
February 18, 2020 at 10:00AM by CWC
In the age of âif you didnât Instagram your workout, did it really count?â fitness can feel like an all-or-nothing propositionâbut it shouldnât. Together with Michelob ULTRAâthe next-level light beer that wants to take the stress out of staying fitâweâre exploring ways to be active that youâll actually enjoy. Because being healthy doesnât require fitness to be your whole life, just one (fun) part of it.Â
The ideal workout buddy is someone who supports you unconditionally, who always looks on the bright side, and who knows how to lift you up, especially when the going gets tough. They even lick your face when you hit a fitness milestoneâwait, what?
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Letâs face it: We all know dogs make everything better. But what you might not know is that owning a dog has health benefits that stretch way beyond feeling limitless love and happiness. So when we teamed up with Michelob ULTRAâthe light beer thatâs all about finding the joy in wellnessâit only seemed right that we unpack the wellness benefits of having a four-legged fit-friend. Because if thereâs anything better than the feeling of completing a great workout, itâs spending time with your dog.
Keep reading for the science-approved health benefits of owning a dog, plus a pup-friendly workout to do with your four-legged friend.
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Doctor doggo
They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but according to research, it turns out that Fido might help, too. Findings from the CDC suggest that pets can help reduce blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, and this statement from the American Heart Association cites multiple studies that found pet owners to be at lower risk of cardiovascular disease.
Struggle to hit your 10,000 steps for the day? Well, if you owned a dog, you have a built-in accountability buddy to encourage you to get stepping. Taking your dog for a walk (or jog if theyâre up for it) is great for spending quality time together, but it’s also a research-backed way to get your respective heart rates up: This 2019 study from the University of Missouri-Columbia found that participants who walked dogs for 20 minutes a day, five days a week, for a year lost an average of 14 pounds.
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And those are just some examples of the physical benefits. If youâre a dog owner, you know that having a canine friend can have a huge impact on your mental health as well. Aside from making you feel like the most important person in the world on a daily basis (cue the excitement every time you come home), researchâlike this 2011 studyâhas found that pet owners have a higher level of self-esteem, greater levels of fitness, and are less lonely than non-pet owners.
Plus, itâs hard to be stressed when youâre #blessed with a dogâs presence, even in the workplace. Research from VCU found that employees had decreased stress and increased job happiness with a doggo around.
How to turn your dog into an adorable personal trainer
Although the recommended amount of exercise varies depending on breed, age, and physical health, most dogs need to move, and so do you. If walking your dog around the block isnât cutting it (or you’re just looking to add some dog-approved fun to your workout routine), here are a few tail-wagginâ workout ideas to get you moving together.
But before you get sweating, paws for a moment (had to). Just like people, not all workouts are a fit for all dogs. Short-snouted breeds, like bulldogs or pugs, have a harder time breathing than other dogs, so use your best judgement and consult your vet before trying a high-intensity activity like distance running or agility courses with your furry friend.
Ball burpees: Yep, itâs your least favorite workout combined with your dog’s absolute favorite. Next time youâre in an open space, chuck a ball for your dog to fetch, and complete as many burpees as you can in the time it takes him to bring the toy back.
Stair masters: Next time you pass a set of stairs on a walk, run up and down them for a few reps (but be carefulâdogs tend to be quicker than us on stairs, so donât trip over her!).
Hit the dog gym: If youâre up to try something new and exciting with your dog, check to see if thereâs a Zoom Room or other agility course in your area. If youâve ever watched dog agility on ESPN, you know those dog handlers are working hard to keep up with their four-legged athletes.
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Anya Hindmarch - I AM A PLASTIC BAGSponsored by Michelob Ultra
Top photo: Stocksy/Bonninstudio
Author Well+Good Editors | Well and Good
Selected by CWC