For the Long Haul
January 2nd is the most populated gym day of the year. Is it the
New Year's Resolution thing or a bad case of holiday guilt?
Now that it's February and the holiday guilt has worn off, we
will see who's really in it for the long haul. We all know
how much easier it is to stick to a weight loss plan when we
have unconditional support from people close to us.
So, why not turn to your pet for
companionship?
Examine your pet. Is your dog a little hefty around the
midsection after all those holiday scraps and extra treats from
household guests? Are your cat’s ribs buried under layers of
fat, courtesy of a sedentary lifestyle? Does your pet seem more
reluctant to get up off his behind and greet you at the door? If
so, then consider recruiting your pet as your partner in
weight loss.
Physical activity is one of the two major components of weight
loss. It's easy and fun to involve your pets in your exercise
routine. |
Daring, Delightful Dogs
Fortunately for dog owners, no matter where you go, your
adventurous dog is more than willing to go along for the ride.
Most likely, it won’t be too difficult for you to coax your dog
into becoming your weight loss sidekick. When you go out for
your jog or for a power walk before or after work, why not take
your dog along? On the weekends, throw the Frisbee or your dog’s
favorite ball in the yard or at the local park, and don't be
afraid to get down and dirty. Wrestling with your dog in the
grass does wonders for the heart, the soul and the human-animal
bond. No matter what you do, the goal should be for both of you
to come back indoors panting. If you feel lazy one weekend,
don’t worry. Chances are your dog will keep you in line and will
start nudging you out the door.
Cautious, Cuddly Kitties
Certain methods of exercise that work for dogs generally don’t
work for cats. After all, cats aren't known for taking too
well to leashes. Though some cat owners do jog with their cats,
most cats are likely to dart off into a thicket or an alley
the moment they are let loose. How then does one fortify the
human-animal bond when exercising their cats? Well, there are
many indoor activities you can plan for them. While stretching
for your morning or evening run, you can hold a thick cord (that
your cat can’t swallow) for your cat to chase during your
movements. End your stretches by moving the string around you a
few times. Also, if you have stairs, you can walk up and down
the stairs several times dragging the string, giving both you
and your kitty a workout. Even when you’re watching television,
you can get your cat’s heart pumping with a kitty
fishing pole with dangling feathers. Move the pole while your
cat chases its prey. There are many clever ways to get those
furry legs and loving hearts pumping. Cats need physical
exercise for their cardiovascular system, just like us and they
need it for their joints, too. Some experts estimate that 90% of
older cats may have joint problems. A solution? Exercise, of
course.
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