Dog Exercise Boosts Heart Health for Pets & People. How Much Exercise Do Pets & People Need? According to a study by the National Institute of Health (NIH), experts report that enjoying at least one brisk 20 minute walk, 5 days a week is better than any drug on the market today to truly promote healthy hearts and graceful aging for us all!
How Does Exercise Improve Heart Health?
Reduces Blood Pressure: The American College of Sports Medicine published a report validating blood pressure reduction by 10mmHg detectable within 1-3 hours after a single 30 minute workout. This response lasted for up to 9 hours after the exercise ended. After beginning a consistent daily exercise routine, permanent blood pressure reduction became apparent within the first 3 weeks.
Improves Cholesterol Profile: Exercise improves Good Cholesterol [HDL] and lowers Bad Cholesterol [LDL]. These benefits can be documented in blood work after just 12 weeks of consistent exercise. It is valid to note that the amount of activity rather than the intensity of the exercise directly benefits cholesterol levels.
Helps Prevent Diabetes: A report published by the Diabetes Prevention Program validated the fact that exercise plus weight loss reduced the onset of Diabetes in high risk individuals by nearly 60%.
Prevents Excess Weight Gain & Reduces Risk of Obesity: Regular exercise for at least 20 minutes a day, 5 days a week is the minimum experts recommend. This not only burns excess calories but is one of the single most powerful tools available to maintain normal body weight and boost overall health for people and pets.
Maintaining a healthy body weight is critical to reduce your risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, high blood pressure, kidney failure and cancer.
Pet Obesity is defined as being 15 % or more above ones ideal weight range. Note that being just 10 % overweight reduces the healthy lifespan by 33%, in addition to predisposing you to the diseases mentioned above. That’s a fact and it’s as true for you as it is for Fido.
Dr. Carol’s Tip: 1 hour of canine exercise increases your dog’s healthy lifespan by 4 hours
Protects Your Brain: Regular exercise is a brain booster and helps to prevent Alzheimer’s disease, Senility and Dementia. In addition to the physical benefits of regular activity, exercise also strengthens the mind and keeps us mentally alert. Exercise improves circulation throughout the body and brain which boosts our ability to remain alert, concentrate and focus. Humans tend to become more optimistic mentally and experience less depression and anxiety.
Canines also benefit behaviorally as exercise is a great boredom buster. Published reports show that moderate activity for just 20 minutes a day, 5 days a week, reduces the risk of developing Alzheimer’s and doggie dementia by up to 40% week in older pets and people.
Increases Energy Production: Movement reduces feelings of fatigue. Just give it a try. When you wake up feeling tired and irritable try taking a walk with your canine and in most cases, after about 10-15 minutes, you’ll get a second wind.
Exercise induces energy production within your body which not only improves the body and brain it also helps our bodies burn fat more efficiently.
Strengthens Bones, Joints and Muscles: Once we enter our Golden Years, most individuals lose approximately 10% of their muscle mass and bone strength each year. Regular activity not only boosts lean muscle mass it also helps to prevent Osteoporosis and broken bones. Balance and strength are essential elements that we must also preserve as we age. In fact the ability to balance, for example to stand on 1 leg is a valid predictor of “injury-causing falls.”
Test Your Balance…Give it a Try!
If you can’t stand on 1 leg comfortably without feeling shaky for 30-60 seconds, it’s time to begin an exercise program. By taking the time to do balance, strength and other exercises regularly you can not only maintain your sense of balance, you can also restore what’s already been lost.
Exercise Works and Benefits Heart Health & Overall Wellness for People & Pets!
Exercise is integral to life! Not only is it essential for optimal health, it also improves circulation, stimulates the heart and other vital organs, facilitates digestion and helps eliminate harmful toxin from your body. Exercise provides aerobic activity that stimulates us mentally and physically. In addition exercising with your canine is FUN. It’s a great way to bond and it’s as good for you as it is for your dog.
Exercise Goals
Exercise promotes self-confidence, self-esteem and a sense of well-being.
Make the Commitment! Eat right and exercise with your dog at least 20 minutes, 5 times a week. You and Fido will both look good and feel great. Before long you’ll both be waggin your tails!
Dr. Carol’s Tip: “If you can’t exercise, stretch, swim and bone up on canine massage. It’s therapeutic and stimulates vital tissues. It’s also fun and feels great.
