Thursday, August 22, 2013
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Get Outside! How to Work Out with Your Dog
Get ready to shed some pounds with your pup -- pun intended. Just in time for spring, Victoria Stilwell, author of Train Your Dog Positively, which hits shelves today, gave us her top tips for exercising al fresco with your dog.
Don't torture your puppy with doga, says Stillwell. "The majority of dogs that I've seen do it, do not look happy," says Stilwell. Instead, she recommends hiking, running, swimming or simply playing in the backyard as the best way to workout with your dog, but says that walking is absolutely the most important thing.
A good walk or hike outside allows dogs to use their innate senses to smell things around them that they miss out on when they're cooped up indoors. Did you know that a dog's sense of smell is up to 100,000 times stronger(!!!) than humans' sense? Those nostrils need to get worked. Being outside is not only beneficial for your pet, it can also do wonders for your own body.
If you're looking for more cardio, running can be a great activity to do together, but make sure your dog likes it -- and has enough energy to withstand a long run. "There is nothing worse out there than seeing a jogger or a runner dragging their dog who clearly doesn't want to run with them, or a dog like a dachshund," Stilwell laments. She warns that short-nosed breeds, like Shih Tzus and pugs, should also not be taken on long runs because anatomically, they cannot breathe as well as other breeds. (Come on, you KNOW that smush face can't last during your 10-miler.)
"A lot of people have the best intentions [when they take their dogs running]. The dogs may still be fit, but they haven't built up the stamina in their dog. You have to give your dog time to build up its stamina and fitness level too," she says.
Have a stubborn pooch that doesn't like to exercise? Stilwell says there is usually something else going on if your dog doesn't wanna go for a walk. Ask yourself: Is your dog in pain? Is it a behavioral issue? Take your pup to the vet to find out, and then make sure you are using equipment that is comfortable for them. She suggests attaching a leash to a harness rather than a nylon collar, and for dogs that pull, use a harness that attaches to the front of their chest, which is their center of gravity.
Make sure to also keep hydration and temperature (for both of you!) front of mind, too. Because dogs are closer to the ground (and have fur coats -- duh), they heat up more quickly. So, if it's going to be a hot day, stick with early AM or evening exercise. Stilwell also suggests bringing along a water bottle/bowl combo for longer walks or runs and allowing your pet to drink "little and often." Now if only it would get warmer so we (and our dogs) could get out there.
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Image Credit: Conde Nast Digital Archive
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Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Take it Outside
Wednesday, was one of my few days I have to spend at home. I love those days in the summertime because I get up early, drink some coffee while checking email and reading blogs, then eat breakfast. After a while, I will take the dog for a walk and then exercise myself. I get lots of things done around the house and I enjoy the time of quietness.
Wednesday was one of those days.
After taking the dog for her walk (which she HATES by the way), I decided that it was a nice day outside (yes, it was 90 degrees but I like to sweat while working out!) and I would take my walk outside after dropping Maggie off at the house. She can barely go around the block much less 45 minutes.
So, off I went, outside, in the 90 degree heat to sweat, listen to music, and just have a good workout.

Check out all the health benefits to walking. Amazing. In addition to the health reasons, little did I know, I was about to see so many “interesting” things on my walk. After one thing, then, two, three, four and five, I knew I had to snap some quick photos and tell you guys about it.
First, let me tell you about WHERE I walk. There is a “busy” road out in front of my neighborhood. I first like to walk around the neighborhood and then walk the length of the road. Well, this road is where I saw so many “interesting” things:
First of all, the litter.
I mean, seriously people. Don’t throw trash out your car window. How hard is it to save it and throw it away into a garbage can? The only time I ever littered was when I was still living at home. I was obese and went through a drive thru. I didn’t want my parents to know so I threw the garbage out the window. That was sad to tell you. Anyway…speaking of sad. I also saw this:
This is a memorial for a man that died running on this road early one morning. He was a teacher nearby and a running coach. Every time we drive on the way to our house, we go by these yellow ribbons and running shoes. So sad and so tragic.
To lighten the mood a little after that, I saw something a little more intersting:
Yes, I get why someone would want to hide THAT box from their parents. Gheesh!
Next to that box was…
A Fork! Well of course there would be a wrapped up fork in the grass…makes perfect sense!
Then, of course, I saw this:
Yep, an iPad cover. How this got on the side of the road, I will never know. I have two covers of my own so I didn’t need this one. I left it.
Last, but certainly not least was this guy:
A snake. I freaked out and jumped to the side of the sidewalk only to realize he was dead. So, of course, I stopped for a picture. Snakes are gross and scary. Dead or alive!
So…my walk on Wednesday was much more exciting than if I had just walked on the treadmill and watched some boring show on television.
What is the strangest thing you have ever seen while exercising, inside or out?
Photo Credit

My name is Jennifer, I’m 35 and I currently live in a suburb outside of Atlanta. I live with my husband, Jason and Shi-tzu, Maggie. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends.
My full time job is teaching elementary school. My part time job is private tutoring after school for grades K-6. I have been on my weight loss journey my entire life but just began to take it seriously two years ago when I decided it was time to start a family. I didn’t want to be one of those people who others look and and say, “Is she pregnant or just really fat?” At the rate I was going, that question would certainly be asked. So, two years ago I joined Weight Watchers. Now, closing in on losing 100 pounds, my life is healthier and I am happier. Now…bring on the baby!
My blog is here for you to be inspired, learn something new, and hear all about all new products I try. Join me on this weight loss journey as I go through ups and downs, good and bad, and continue to take it one day at a time!