I hope you are doing well! Tomorrow is weigh in day for me, I am a little nervous because while I have been consistent in exercise, I know I haven't been eating as well as I could. My pants don't fit any tighter so I will be happy with that!
Today I wanted to branch outside of the fitness/gym standards of getting healthy. Animals are a great alternative to the gym! Unfortunately this post will not apply to everyone because not everyone will A) have a pet or B) have a pet that you can get moving with. However, regardless of the pet you have, they will most definitely bring you joy!
Of course the easiest way to get your butt moving is if you have a dog. They require just as much exercise as you do. Standing in the backyard or park and throwing the ball for your dog does not suffice as good exercise for YOU. Yes you might build up muscle strength in one arm, but that's about it. Try taking your dog for a walk through the neighbourhood, if you are already walking try some jogging, increase and change up your routine. Is your dog good off leash? Go for a hike at a conservation, or go to your local park and walk around it with your dog! It's easy and you and your dog will not only get exercise and trim down your waistlines, but you will build an even bigger bond with each other! The bonus is the fresh air! That also makes us very happy...no matter how cold it is I promise! My 6 month old border collie really keeps me going, we go for 2-3 walks a day every other day and 3-4 days a week we go for hikes where she can really blow off steam!
Do you have a cat? Cats are slowly becoming incredibly obese and I think they are very misunderstood creatures. They need to exercise just as much as you and your dog. If your cat is indoor, get him a leash and harness, take him for a stroll around the backyard. Most of them will appreciate it. Play with your cat, grab a string or make a long line of tin foil and drag it around your house! You might not break a sweat, but at least you are moving and your cat will be getting some good exercise! I play with my cat every day, and we have a very special friendship! The difference between cats and dogs is that cats need a bigger variety of stimulation...tennis balls might be interesting for like a day. You don't need to spend oodles of money either, get some string, make tin foil balls, use tissue paper, Treble (my cat) has been fascinated by a piece of caution tape we had from halloween. I drag it all over the house and he goes nuts!
Now I don't recommend going out and getting a dog or a cat because you want to get fit, they are a huge responsibility. Please do not get one unless you are prepared to take of it for the rest of it's life. The humane societies are very over run! DO NOT ADD TO THEIR LIST
If you are interested in seeing if this might be for you then volunteer to walk dogs at a shelter. It is a great sense of accomplishment and you will benefit from great exercise, helping animals in need and you will really see if this is right for you.
If you live in Ontario Canada I would be happy to give you some options in the area...there are some excellent facilities to help at! I know because I have done so in the past.
I don't know much about smaller animals like rabbits and other various fluffy cute critters, but if you have suggestions on how to bond and get everyone moving please let me know. I would love to pass the information on and have everyone get involved :)
Of course keep drinking your water and green tea, and maybe take your dog for a 30 minute walk this evening instead of just throwing the ball. You will both appreciate it!
Until weigh day tomorrow!
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