DAD.info
Free online course for separated parents
Forum - Ask questions. Get answers.
Free online course for separated parents
DAD.info | Lifestyle | Sport, Health, Fitness & Grooming | Sport and Fitness | Walkies! The easy way to keep fit

Walkies! The easy way to keep fit

If your kids have been dropping unsubtle hints about getting a pet pooch, it could be wise to act on it…

‘A dog is for life, not just for Christmas’, as the old campaign advised. Well now it would appear that a dog is for a healthier life. Alongside the hours of fun you can have waving a stick around and watching your new-found furry friend bark with glee, the extra benefits from keeping your dog exercised and healthy are easily passed on to you and the family. 
Neville Koopowitz, CEO of Vitality health insurance comments: “Man’s best friend not only provides companionship for their owners but also keeps them healthier too. We’ve seen mounting evidence that it’s the small things that make a big difference to our long term health, even if it’s simply walking your dog each day.” 
A recent study from Vitality has found that…
  • Nearly a third (32%) of dog walkers exercise for at least half an hour every day, compared to just over a fifth (22%) of UK adults overall.
  • Nearly half (45%) of dog owners admit the primary reason for walking their dog was to benefit their health as well as that of their furry friend.
  • More than a third (37%) say owning a pet has improved their overall health.
  • While dogs are helping keep the nation healthy, a fifth (20%) of UK adults admit to not exercising at all and a third (33%) only exercise occasionally.
  • Of those who say they don’t exercise, nearly half (49%) blame it on lack of enjoyment and a sixth (16%) say it’s because they simply don’t have the time.

The type of four legged friend you choose could have an impact on the amount of exercise you do too. Almost two thirds of Labrador owners exercise for over 30 minutes a day, closely followed by Spaniel and Pug owners. Staffordshire Bull Terriers and Boxers were the most sedentary owners with 38% and 31% respectively exercising for a similar amount of time. 

So, is it time you thought about introducing a new family member?

Related entries

When can I get back to sport?

When can I get back to sport?

Pro Cricket is back! Premier League Football has been back a little while! But the crowds have gone and with them some of our passion for the game.   Social distancing has slammed through both professional and amateur sports like a wrecking ball. Now that we are...

When can I get back to sport?

5 TIPS FOR SHIFTING THE FURLOUGH FLAB

If lockdown life has seen you pile on the extra pounds then fear not you’re not alone. A recent survey indicated a hefty 48% of us reported they had experienced some weight gain since lockdown, we caught up with chartered physio, strength coach and Dad, Olly from Feel...

Doggy Paddle isn’t enough

Doggy Paddle isn’t enough

Days on the beach, mucking about on the river and round the pool. What do all these great days out have in common? Water ... and wherever there is water, watch out Dads, your kids are at risk. Again this summer, we have read with great sadness stories of young...

Latest entries

Fun and easy Easter activities for kids

Fun and easy Easter activities for kids

It's not always easy to think of ways to keep kids entertained during the Easter holidays! So, we have gathered together some great, simple ideas for Easter activities for kids to keep them busy. These activities also result in lovely items that they can decorate the...

How to help a bullied child

How to help a bullied child

For parents, bullying is always a concern. With our child's school lives being mostly a mystery, it can be hard for parents to keep on top of their social interactions, and know how to help a bullied child should they need to. The Anti-Bullying Alliance has found that...

Pin It on Pinterest