Can a Dog Be Your Exercise Plan?

 

The Well health blog in yesterday’s New York Times boldly proclaimed Forget the Treadmill. Get a Dog.

Oh, if only it were that simple. Get a dog; take it out for walks daily; and your daily exercise needs were met. The data from several studies show mixed results. Not everyone went out for walks. Some just put the dog out in the yard to run around. Others complained about the weather. And some said they were too old or frail to walk the dog. Still others hired someone to walk their dog!

“If we’re committed to a dog, it enables us to commit to physical activity ourselves.” Said Dr. Rebecca A. Johnson.

There is something that is extra motivating in doing for others—whether they are human or canine.