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Fit Tip: Be As Excited to Exercise As Your Dog Is

FitSugar — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 16:00:00 -0800

Early in the morning, my dog Bonnie is raring to go. She wakes me up with tons of licks, and paces coyly around the room until I pull my lazy bum out of bed. She can't wait to get outside, not only to "do her business," but to run and jump and chase and play. Every day her boundless energy inspires me to get my body moving, too. She reminds me to stretch and I feel I should do a down dog every time she does. So the next time you see a dog zooming by, catch their buzz and be just as excited to exercise as they are.

If you have a dog that motivates you to get up and go, be sure to check out PetSugar's giveaway to win $250 worth of food, toys, and grooming supplies. Plus, two Kuranda beds will be donated to the animal shelter of your choice. It's a great way to thank your dog for encouraging you to get off the couch and move.

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Fit Tip: Get a Dog Exercise Buddy

FitSugar — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:30:00 -0700

Feel like you're not walking enough each day? Then you maybe want to get a dog.

Recent research has found that dog owners walk an average of 300 minutes per week whereas folks without dogs only walk around 168 minutes. Being accountable to someone else, even if it's a dog, makes us feel more motivated so I totally believe these findings. For me, I always take my dog on a long walk before I leave in the morning and when I get home because I feel bad that he's in the house while I am at work. He loves it and I know that I'm burning calories - everyone wins!

I'm curious about you guys. If you have a dog, do you feel like you walk more because of him?

Fit's Tip: I do want to add that a dog is a lot more responsibility than just having an exercise buddy. Be sure to do your research before you make the commitment.

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Is Your Dog Your Exercise Buddy?

FitSugar — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 02:30:00 -0700

I love my dog, not only for the attention and affection she gives me unconditionally, but because she's an awesome running buddy. I like to run with her at least twice a week. Not only does she seem to love it (which inspires me to love it too), but I appreciate that she helps me keep an even pace. She also gets me to run a little faster, especially up hills.

So I was wondering . . .

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Tips for Hiking Etiquette

FitSugar — Sat, 08 Sep 2007 03:00:00 -0700

Ahhh September. This is the perfect month to enjoy a day hike since the weather is usually a bit cooler, but still gorgeous. Since you already know what to pack, now all you need to know are some rules of hiking etiquette and ways to ensure you have the least amount of impact.

Stick to the dirt trail. It'll keep you safe and it will protect the natural environment. If everyone trampled wherever they wanted, there wouldn't be much plant life to enjoy.
If it's a hike you're not too familiar with pack a map of the trail, a GPS device and a compass. Getting lost is no fun. Also be considerate to your friends and family and let them know where you are going and when you'll be back. If anything happens, you want people to know where to look for you.
If you bring your dog, there may be a rule about keeping him or her on a leash. Follow this rule, as there may be fellow hikers on the trail who have other dogs or who are afraid of them. Be sure to clean up after your dog too.
Pack a small garbage bag so you can keep track of your trash and pick up after other messy hikers.

There's more you should know before hitting the trail. To find out read more

Don't disturb animals or their homes. If you see a beaver dam, just be an observer, and take a few pics if you want.
Along the same lines, don't pick flowers or plants. Leave them for others to enjoy. It's also not a smart idea to touch plants since you don't know which might be poison ivy.
Be one with nature. This means to keep your voice down and don't blare any loud music. If you scare off the wildlife, you won't have any amazing sounds to see and hear.
If you need to go number one, do so far away from the trail and any natural water sources. If you need to go number two, make sure you dig a hole first. Use nature's toilet paper (dead leaves) and bury it all when you're done.
If you see any damage to the trail or trail signs, note the exact location, and be sure to contact the proper authorities.

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Bike With Your Dog: Walky Dog

FitSugar — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 02:30:00 -0700

If you're anything like me you have major guilt doing any kind of outdoor activity without your beloved dog. Hopping on my bike would be a lot more rewarding if I could bring Bear (my dog) along, but it's just too dangerous. Ah, those puppy dog eyes are a killer though, aren't they...

