Anyone who has a dog knows just how excited they get when you walk through the door to see them. Think about it — if your dog can put on an entire performance just to greet you, then why can't you work up the motivation to stay in shape for yourself too? When the idea of working out brings on genuine dread, seek some motivation from your fur baby!
1. Burpees With A Treat!
For a full body workout, invite your dog to come to do burpees with you. Grab a treat and have your dog jump up to catch it as you lift your arms above your head to jump. When you squat down into pushup position, keep the treat in your hand so your dog can lunge down to get it. Repeat this process without letting your dog get to the treat until you finish. This will drive your dog crazy, and the more impatient he grows, the faster you will go! This cardio session is guaranteed to feel more like a game than an actual exercise, and it will benefit both of you!
2. Using Your Dog As A Weight
The possibilities are endless when you utilize your dog's weight to build up muscle strength in your own body. The most feasible method for making use of your workout buddy would be for exercising your lower body strength. Hold your dog like a baby in your arms as you hold a wall sit position. Keep the dog held in this position, and then transition into squats. The added weight will help tone your legs and put on muscle. Bonus points if your dog is fat and lazy! If your dog is anything like mine, then that means you will be carrying him everywhere. This is great for building upper body strength, and it is just like lifting weights (but fluffier)!
3. Doggie Planks!
As you get into plank position, have a friend place your dog on top of your back. Not only will the added weight improve your core strength, it will also aid with your ability to balance. Try to see how long it takes before your dog gets bored and jumps off. Set a goal for yourself that you won't end your plank until your dog calls it quits.
4. Fetch With Sprints
If your dog isn't exactly "well trained" then this is the game for you. Trick your dog into working out with you by throwing the ball for him to fetch it, but race to see who gets to it first. If your dog is anything like my dog Rocky, then he will probably sprint after the ball but never bring it back. If this is the case, make sure you get to the ball first. The dog will be super excited to try to get the ball and will not leave you alone until he does!
5. Runs Around the Block
Walking can turn into a spontaneous sprint session at the smell of another dog. Just as you are walking at a good pace, your dog will inevitably pick up a scent that will send him racing to the next tree on the sidewalk. Use this to your advantage as you both work up a sweat from sprinting to various spots in the neighborhood. When your dog stops to smell around, catch your breath and then continue to run after him.
6. Step Climbing With A Surprise
Workout Rocky style (Yes, my dog's name is Rocky — pun intended). Find a long set of stairs to climb with your dog for a great leg exercise. Have your dog sit at the bottom as you jog up to place a treat on the top. When you reach the last step, call your dog's name and have them run to get the surprise. As the dog runs up, you run down and place a treat at the base of the stairs. Repeat the process until you both can't climb anymore.
7. Resistance Walk
Not quite your traditional walk through the neighborhood, a "resistance walk" involves using the natural elements to make walking a little more difficult. Go outside to an area filled with sand, snow, or shallow water to tread along the ground. This will improve endurance in both you and your dog and will be much more challenging than a stroll around the block.
8. Reverse Lunges With Paw
Tell your dog to sit while you stand in front of him. Step back with one foot so that your front leg is bent, and then tell your dog to "give paw." As you continue to lunge, keep having your dog repeat the command to improve his obedience as you tone your calves.
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