Between work requirements, errands, and social events, sometimes I find it impossible to squeeze in time for myself. My whole week schedule is jampacked with responsibilities that it seems impossible to add another activity to my plate. As a result, I sacrifice that one thing I’m very much aware that is beneficial for my health—regular exercise.

I can’t be the only person who has had a “weekend” off from the gym that turned into a month-long hiatus. Especially when the pandemic forced gyms to observe social distancing and encouraged everyone to stay indoors, there seem more reasons not to break a sweat.

It was only recently when reality slapped me with a harsh truth: I justify my laziness with lame excuses. I realized that I should view exercising as a need, not a luxury. It has also occurred to me that motivation is not something that automatically comes to me but something that I have to create for myself.

My fitness motivation

Little did I know that the motivation I’m seeking is right beside me all along—my dog—my new ultimate fitness buddy! My fur baby helps me keep a positive attitude and break a sweat while having fun doing it. What’s not to adore about that?

If you’re looking for signs to start your fitness journey, the best time to do it is today! And the best workout buddy? None other than your four-legged best friend.

Throughout my fitness journey, I realized the importance of exercising with my dog. 

Here’s what I learned so far:

1. Exercise combats obesity

Humans and dogs are battling one enemy: obesity. In North America, around 25-30% of the general canine population is considered obese, 40-45% of which are 5 to 11 years old. Like us humans, dogs are also prone to obesity, which remains a big culprit behind illnesses like arthritis and heart disease.

To prevent obesity, I provide my dog with low-carb but high-protein dog food and squeeze in a 30-minute walk two to three times a week. Brisk walking for pups and people can have a multitude of benefits, including a stronger cardiovascular system, lower blood pressure, higher energy levels, and lower risk of depression—it’s definitely a win-win for both of us.

Exercise: Walking

Breed suitability: All dogs

Calories burned: Around 240 per hour.

Equipment required: Dog leash, harness or collar, and a comfy pair of shoes or sandals.

2. Exercise enhances your relationship

It was only a few months ago when I realized that our sedentary lifestyle and collective lack of exercise are taking a toll on our health. This is the point wherein I realized regular morning walks would not suffice to lose excess weight.

To level up our fitness routine, I tried dancing with my dog. Also known as musical freestyle, I choreographed a routine to dance with my dog. While dancing, I let him run around and between my legs and perform tricks. With dancing comes the burning of calories and the development of better stamina, balance, and muscle health!

Exercise: Dancing

Breed suitability: All dogs

Calories burned: Between 200 to 400 within 30 minutes.

Equipment required: Upbeat music, dog leash, harness or collar, and a pair of comfy shoes.

3. Exercise teaches you and your dog to be more disciplined

I must admit that at first, it was hard to set up a new fitness routine and stick to it, for it means recalibrating my weekly schedule. Getting into a whole new fitness routine was not fun at all, but with my dog, every exercise is a fun, memorable time for us. My workout buddy not only motivates me to stick to my routine, but he also helps me to enjoy our physical activities, may it be a long walk outside or a quick fetch game in the park!

Exercise: Fetch

Breed suitability: All dogs

Calories burned: Between 240 to 500 per hour.

Equipment required: A tennis ball (or any ball that has the same size) and a ball thrower.

Other exercises that you can do with your dog

Listed below are other exercises that you can enjoy with your dog:

• Swimming

• Jogging

• Frisbee

• Hiking

• Agility Training

• Bike ride

Whether you want a targeted fitness routine for your dog or need someone to help you track your dog’s progress towards better health, you might consider hiring a professional pet sitter or dog walker! These experts are trained to provide daily care for the dogs and give them proper exercise while their owners are away.