So with this in mind, some imaginative dog lovers have created the Walky Dog ($39.95), which is a bicycle dog leash that attaches to the bike's frame that lets you ride your bike. This way, you can give your dog the complete outdoor experience along with you. Dogs need exercise too, so now you can give both of you a good work out. Want one? Then buy it directly from WalkyDog.com.

At Least Your Dog Can Be Fit

FitSugar — Thu, 17 May 2007 17:15:00 -0700

I recently went to the Humane Society to donate some old blankets and I saw one very overweight pooch that was rescued from an elderly woman's home. She just kept feeding the doggy a ton of food, but wasn't able to take him out for long walks.

Tons of food + No exercise = Fat dog, not a positive equation.

I just came across something to "cure" this problem. It's called the Happy Runner introduced by EasyStep. It's a neat little contraption that fits over your existing treadmill (you know, the one you bought last New Year's), so your dog can go for a walk or jog. This is NOT a joke - this is real.

It's great for preventing obesity, so pet dogs can get exercise even if their owners don't, can't or won't take them out. Also, how many times does Rover want to go for a walk, but it's raining, or too cold to go? Now you have no excuse to give woman's best friend the exercise he or she needs.

The Happy Runner fits over most treadmills because the width is adjustable (there are screws on the top), and the 4 red straps support your dog, and keep him or her centered and secure. I must stress how important it is that the dog be watched, in case little Max or Muffy trips or gets too tired, you can stop the treadmill immediately.

When your doggy is done with its daily jog, the Happy Runner folds for easy storage. I'm actually surprised that something like this wasn't invented sooner. The next thing you know, they'll make longer treadmills so you can walk with your dog. Now there's a brilliant idea!

Want to see more pics? Then read more

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Pet Food Recall Update - Was it Rat Poison???

FitSugar — Fri, 23 Mar 2007 17:15:00 -0700

Remember the Pet Food Recall I told you about? They thought it was contaminated wheat gluten that was causing cats and dogs to die of kidney failure.

Scientists at a food laboratory in Albany, NY found rat poison in the pet food they tested.

This poison known as aminopterin actually isn't legal to use in the U.S. for killing rodents, although it is used as a cancer drug because it inhibits the growth of malignant cells. It is highly toxic if taken in high doses, and for small animals like cats and dogs, it can cause kidney failure.

The rat poison could have been used on wheat imported from China, and that's why it was thought that the contaminated wheat gluten was the culprit.

Fit's Tips: So far 15 cats and 1 dog have died from kidney failure due to eating pet food manufactured by Menu Foods. If this pet food recall is news to you, check to see if your pet food is on this list.

Unleash the Fury - Exercise With a Dog

FitSugar — Wed, 24 Jan 2007 15:15:00 -0800

Okay, so you want to start running but refuse to use a treadmill because you believe breathing in the fresh air is half the point of going for a run.

But you're also nervous about running alone (your neighborhood is not the greatest).

Ever consider getting a dog? You'll both benefit from the exercise and companionship. A dog has to go out at least 3 times a day to relieve themselves - it'll be great motivation to get your butt off the couch, and get you both outside. Plus there is a new study that shows that dog owners are healthier than folks without pets.

You want to choose a dog that prefers an active lifestyle. And you should be committed to taking care of your dog for the rest of your life. This means giving your pet all the love, healthy food, and exercise it needs, because if you don't, your pet might get bored and look for other ways to keep busy and be "athletic" (aka - destroy your home).

Very important: Before getting a dog, you need to love running or jogging, and being outdoors first. Know that your dog will need to be trained to run, jog, or play with you. They'll also need to be at least 2 years old, because puppies shouldn't run long distances.

Want to know some great high-energy breeds to choose from? Then read more

Dalmation
Golden Retriever
Labrador Retriever
Greyhound
Rhodesian Ridgeback

Irish Setter
German Shorthair
English Setter
Collie
German Shepherd
Australian Cattle Dog
Shetland Sheepdog
Boxer
Rottweiler

All dogs require a lot of love, attention, and time to play around. But these breeds will love all the running around they can get.

