Dog Walk Workouts - Cardio for Both of You

It's not the end of the world for most of us when we put on a pound or two over the winter, but for dogs, it's a much bigger deal and definitely detrimental to their health.

Fortunately, there are tons of fun ways to get fit with your favorite furry friend, and in this column, we're looking at some cardio options. If none of these ideas inspire you, think about what it is that you really like to do, then talk to your vet, a dog trainer, or a few puppy-loving pals to come up with ways to involve your four-legged friend in your exercise routine.

Pre-Workout Prep
Before you start on any exercise program with your dog, you need to make sure your pup is ready to perform.

"Be sure to first visit your physician and veterinarian to make sure you are both healthy enough to begin a regular fitness training program. It is important to speak with your doctor and vet about the ideal weight and body shape for you and your dog so you can work towards those goals," recommends Canine Fitness Expert Gail Miller Bisher. She developed the Super Fit Fido Club, based in New York City, to help owners and their dogs shape up, so she knows a thing or two about how to get started.

In addition to what your vet looks for (like arthritis, heart murmur or other potential problems), Bisher has a few other things you'll need to be on top of before you begin.

- Short Nails Are Essential: "This is a must for a dog about to begin an exercise program. If your dog's toenails are too long, exercising could injure feet. Be sure to have them clipped before beginning and then regular exercise will help keep them short."

- Focus On Obedience: "It's always good to brush up on basic commands such as sit, stay, wait, come, down, heel, etc. These commands can be integrated into your walking workout routine once your dog has adjusted to going out with you on a regular basis. It is important that you have control of your pet when doing a brisk walking routine."

- Keep Fido Close: "For a controlled workout, your dog should be no more than three feet away from you, and you should have complete control of him. Remember, this time is for controlled exercise, not free wandering or social time. They can injure themselves or you if they suddenly lunge in front of you or abruptly chase after something.

- Gear Up: You will need to carry water for both of you, and a collapsible bowl for your pet (if there aren't doggie watering holes on your route), poop bags and your cell phone, in case of emergency."


Hitting the Road
Once you're ready to get sweaty, here are few things that you both might enjoy.

- Walking: A brisk pace makes this an easy and effective way to burn calories while bonding with your pet -- and something you can start immediately..

- Running: This is a good option for many dogs and dog owners. Check out Paw Nation's article on running with your pooch for things you should know.

- Interval Training: When it comes to making the most of your exercise time, interval training (high intensity exercise alternating with low intensity periods) is a smart choice, according to That's Fit. This kind of training is challenging and fun and is great for people who want to give their dog a little more to do than just run beside them.

Nolan Ferraro, founder of Salire Fitness in New Orleans, has come up with a fun 40-minute interactive, interval-based workout to do with your dog.

1) Warm up with a five-to-10-minute jog from your house or car.

2) Play fetch for 15 to 20 minutes. Ferraro recommends that you toss a Frisbee to your dog and sprint or jog to another spot where your dog will return the Frisbee. Consider using cones or other markers set far apart to help you challenge yourself and make it easier for your dog to meet you at a specific spot.

3) Work in 20 push-ups, 20 ab crunches, and if you can bring light weights, do biceps curls as well. Consider incorporating other types of strength training by doing lunges and leg scissors while you wait for your dog to catch up to you.

4) Jog back afterward.

If you do all this, says Ferraro, "You'll have a 40-minute workout and the whole time, your dog is stimulated and happy!"

Tags: dog, interval training, IntervalTraining, running, running with dogs, RunningWithDogs