There are plenty of reasons we give we give for not having time to exercise. Jobs, families, social obligations, technological tethering, bills, meal-preparation, parents, kids, dogs—the list feels longer everyday.
But if we stop for two seconds, the latter item in that list may just clue us in to a kernel of truth about our well-being and productivity.
What, you may ask, does my dog have to do with any of this?
Fido, like you, is a sentient being—capable of pain and pleasure, anxiety and relaxation. (See more here.) But unlike you, your min-Pin or Labradoodle doesn’t walk around with a smartphone, concerned about pleasing their employers or keeping up with the Joneses.
Dogs are a little more in tune than we are with their own basic needs, and because of this they make great teachers when it comes to exercise. Here are four life lessons I’ve learned from my Chihuahuas:
#1. Not exercising makes me naughty.
It’s the same chemical process that shuffles endorphins to a tightly-wound pup after his or her walk that also guides our own stress-response. If your dog acts out after being cooped up all day in a kennel, what makes us think we’ll act any more sophisticated after 8 hours in a cubicle?
#2. Exercise is fun.
Mention the word “walk” to a dog, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find one rolling its eyes and moaning about how they just aren’t feeling it. Whether it’s a power walk or a game of fetch, dogs are into the experience. They don’t move their muscles to get flat abs—they do it because it feels good, is mentally engaging, and is just plain FUN.
#3. Stretching is a way of life.
What’s the first thing a dog does upon waking? A big yawn and stretch are, without fail, the first agenda items after a spell of sleeping or lounging. (They don’t call it downward-facing dog for nothing!) Humans, however, treat stretching like an afterthought at best—typically begrudging it as a necessary evil that doesn’t seem that important because it doesn’t burn calories. Dogs, however, simply stretch because it feels good. And if we stretched more than once a week, it would probably feel better to us too.
#4. Everything is better with friends.
It’s rare to walk in on your dog unannounced and find them playing for long spells by themselves. The magic happens when the two of you unite. Tails wag. Sparks fly. And time flies (at least for your dog) as you jog through the neighborhood. Not wanting to let the dog down may indeed be your only motivation to get out some days—and that’s okay. Sharing a goal with friends and wanting to support others may be a stronger catalyst for change than setting an individual intention. Plus, moving together is such a fantastic way to bond—whether that’s with your dog, partner, or best friend.
Has YOUR pup inspired you to workout this week?
Snap a selfie of you exercising with your pup, then share with the Wellthy Boss private Facebook Group–a free online community of likeminded entrepreneurs who are also dedicated to establishing healthier habits. We can’t wait to meet you!
