Workout Wednesday...Walk Your Dog

If you don't have a dog (or two) by all means you can still walk (tee hee!).  For those who do have a dog, ever wonder why your doggie is so much happier and calmer after you walk them? (making sure it's more than down the street and back)  Well, dogs have lots of energy and if it's not 'worked out' they can get cranky, hyper, destructive and just plain naughty.  Doesn't that sound like us sometimes?

And we're off!

Bailey loves to 'smell' the flowers (he tries to eat them afterward)

Cooper likes to copy what big 'brother' does

Here are some benefits of walking:

• Lowers you blood pressure 
• Improves your mood 
• Helps to manage weight
• Reduce your risk of or manage type 2 diabetes
• And increases your HDL cholesterol (the 'good' kind)

Wow, all that from walking?  YES!  Here is a Calorie Calculator to help you see what just a little (or a lot) of walking can do for you.

Tips:

• Make sure you get fitted properly for walking shoes. 
• Wear comfortable clothing and possible layers for temperature changes that have 'wicking' ability...no cotton, especially your socks
• If you've been walking for awhile, increase your distance or time and pace
• If you're just starting out, 10 to 15 minutes is plenty for the first week or so then gradually increase from there.
• Five minute warm up with a slow pace walk or walking in place and a 5 minute cool down
• Stretch after your walk

And that's about it.  Let me know how it goes!

Go for a walk, you (and your dogs) will feel better!