Change can be hard, but if you're a dog owner looking to get in shape as summer approaches, you might already have everything you need. Here are 5 reasons your pooch could be just the motivation you've been looking for. 

You are accountable

Linking your wellbeing to your dog’s is a great way to prioritize your resolutions and stick to them for longer. Fitness guru Jillian Michaels says: “I have found that when people compromise their own health they often follow similar practices with their pets — overfeeding them and indulging them in dangerous ways. In addition, if the human isn’t prone to getting out and exercising, then chances are they certainly won’t get out to exercise their dog. This is why pet health is directly linked to the health of the pet’s owner.”

Many of us lose motivation to keep fitness goals for ourselves, but sharing the journey with your pet can motivate you to prioritize eating healthy and getting extra exercise. Seeing your dog’s health flourish can sometimes be all the motivation you need to keep going.

It’s less intimidating

Getting out to the dog park or a local hiking trail can be way less intimidating than walking into a gym full of fit people. Parks, hiking trails, and beaches are all great spots to exercise with a dog by your side - there are tons of fun spaces to take your dog, and none of them require a membership.

They’ll help you reach your goals faster

As reported by Women’s Health, a University of Missouri study showed that people who walked with dogs increased their speed 28% over 12 weeks, while those walking with another person increased by only 4.

There are a few reasons for that, most importantly that dogs help with consistency, something a lot of resolutioners struggle with. They love routine, so once you build the foundation for yours, your dog will keep you committed to it. Plus, while your mind can wander in the gym and slow you down, a dog has a one-track mind. They’ll keep your pace strong and your speed steady, so you’ll get more effective workouts to boot.

They’re always up for something new

With exercise buddies or routine classes, it can be easy to fall into a rut, and that rut can make it easier to blow off your exercise routine altogether. Dogs, on the other hand, are always up for trying something new, like a more challenging hiking trail, running instead of walking, or incorporating a frisbee or even a pet and pet parent exercise class - if you’re in a major city, chances are there’s one in your area.

It’s good for them, too!

Some studies show that nearly half the dogs in the US are overweight. Plus, many of their owners don’t even know it! Could your dog be among them? Keeping your pets trim can help slow or stop the onset of common conditions like arthritis and diabetes, which not only shorten your dog’s life, but lower their quality of life drastically as well.

So the next time you’re headed out for a workout, leash up your pup and bring them with you. You’ll strengthen both your health and your bond with each other - that’s a win-win.

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