Bend It Like Beckham: A Boxer's Advice for Getting Off Your Backside

Last week, the #1 article on the website of The New York Times was "Forget the Treadmill. Get a Dog." by Tara Parker-Pope. Apparently, new research shows that dog owners are more likely to take regular walks and are more active overall than people who don't have dogs.

Well, duh!!

Dogs know that physical exercise is the key to staying healthy, happy and balanced. Personally, I like nothing better than a good game of soccer in the backyard with my humans. (Hmmm, I wonder if this is why the lawn looks as bad as it does? And what's the deal with all those yellow stains on the grass.....)

You don't have to be a soccer star, though. Walking is one of the easiest ways for dogs and humans to get in shape. In fact, dogs often make better walking companions than humans. Why? Because we don't complain about the weather or come up with other lame excuses to avoid going outside and getting some exercise.

No sirree, we don't take kindly to excuses. If you have an excuse, we have a counterpoint:

Human: I'm just too tired to walk.
Dog: Just take me out for 15 minutes of fresh air—you want me to have fresh air, right?—and then I promise we can go back inside unless you suddenly find the energy to keep going (which, of course, you will).

***

Human: Walks are boring.
Dog: OK, I'll make it interesting. I'll dawdle to sniff a blade of grass and then I'll take off running after a squirrel. It's called interval training, and I'll be your own personal trainer.

***

Human: Sorry, I forgot—things got really busy today.
Dog: Pick a time of day and put it on your calendar. I promise to remind you daily by thumping my tail on the floor, barking at the door and/or yanking  your computer cord out of the wall. Walking will become a new habit in no time.

***

Human: I don't feel like it.
Dog: Here's the deal. I don't feel like dressing up for Halloween, but I do it because I love you and it makes you and all your YouTube friends crack up. Now lace up your sneakers and let's go.

***

What if you don't have a dog? Well, borrow a dog or find a loaner by volunteering to exercise a neighbor's pet or to walk dogs at the local animal shelter. Most shelters desperately need people who can give dogs the physical activity they need to stay happy, healthy and adoptable. I've mentioned this before, but our own local Oregon Humane Society even has a program where you can run with the dogs.

Like what you hear? Get a copy of my book for more tips on exercising your body and your mind.

Now, go grab a leash and exercise with your dog!