Great workouts for you and your pet

Posted on fitness

Is walking your four-legged friend regularly too monotonous for you and would you therefore like a change of pace? Here is a selection of 7 fun workouts that you can try out together with your pet.

Pets are great! Where can we relax better than when our cat crawls? What puts us in a good mood more than being greeted by our dog! But can your pets also help you get in shape?

It is not surprising that, as a recent study showed, dog owners are generally 34% more active than people without pets — and working out with the dog can go beyond a simple walk. We've picked out seven fun workoutsto keep you and your pet healthy and fit.

1. Go for a walk
That's arguably the most obvious of all workouts—but dogs love it. So grab the leash and off you go! Just like humans, dogs need regular exercise. This allows you to perfectly combine your running training with the needs of your four-legged best friend. Don't worry that a run is too fast for the dog - even a small puppy will be able to keep pace with you.

2. Biking
Dogs can be real bundles of energy. So make sure that your pet always gets enough exercise, even though that's often a big challenge. If your dog has nervously circled around you a few times, then it's probably time to get on the bike saddle and go on a short tour with him. While your dog slowly starts to get tired and calm, you can enjoy a nice cardio workout.

3rd Flyball
If you've ever watched the annual “Crufts” dog show, then you certainly know about “Flyball.” The hyper-dynamic, competitive workout is popular with dogs and their owners alike, as learning this sport can be a lot of fun. It's more of a workout for the dog, but you too can “make it harder” for yourself by chasing after your dog and the fly ball.

4th Doga
You have to see “Doga” to believe that it actually exists. The term is composed of “dog”, the English word for dog, and the traditional form of Hatha Yoga. This workout improves flexibility, reduces the risk of injury and strengthens the core of the body. To try out “Doga”, however, you need a small, cuddly dog, because doing this form of workout with a stubborn Saint Bernard only leads to back pain.

5. Agility training for dogs
Canine agility, a skill training for dogs, is an ideal and fun workout to keep yourself and your pet fit. Training your own dog for an obstacle course will not only strengthen your bond with your animal, but also encourage your four-legged friend's discipline. And since you have to run with your pet during the course, your heart rate will also rise.

6. Surfing
The Internet is full of videos that film animals surfing. From dogs, pigs and goats to water-shy cats, everything is included. Is your pet a budding Kelly Slater? The only way to find out is to put your pet on a surfboard, put a mini life jacket on it and hope for the best.

7. skateboarding
Working out on the board seems to be particularly popular among the animal world. Animals on skateboards are just as popular on YouTube as furry surfers — at least there is no risk of drowning on a skateboard. It is therefore less dangerous to find out whether your animal is a natural skateboarding talent or not.

Some of these workouts are of course more practical than others, but owning an active pet is definitely an ideal motivation for your own fitness. So go out into nature with your pet and both benefit from the benefits of working out together.

Posted on fitness