Working out is critical for successfully maintaining your health and overall physical wellbeing. On the other hand, dogs play a crucial part in people’s lives by being their best and most loyal companions. Dogs have an incredibly positive influence on people’s psyche. Now, imagine if you could combine the two.
Exercising is as good for your dog as it is for you. It’s mutually beneficial, fun and relaxing and can be a great way to bond with your pet. But aside from going for walks, you may be wondering what sort of exercises you could do with your dog.
Here are some exercise ideas that you can enjoy with your beloved pup:
1. Swim in the summertime
In the summertime, there’s nothing better than having a refreshing swim in the pool or lake. If you live by the sea, it’s even better. Swimming is one of the best workouts, as it activates most muscle groups at the same time. When swimming, the human body uses both arms and legs, but it also requires muscle power from your back and torso.
Additionally, most dogs enjoy swimming as well, so your swimming partner will undoubtedly have fun, too. You can even take it up a notch by bringing a frisbee or your pup’s favorite ball into the water. That way, your dog will have something to chase after, even while in water.
2. Try Tennis
Most people around the world will never have the opportunity to play against some of the world’s greatest tennis players like Novak Djokovic or Roger Federer. But who needs tennis champions when you have a dog to play with? There’s no more eager opponent than an energetic pooch.
To make this possible, you’ll need to tweak the game rules a bit. Your pet may not know the difference between an ace and a fault, but they’ll run to retrieve a tennis ball faster than any human. As your pup can’t hold the racket, it won’t be able to return the ball, but it can still participate. Hitting a tennis ball on a court, or even in an empty park will provide you with excellent physical training, while your dog will enjoy chasing after the ball and bringing it back to you for another serve.
3. Play Frisbee with Entire Family
Another exercise that can include yourself, your family and your dog is a game of frisbee. You can make a circle around your pup and throw the frisbee to each other while your dog tries to catch it on the fly, or even throw the disc far away and let your dog run and catch it mid-air.
Not only are these workout ideas excellent for improving your hand-eye coordination, but they’re also great for your dog’s agility. Additionally, frisbee is a great substitution for a classic cardio workout. You and your family can enjoy the time together, while bonding with the family pet.
4. Go for a Trail Run
Few exercises are as enjoyable as taking your beloved dog on a trail run on a sunny day. Running is one of the best workouts as it’s high intensity and targets many muscle groups, as well as strengthening the lungs. Unlike a regular road run, trail running allows you to immerse yourself in nature and appreciate scenery as you exercise. These paths are ideal for dogs as there are plenty of sights and smells to keep them engaged.
As running on uneven terrain is more difficult, trail running makes people train harder, and is better for your dog’s paws than road surfaces. This option is an excellent workout for you and your dog that’ll provide you with fresh air and freedom.
5. Stretch with Doggy Yoga
If you never heard of doggy yoga before, you’re in for a treat. Doggy yoga or “Doga” is an excellent full-body stretch workout that will benefit you and your four-legged furry friend, incorporating traditional yoga moves with dog-friendly poses. There are numerous videos online explaining how to perform certain Doga stretches as well as correctly aligning your postures with your dogs during the workout session.
Wrap Up
Exercising is needed for the body to function correctly. However, exercising alone can be tedious and many people lack motivation. If you have a dog, consider partnering up with your pup to liven up your regular regime. From frisbee to doggy yoga, exercising with your pet provides ample benefits and will help strengthen your bond.
