I’m a huge fan of walking for exercise (How to Create a Walking Habit), but sometimes, it’s nice to mix up my working workout and make it a little bit more challenging.  For the last few weeks, James and I have been doing the Walk the Dog Workout.

(Yes, Maggie’s collar has a matching I <3 James tag.)

The trouble with dog walkin’ for exercise, of course, is that doggies like to stop and sniff and pee and poop all.. the… time (especially boy dogs).  It’s hard to keep my heart rate up while James stops to smell the roses. That’s where the Walk the Dog Workout comes in.

What does this workout entail exactly?  Well, obviously, you need a dog!  You also need a 15-foot retractable leash.  Begin by setting off on a 2.0-mile loop.

Every time the pooch stops to sniff, do walking lunges until you run out of leash.  Then, tell your pup to hurry on up and start walking again at a brisk pace.

Depending on how much your dog likes to stop and sniff (and I always let James stop to smell stuff… it’s the best part for him), the lunges can add up fast.  I alternate between regular walking lunges and side-to-side lunges. Every now and then, I stretch instead of lunging.

When your dog stops to bathroom, do squats.  I’ll also do static squats against a tree or telephone pole, if we happen to be near one.

I end up completely drenched by the end of our 2.0 mile walk – I must do DOZENS of lunges and squats!

Optional: Come home and do bicep curls with your 17-pound lazy dachshund who would rather stab herself in the eye with a squeaky toy than walk 2.0 whole miles. 

The Fitterati Blog Awards

Healthy Tipping Point is up for a Fitness Magazine award for Best Healthy Living Blog.  I have loved writing this blog for the last 3.5 years and sharing my life with you all.  I would so appreciate a vote!

You can browse all the nominees – in categories like Healthy Eating, Running, Weight Loss, Inspirational, and Personal Trainer – and discover new blogs to read here.  Happy blog browsing!