Walking Your Dog for Better Health

By Donna Stark

If you love your dog (how could you not?) and like to be outdoors, February is the month for you! Why? Because it's time to celebrate your walks! National Walking the Dog Day occurs in February and if you aren't taking advantage of that special time with your four-legged friend, you may want to start today. Man's best friend and outdoor exercise are known to make us happy, and if anything is needed right now, it's a little more happiness in the world. So go ahead and grab that leash! Here are some of the benefits that will come from it.

A Perfect Morning

Let's go one step further and add one more happy thing to the picture ... a cup of coffee. Now, imagine a cool morning, the leash in one hand, and your coffee in the other. Could there be any better way to start your day? In addition to getting some extra steps on your fitness tracker, walking your dog in the morning is a great way to clear your head and plan the day.

More Exercise

Speaking of the perfect morning, don't be surprised if you end up walking further than you planned. Walking with a companion, even when that companion has four legs, may motivate you to stay outdoors longer which may encourage you to engage in even more exercise. And if you have the time, bring a ball or frisbee along! Your dog will love you for it!

Improved Joint Health

If you want to maintain joint function and mobility, you need to keep moving, and walking is the perfect way to do so. Walking is one of the best joint-friendly workouts you can choose, and with your favorite pooch by your side, there's no reason not to head out for one. So, set the pace, or let your dog set it, and get those joints moving!

Better Balance

As we go through the aging process, our sense of balance tends to get worse and our risk of falling will generally increase. Thankfully, our dogs can help us avoid that. Taking your dog for a daily walk can help strengthen both your joints and muscles, which will only improve your balance and stability.

Walking Your Dog for Better Health

There you have it. Four huge benefits that will hopefully encourage you to take your dog outside for a walk. So, are you ready? You know your dog is! Grab your leash and go!

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Prosper, Tex.