Are you struggling to lose those last few persistent pounds? Trying to lose a couple of inches around the midsection? Or do you just want to be more active to see improvements in your overall health? Well, a recently published study concluded that most people, especially those over 40, would benefit more from owning a dog than from buying exercise equipment.
The study, conducted by Michigan-based researchers, sought to determine whether households with dogs lead more active lifestyles overall. What they found was not surprising: Owning a dog not only requires you to go on daily walks, but also results in more frequent leisure time physical activity.
In addition to taking Fido for a walk, many dog owners also went dancing, did some work in the garden, and played recreational sports. What does all of this extra activity translate to? Increased cardiovascular endurance, a slimmer waistline, and the daily exercise needed to keep your furry friend both healthy and well-behaved.
Let’s break down some of the numbers from the study:
- The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommends that adults get at
least 2.5 hours of aerobic exercise per week. - Dog owners are 34% more likely to meet or exceed the PAGA’s recommendation.
- About 2/3 of dog owners reported that they regularly walk their dog. These individuals, on average, walk 60 minutes more each week than those who only walk their dog occasionally.
- For added benefit, consider getting a medium or large breed of dog. They are taken for walks that are as much as 30% longer than small breeds.
Matthew Reeves, a researcher from Michigan State University, added this, “There is no magic bullet in getting people to reach those [federal physical activity] benchmarks, but owning and walking a dog has a measurable impact.” It’s not hard to understand, when you consider that most individuals would rather go for a run or a walk with their dog in the great outdoors than muscle through a bland training session on a treadmill at their local gym or in their home. So, if you’ve been on the fence recently about owning a dog or about meeting your fitness goals, consider this study a gentle nudge in the right direction. Adding a canine companion can not only provide a loving, lifelong friend, but can also help you build a healthier you.
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