Most small dogs, like Chihuahuas, are not built for distance running. And larger dogs, like Great Danes, are strong enough to drag you off balance.

Of course, all dogs have their own unique personality. Just because they are high-energy dogs, doesn't mean they'll love sticking to your strict exercise plan.

But owning a dog could be a great way to keep both of you healthy. Check out this book, it may give you some good tips on exercising with your pooch.

Fit's Tips: Start your running regimen slowly. Run half a mile every other day and build up gradually. Make sure you bring water along as dogs don't sweat like we do. And check your dog's paws for cuts before and after a run (they don't have the luxury of getting the newest Nikes).

Partner Yoga Pose: Triple Down Dog

FitSugar — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 15:45:00 -0700

Downward Facing Dog is a total body workout. It stretches your hamstrings and strengthens your upper body. If you do the Partner Yoga pose Double Dog, the person on the bottom gets even more of a deep stretch, and the person on the top gets a killer upper body and core workout.

What happens if you do Triple Dog with three people? It feels amazing to be physically connected to two other people like this. It takes even more strength and communication to get into this pose (and stay in it), but when you do, it's an amazing feeling.

To find out how to get into it, read more

Partner #1 begins in Down Dog. Partner #2 stands on the left side of them.
Partner #2 places their hands about 8 to 12 inches in front of Partner #2's hands.
Partner #2 lifts their right leg and places their foot on the bone (the back of the pelvis) above Partner #1's bum. Partner #2 repeats this action with their left foot, bringing it to the Partner #1 left backside. Partner #2 cups each side of Partner #1's pelvis with their feet. Partner #2 is basically doing Down Dog on top of their partner. Hence the name - Double Dog.
Now Partner #3 stands on the left side of Partner #2 and gets into Down Dog, with their feet cupping above Partner #2's pelvis.
This pose gets intense quickly because it takes a lot of strength to stay in it. Just make sure all three partners are communicating the entire time.

Fit's Tip: After you've had fun practicing with three people, try it with four or more. It is a veritable downward dog party!

Burn Calories, Walk Your Dog and Your Dogs

FitSugar — Wed, 24 Jan 2007 12:00:00 -0800

Time and time again I get requests for Jessica Biel's workout. I don't blame you for wanting to know what she does, the girl is ripped. I have also noticed, time and time again, that we are always seeing Jessica out walking her dogs.

While I am sure that she does WAY more than just walk her dogs for exercise, it definitely doesn't hurt for maintaining that figure of hers. A 130-pound woman walking her dog at about 2.5mph (average) will burn about 183 calories in one hour. For great tips on safe dog walking and to see even more pics of Jessica walking her dogs read more

Here are some great tips from Weather.com for happy dog walking this spring:

Just like people who aren't used to exercise, dogs should start off slow. Moderately paced walking and swimming are a good way to start--they let canine athletes build their cardiovascular and muscle strength without putting undue stress on their joints.
Keep a close eye on your dog: watch for any unusual signs of fatigue or trouble breathing. If your pup wants to stop, let him. Dogs that overdo it can suffer strained tendons or ligaments or other orthopedic problems.
Don't expect your fuzzy buddy to be a weekend warrior, even if you only get exercise on the weekends yourself. After a long week without exercise, your dog may be ready to get out and burn off energy. But because of their enthusiasm, many of the popular breeds, such as Labrador and golden retrievers, will overdo it.
Safety first--keep Rover on a leash when you run. Even the best-trained dogs can run into the path of a car or a territorial animal. And if you have to run when it's dark out, put reflectors on your dog's collar as well as on your clothes.
Concrete and asphalt are tough on the paws, especially on hot days. Try to run on dirt paths or grass as much as possible. Gravel, cinders, and road salt can also irritate paws.
Take it easy in extreme weather. If it's freezing cold or hot and steamy out, either keep your run short or play a little indoor fetch instead.
The more active your dog is, the more water he'll need. Make sure he has plenty of fresh water before and after your run. If you're going for a long run, take some water along for him.

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