Which Is Better - A Gym Membership Or A Dog?
posted Tuesday, 19 January 2010
You want to be active and get some exercise. For most people, the first thing you would think of would be to join a gym. After all, a gym is indoors so you never have to worry about the weather. There is always a variety of things to do in a gym. But... what if you could accomplish the benefits of exercising by getting a dog.
Researchers in Great Britain recently surveyed 5,000 people and found those with dogs exercised up to six hours more a week than those who worked out at a gym or on their own.
According to the study, the average dog owner walks his pet for less than 30 minutes twice daily and then longer three times a week. Those short spurts add up to more than eight hours of physical activity a week. In comparison, the average gym goer works out less than two hours a week.
According to researchers, the difference can be attributed in part to varying levels of enjoyment. While 86% of dog owners said they enjoy the time with their pets, only 16% of people rated going to the gym favorably.
That explains why dog owners are more likely to make physical activity a priority. Nearly two-thirds said they walk their pets even when they're pressed for time. You can compare that with 46% of gym goers who admitted to often making excuses not to work out.
I got an incredibly wonderful Italian Greyhound about four years ago. I cannot imagine how I went through my entire life up to then without ever having a dog. And my biggest regret is that I didn't get her when my children were younger.
I take her out for walks when I would not go myself. She has been a great way for me to meet people, especially in my neighborhood. There is something about a dog that makes people stop to talk to you. It's as though having a dog says to people that they can trust you. My daughter got babysitting jobs from people who I have met in the neighborhood while on walks.
So maybe going to a gym is not for everyone. Having a dog will get you to go outside and walk, and, you'll have a best friend and companion.
I am a virtual Wellness Coach where coaching is by phone from the comfort of your own home. You can sign up for coaching on my website or contact me at mywellnesscoach@verizon.net.
www.MyPersonalWellnessCoach.com
Barbara Leynor
Certified Wellness Coach
P.S. Contact me for a free Wellness Coaching consultation.
comments