Last Updated on October 21, 2017 by marcypro17cybertegic
Owning a pet dog can be good for you. Studies have shown that pet ownership, in general, can help reduce the risk of heart disease, lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and can help you relax. Aside from using your best home exercise equipment, dogs can also be good for achieving your fitness goals.
It’s important to remember that exercising isn’t just for us people, it can also benefit our furry friends. As you’re planning your exercise routine, consider letting your pets join you so both of you can have fun together staying fit. Grab your dog’s favorite toy and use that to motivate him to move with you. Here are some routines you can try at home together:
Squats
Stand in front of your dog. Keep your feet a hip-width apart, and toes slightly pointed out. With your right hand, hold your dog’s favorite toy or treat. Make sure you get its attention before you begin the movements.
Now that you have your dog’s attention push your hips back to perform a squat and pass the toy/treat under your left leg coming from your right hand and pass it to your left hand. Stand up now with the toy/treat in your left hand. Count that as one rep. Alternate the toy between both of your hands each time you get up. Perform 10 reps.
Lunges
Position yourself in front of your dog with your feet together. Hold your dog’s favorite toy/treat in your right hand. Step your left foot behind you then lower yourself into a lunge. Allow your right arm to touch the floor so your dog can get its toy/treat for one count. Stand right back up to your starting position and count that as one rep. Do 10 reps with one leg then switch to the other for another 10.
Superman to Hollow Hold
Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet up. Hold the toy/treat with your arms above your head. Roll onto your right shoulder as you turn over on your stomach. Extend your legs and lift them off the floor as you lift your chest and elbows off the ground. Hold your dog’s toy in front. This works if your dog knows how to roll over. Now move back to lying down as you roll with your left shoulder and get back to your starting position.
Turn to your right five times, and then do the same motion with your left.
Pushups
Modify your starting pushup position to accommodate you holding your dog’s toy/treat under your right hand. Carefully lower your body into a pushup, as you press up and reach the top of the pushup, extend your right arm (with the toy/treat) and reach the toy up towards your dog. Bring your hand back to the floor and repeat. Do five push-ups with your right arm raised, and then do the same with your left.
With these routines, you can help both you and your dog to stay physically fit. These exercises are also a fun way to bond with your best friend. For more information on different workouts or quality gym products for your home, check out MarcyPro.com!