How to Include Your Pets in Your Exercise Regime

If you exercise regularly and want to get your pet involved, you can turn playtime into a great workout for you and your pet. You can have fun and get active at the same time and enjoy quality time with your furry friend. 

Here are some fun and effective ways to include your pet in your exercise routines. These ideas are best suited for dogs but cats might enjoy them too. 

Ball Games 

Both dogs and cats enjoy ball games, get fit and incorporate ball games into your daily workout routine with your pet. Throw the ball and run with your dog or cat to fetch the ball, repeat five or six times or for as long as you can. You can also try rolling the ball along the floor instead of throwing it to add some variety to the game. 

Skipping 

Skipping is another high energy, fun activity to try with your pet, dogs and cats love to jump and run around. Skip and encourage your cat or dog to join in, they might be afraid of the rope at first but some dogs and cats can actually skip along with their owners. Give it a try! 

Remember the health and safety of your pet is important, if your dog or cat gets injured or you notice a change in their energy levels, take them for a check-up at a nearby animal hospital like Paoli Vetcare

Running 

Running requires no equipment, when you can’t think of any interesting ideas for workout routines or games, just run or jog. Your dog will certainly run along with you and enjoy every minute of it. A quick 30-minute jog with your pet will most definitely be beneficial for both of you. 30 minutes of daily activity can significantly reduce the risk of various health problems such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes. 

Jumping Jacks with Toys 

Grab some toys and do some jumping jacks and hold the toys as you jump to encourage your pet to jump along with you. You can also throw the toys and get your dog or cat to fetch and bring them back to you, this routine is high-energy and fun for you and your pet. 

   Yoga 

Believe it or not, you can do yoga with your dog, roll out a yoga mat for yourself and one for your dog. Yoga is generally best for dogs but you can try it with your cat too. Follow some simple yoga routines for dogs and humans online, this will relax and soothe your dog as well as provide him/her with much-needed exercise. This is a great workout to do before your dog goes to sleep after an evening walking session. Dogs and cats generally love to stretch, encourage them to do more stretching by including them in your yoga routine. 

Exercise doesn’t have to be boring, include your pets, stay active and spend some quality time with your furry friend.