Fitness with Fido

Incorporate Your Pup in Your Exercise Routine

By Camp Bow Wow

​

Most people mark the advent of a new year with some type of resolve to improve. And leading that list often is the desire to shift those post-holiday pounds. But although they may want to increase their exercise minutes, many pup parents feel guilty leaving their furry family members behind to rush off to the gym. One great option is to sign your pup up for a few hours of camp. They can work off their wiggles and gain social skills while you get your reps in at the gym. Or you could include Fido in your fitness routine! Your pup’s unconditional acceptance and boundless enthusiasm will make starting a new exercise program enjoyable and more sustainable. 

 

If you notice you and your pooch have gotten a 

little pudgy, you might need to start slowly to build up endurance. Walking is a great way to begin. San Antonio generally enjoys cool but not cold winter temperatures and plenty of sunshine, which makes a walk or run with Fido a treat. Set a plan to walk daily, upping your distance and pace as you are able. 

A walk doesn’t have to be boring. Load up your pup and explore some of San Antonio’s canine-friendly areas. Leashed dogs are welcome along the 15-mile San Antonio River Walk. Try the eight-mile stretch along the Mission Reach south of downtown for less congestion and a view of four Spanish Colonial missions. Comanche Lookout Park also offers more than four miles of trails to explore. Or you can people watch as you walk through dog-friendly Shops at La Cantera or Historic Market Square.  

 

Or why not incorporate Fido as you train? Your pup can help you do bodyweight exercises like squats and lunges as you hold his leash. Or develop your stability by holding a position while you play tug-of-war with a toy. You can try pushups or crunches with a slurpy dog kiss your reward for each rep. Direct your pup’s movement side to side with a toy as you perform a Russian twist, or encourage Fido to lie near you as you hold a plank or Downward Dog. 

 

If you are looking for cardio, play fetch. Add jumping jacks or burpees between throws to elevate your heartrate. You can also set up an obstacle course with items to crawl under, weave through or jump over for you and Fido to navigate together. You both can shuffle side-to-side, or you can work on your balance by standing on one leg while you direct your pup to sit or roll over. 

 

If you’d like to first try these moves under the direction of a fitness instructor, Go Fetch Run offers cross-training classes specially designed for people to enjoy with their pup. Their program combines strength, agility and cardio and is applicable for all fitness and training levels (although dogs must be well socialized and remain on leash.) Classes are held every Sunday morning at 9 a.m. on the east side of Phil Hardberger Park. The first Saturday of the month they offer a free introduction class as part of Fitness in the Parks. 

 

So don’t procrastinate. It just takes one step to begin your journey of fitness with Fido. You’ll both be grateful you did!