How Seniors Can Build a Fitness and Activity Routine With Their Dogs
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How Seniors Can Build a Fitness and Activity Routine With Their Dogs

How Seniors Can Build a Fitness and Activity Routine With Their Dogs

Physical activity is a great habit to incorporate into anyone's daily routine, especially seniors. As the body ages, bones and muscles get weaker which can affect coordination and balance, and increase the risk of falling. Exercise is also known to improve cognitive function and mental health, and may prevent diseases like heart disease and diabetes. Having a consistent exercise routine will allow seniors to remain living an independent and joyous life. Adding a furry friend into the mix will make exercising more fun and less dreadful-- after all, the CDC recommends adults over the age of 65 get around 150 minutes of physical activity in a week. Dogs make great workout buddies and Seniors Helper Greater Dallas has explored some great fitness routines.

Dog Yoga

Yes, dog yoga is actually a thing. Check Facebook or local yoga studios for opportunities to bring pets in for a class or invite some friends and their pooches to a park while streaming the classes online. Stretching on the living room floor also does wonders for joints and muscles. Having pets be a part of the routine is meant to be more of a bonding experience rather than expecting them to do the poses with everyone. They may end up roaming around, licking your face, and asking for belly rubs, which is totally okay. 

Go for a Walk

A pleasant walk around the block or a few laps around the backyard will get the blood flowing as well as lower blood pressure. If a change of scenery is needed, head to a local hiking trail where dogs can explore nature. Make sure it's one with minimal hills and options for shorter routes if needed. Whether it's a short walk or long day adventure, be sure to pack a harness so that navigating with a dog is easier as well as plenty of water for both humans and doggo. 

Play Fetch

While this is mostly a time for owners to let their dogs release some pent-up energy, playing fetch can also be a good exercise for seniors. If sitting is more comfortable, grab a lightweight medicine ball and incorporate chair-friendly exercises in between throwing a (separate) ball for the dog. Using a frisbee may help improve hand-eye coordination and walking around to different areas will help get some cardio in. Bring a friend or grandkid to toss the frisbee around with for more intensity.

Go Swimming

Swimming is a terrific low-impact workout to do for those with sensitive joints and it has all of the same benefits as any other cardio exercise. Dogs love water and will be so excited to jump in and splash around with their humans. Take the family to a nearby lake for a picnic and cool off by jumping in. Wearing a life jacket and floating while moving legs around in a bicycle motion will help with muscle strength and joint stiffness.

No matter the exercise or how intense it is, the important thing is that it's being done. Having a dog to accompany seniors in their daily routines is an additional benefit to remaining active. Senior Helpers Greater Dallas provides a wide range of services to ensure that your loved one receives the care they both want and need. Contact Senior Helpers Greater Dallas today!