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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