. (Stay upright and drop as much as possible without losing your position.) As you get back up, you can toss the ball or toy as far back as you can. When your dog fetches the toy, you can count that as one rep. Do ten reps or more if you feel like it.
Reverse Lunge
Get a dog treat and make little pieces of it. Allow your dog to sniff them in your palms before making fists and holding them next to your chest. The dog will turn to the next side when you turn your body. Step back with your right foot while standing and keeping your feet hip-width apart. Drop down to perform a lunge.
When you’re bending, turn your waist over the front thigh, then do the opposite, and then go back to standing. Do the same for the opposite side. This counts as one rep. Do ten or more if you’re up for it. Also, give a treat after every rep. You get a stronger body while your doggo gets a nice little treat.
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Cardio Workout
If you want to add some excitement to your routine early morning stroll, run for half a minute before performing a strengthening activity. For example, jog for 30 seconds, then perform squats. Give your pet a pat or a rub every time you sit down so they may also participate in the strength training. Some dogs even try to mimic everything their owner does.
Lunge and Shake
This exercise only works if your dog has been taught to shake hands; otherwise, rub instead of shaking. As mentioned above, do a reverse stepping lunge and when you drop, instruct your dog to shake. Very simple, yet it incorporates your dog every step of the way.
Doggy Push-Ups
It’s preferable to skip this one out if you have a weak back or a big dog. Put your dog on your back and perform 5–10 push-ups as an entertaining and difficult variation. It’s a way to work out and spend time with your dog at the same time!
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The Canine Wall Sit
There are two variations of this workout, one where you do it with a small dog and a large dog. If you have a small dog, you can align your back to the wall and stoop down until your knees are just above your feet. All of this need to be done at a 90° angle. Hold your pup at this position for a bit extra weight.
The same procedure needs to be followed if you have a large dog. Place yourself in this position and allow your dog to sit opposite you. Their paws would be on your legs or knees to provide some added pressure.
Excited to try out these exercises with your furry pal? Great! For more fitness-related tips and beginners’ guides, you can check out our blogs on FitEngine. We’re a platform dedicated to bringing you all the latest trends and news in Pilates classes, yoga classes, insanity workouts, etc.
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