Although walking outside close to trees (green exercise) in general is known to lift your mood, walking for dog owners is even more fun. These “significant others” provide even more outside health benefits for owners.
A research team of epidemiologists, vets, and psychologists at University of Liverpool UK, show us that the dog walk makes the owners happier, motivates owners to get outside, and creates owner outside habits.
Dog As Nature Connector
Dog walking brought participants into connection with nature and their surroundings, other people, and also their own dog.
Dog As Motivator
The study showed that motivation to get outside is connected to the dog.
Some participants reported that dogs gave them the self-discipline to get up early, go out in the dark or the bad weather.
Many owners stuck to the habit.
Since going outside takes two, perhaps the habit is best described as a co-created between dog and owner.
Dog As Unique Outside Habit Co-Creator
Habit formation has been shown to be useful in promoting physical activity.
The study showed that some owners had strict routines and rituals, walking in the exact same time and place every day, taking the same route, with the same people.
Dog As Personal Trainer
Dog walking was described as particularly valuable as a means of exercise because it “doesn’t feel like exercise.”
Most owners felt that dog walking helped to keep them physically active and healthy, with some reporting increased physical activity, weight loss and improved management of health conditions since owning a dog.
Model Christie Brinkley Calls Her Dogs Her Personal Trainers
In a recent Women’s World features the most beautiful Christie Brinkley who calls her two dogs her personal trainers.
“My dogs and I feel best when we start out the day with a short run, and we especially love running on outdoor trails,” Brinkley said. “It’s more interesting for the dogs and works more leg muscles than running on a treadmill.”
Brinkley, 64 years old, says her two aging dogs are the secret to her not only looking, but feeling amazing.
She uses her dogs as motivators to get outside in the fresh air and get active. She rarely misses a day of exercise.
“If you can’t get motivated to exercise for your heart or fitness, do it for your four-legged ‘personal trainers,’” Brinkley said to Woman’s World.
