Lara’s Top Ten ways to exercise with your dog
By Lara Wittstadt
Grab your fluffy friend, lace up those sneakers, and enjoy multi-tasking at it’s very best! These exercises are also great with a stroller, friend, or on your own:
1: Jogging – A light running pace is a fantastic way to warm-up your leg muscles. Anywhere from 2 – 10 minutes is adequate depending upon your body and physical fitness level.
2: Knee lifts – Lift one knee at a time to 90 degrees. This can be done at a slow or very fast tempo for about 50 yards. Squeeze those abs tight; this is an excellent low abdominal workout!
3: Butt kicks – Kick one knee back at a time, aiming for your glute muscles. Again, tempo may be slow for beginners or rapid for veterans.
4: Lunges – At this point, your adoring pet may need a rest. Going forward, step one leg in front and bend straight down (both knees will be bent). Make sure you are not leaning forward too much; your front knee should not be gapping over your toes. Alternate legs, performing 5 – 10 lunges on each leg.
5: Arm circles – Let’s not leave those arms out of the workout! Go back to a jog and lift arms 90 degrees out to each side. Perform 15 clockwise tiny circles and 15 counter-clockwise circles.
6: Toe walks- Stand up tall on your toes and walk about 50 yards. Keep your posture high and feel the burn in your calf muscles.
7: Side shuffles – Have one side of your body facing your pet and do a sideways walk/shuffle. 50 – 100 yards should be adequate and be sure to even out the legs and repeat on the opposite side.
8: Grape vines – Again, have one side of your body facing your dog and begin to twist your hips as your feet cross over one another. This is a great side abdominal workout, so be sure to stand tall and squeeze the stomach tight.
9: Forward jumps – Find a softer spot along the walk (preferably grass or sand) and with ankles glued together, bend the knees and perform 5 – 15 jumps forward. Be sure to have a tight grip on the leash so your pup does not pull you too far forward.
10: Sprinting – Challenge your dog to a race! Sprinting can be done over a short or long distance. If you are up for it, start with 3 quick sprints about 50 yards long. Your pooch will be guaranteed to relax the rest of the day and your legs will soon look leaner, stronger, and sexier.
Get out there and sweat with your pup! Your furry friend and your body will thank you. Happy exercising!
Lara Wittstadt has been a personal trainer in the Charleston area for over two years. She is the owner of Beach Bella Fitness, which offers in-home and outdoor personal training, boot camps, and beach circuit classes. Please join Lara for a free class! Go to www.beachbellafitness.com or contact Lara at: Lara@beachbellafitness.com or 817-2850 for more information.
