You like to exercise. And your pup likes to exercise. But working out at the same time can be…a challenge (have you seen those videos of dogs interrupting their humans’ yoga routines?!) Since we like to do errything with our dogs, we came up with a few moves you can actually do together—without getting completely kicked off the mat. Teddy the Mini-Goldendoodle was more than happy to play along.

Want to try this at home? We came up with a few suggestions. If you are wondering what makes a good workout to do with your dog, the answer is quite simple. Anything that gets your pup moving will help him to maintain a healthy weight, improve cardiovascular health, and could even increase his lifespan. Just like humans experience the benefits of fitness, dogs enjoy these same perks. So why not double the fun and work out with your dog?

Benefits of Dog Workouts

A fit dog is a healthy dog! According to the Association of Pet Obesity, a shocking 54 percent of dogs in the United States are obese. Extra pounds on your dog can be dangerous and even deadly. Health risks associated with obesity in dogs include ACL tears, arthritis, diabetes, and a shortened life span, just to name a few.

Additionally, regular exercise for dogs can prevent behavioral issues associated with frustration like home destruction, barking, and hyperactivity. Working out with your dog can even prevent dog depression. At the end of the day, a physcially and mentally stimulated dog is a happy dog.

When it comes to you, the pet parent, statistics suggest that working out with a buddy increases your chances of sticking to an exercise regime, and nobody ever said that buddy couldn’t have four legs and a furry demeanor.

Working out with your dog is a great way for both of you to burn some calories while bonding, and he won’t cancel on you last minute because of a pedicure appointment!

5 Dog Workouts to Try!

1. Take a hike with your dog. Outdoor exploration is heaven for dogs. Even if you consider yourself indoorsy, it’s impossible to resist the contagious excitement and pace of a dog on the trail. Pack some water for both of you and follow his lead up the path. Need some route ideas? Check out these dog-friendly hikes!

2. Cross-country skiing. Try this amazing full-body winter workout alongside your dog. Your pup can runahead to frolic in the snow. Just remember to protect his paws!
3. Swimming. Swimming laps can be boring, but swimming with your lap dog is amazing! Dogs love swimming, and playing around in the pool is a great workout sesh for both of you. And just in case you think swimming laps burns more calories, doing the doggy paddle (aka treading water) burns about 100 calories in ten minutes and works your core to the core. Keep things interesting with these dog water toys.
4. Bike with your dog. If running together is a mismatch (your bum knees vs. his bionic pace), hop on your two-wheeler. You bike, your dog runs alongside, and you both get a great workout.
5. Play frisbee. You’re used to tossing a frisbee to tire out your dog, but there’s no rule book that says the tosser can’t be the chaser too. Toss the frisbee and race your dog to retrieve it. Sure, most often you’ll come in second place, but second-place calories burned still count.

Before you head out for your new workout adventure. Have a chat with your doctor and your dog’s vet to make sure you have planned an activity that is safe for you. If you or your pup are getting back into exercise after a break, its just a good idea to make sure you’re being safe and smart. And if you’re not quite ready? There are some fun ways to turn a run of the mill walk into a workout to kickstart your exercise plan.

Along with frequent exercise, diet and nutrition play an active role in your pup’s health and wellness. Whether they need to lose weight, gain weight, or just maintain their current weight, Ollie’s customized meal plans are crafted with your dog’s unique goals in mind.

The Ollie blog is devoted to helping pet parents lead healthier lives with their pups. If you want to learn more about our fresh, human-grade food, check out MyOllie.com.