Obesity is on the rise – in both humans and dogs. If the thought of a workout doesn’t get you excited, perhaps you’ve been looking at it the wrong way. Tricia Montgomery, founder and president of K9 Fit Club, has some awesome ideas that will get you and your pooch of the couch and moving toward a fit future.
Exercise – you know it’s good for you. You know that it can give you energy, help you maintain a healthy weight, keep your muscles and joints flexible, help you live longer, and above all, make you feel better.
What about your best friend? Have you both succumbed to the lazy days of summer?
If you and your dog are finding a little more “pooch” where it shouldn’t be, not only are you not getting enough exercise, neither are they.
Without someone to lead the way, dogs can’t exercise or walk themselves; neither will they do a Puppy Plank or a Labby Leg Lift in their spare time. Parents have to be the motivator. But how?
The key to a great workout program is you; you have to make it enjoyable, for you both. Think about it – whatever your fitness level, if you are not having fun and enjoying the exercise, neither will your dog. Whether going through the motions, or lack of purpose, you have to have fun. Fun is where good habits begin.
Related:Furry Fitness: Fuzzy Buns Of Steel
Not only can exercise extend your best friend’s life; it may also expend some of their nervous energy and make them a little less likely to chew on the living room drapes. Getting in shape is a win-win for everyone, not just in terms of losing weight, or getting healthy – it is making a commitment to do exercise together
Dogs – They Get Us Moving
Just like their humans, different dogs need different amounts of exercise. Consult your veterinarian and family doctor before beginning any fitness program that is different from daily routine or normal activity to avoid injury. With a proper assessment for you both, you can embark on an exercise program that won’t seem “ruff” at all.
Just remember, like people who aren’t used to exercise, dogs should start off slow. And as we say at K9 Fit Club, a little bit of something is better than a whole bunch of nothing!
Related:Pumping Up With Your Dog At The Gym
Get Muttivated, Get Moving!
Here are just a few ideas to get you and your dog moving in the right direction:
The Benefits
Make the time to exercise with your dog. You will not only feel and look better; you will also reduce the risk of heart disease, lower your blood pressure, lessen your risk for allergies, and lower your level of stress. Not to mention adding a few more happy and healthy years to both of your lives!
So get up, get out, get MUTTivated, get moving and make a commitment for you and your best friend.
Tricia Montgomery founded K9 Fit Club® in 2012. Now serving as the President of the organization, Tricia’s diverse experience in veterinary medicine, public relations, animal rescue, personal training, and her own weight loss journey gave her the perfect combination of skills to create a nationwide community of certified trainers – dedicated to the health, fitness, and wellness of dogs and their people.
