Day 3: Running with Woman’s Best Friend

If you have a furry friend at home, this post is for you. For many of us with dogs, winter is a dreaded season. It’s the season where your dog requires just as much, if not more, exercise, and most people hate being outside. We open the back door to let our dogs out just long enough so they can scoot out before too much cold air gets in. By the time winter’s half done, the dogs are feeling cabin fever and most people have neglected any New Year’s plans of getting fit. Solution? Put on your running shoes, winter socks, breathable yet warm winter zip-up, fleece hat and mitts, grab your leash, and hit the streets for a jog.

For many people this sounds like a ridiculously bad idea. Even a dangerous one. But once you get into the habit of taking your pup out for a run when you get home, you’ll see the benefits. Now if you have an elderly dog, obviously this isn’t an option. Only take a pet with you that is up for the challenge. I have run with my six year old lab/husky, Nash, since he was one and a half. When we introduced his new sister, Jeanie, to the family, she was four months old at the time. By the time she was 6 months she was joining in on the runs and loving it. Being a bichon/pekingese/terrier I figured she would be good for no more than a half mile. Three miles later I’m realizing that it’s her that Nash and I have to keep up with. 

So what gear should they wear? Below, Jeanie is modeling her typical running outfit. For small dogs I would recommend some sort of running vest. Being so small and low to the ground means that they often get jerked around more than the big dogs. The harness she wears means that she doesn’t get so much strain on her little neck. In the winter, boots are a must for her. Your dog will adapt surprisingly quickly to their new gear once they realize they get to go for a run once they’ve got it on.

And for the bigger dogs in Nash’s category? He doesn’t require boots because he has husky in him, but use your discretion. For him I like to use a martingale collar (below). Rather than the old style of collar which just slips around their neck, a martingale collar rewards them when they’re not pulling, and tightens when they strain on the leash. Because a dog of Nash’s size can get running fairly quickly and pull you in any direction, you sometimes need to up the ante when it comes to collars. You need to make sure that you have control at all times for your safety and theirs. The nice thing about this collar in particular is that it is a “no-slip” collar and therefore the dog can’t get it off their head, when fitted properly.

Lastly, start slow. Begin by doing a couple blocks. Figure out what you and your dog’s comfortable limit is. Always make sure that their gear is fitted correctly and routinely check for any equipment that needs to be readjusted. Before you know it, winter will be done and you and your dog can enter the spring fit, happy,and ready for beach season!

Final Tip:

If you’re going to be running at night, think about purchasing a collar that lights up. This will allow drivers to easily see your dog and will keep you from running into each other!

Day 2: Exercise On the Go

What's the easiest way to encorporate exercise into your routine? Do it while you're on your way to work! Although it may not be easy to get into at first, running, cycling, walking, rollerblading etc. can be a fantastic way to get the exercise fix you need.

*Start small. Take one day a week where you have a lighter day and have the time to shower or do whatever you need to start the day. If the distance you need to travel is too great to do solely with your own body power, consider busing some of the distance.

*Work rewards into your routine. On days when you exercise to work, treat yourself to your favourite coffee, snack, or magazine. Although this may feel counterintuitive, it's actually a fairly healthy habit. By commuting this way, you're giving yourself much needed excercise, giving yourself something to look forward to, and likely improving your cash flow. By not driving to work and using gas and parking money, you're likely still saving some cash after purchasing your daily reward. The best return of all, however, is feeling at the end of the day that you didn't just exercise your brain, but your body as well. I find that these are the days where I have the most energy at the end of the day. I realize this is counterintuitive because you would think that you will be tired from exercise, however, getting your blood flowing will rejuvenate your energy level. After begining this process, I began to realize that I looked forward to the days I was going to get off my bus early and run the rest of the way.

*Find a friend. Try convincing a workmate to begin the same routine. If not a workmate, a friend who can commiserate and share experiences. This doesn't necessarily mean you have to commute together; rather, keep tabs on each other and offer encouragement. On days when you feel you'd rather grab your keys, knowing that your commute buddy is likely going to follow through and leave their car at home may be enough incentive to lace up your running shoes. This doesn't have to be a competitive mindset. Think of the two of you as a team. Always look for others who want to join. Remember - power in numbers!

Day 1: Welcome to the Lifestyle Junkie blog!

It's easy to forget to take time for yourself. Everyone is busy and there is usually something more important to do than make time for exercise (instead of sitting down working), eating right (processed foods are faster), and proper sleep (many people try to defy the rule that we should sleep for a third of our lives). But as the old adage goes, "those who think they have no time for bodily exercise will sooner or later have to find time for illness" (Edward Stanley).

 

Many people roll their eyes when they hear quotes like this. It's something we all realize to some extent, yet few people can take this knowledge and be proactive towards a healthier lifestyle. A big contributor to this common habit is that there is not easy and quick fix for a healthy lifestyle. For most people, doing right by your body is a time consuming habit and it is far more difficult than living however feels right. Technology is at everyone's finger tips, and it's easier to buy something online and have it shipped from across the world than it is to go to your local store. The idea of planning and carrying out proper exercise and diet is not an overwhelmingly inviting task. Infomercials  promise major results for customers; with the purchase of a machine, users can hold a light weight while it "excercises" for them (the Shake Weight, seen below). This fits with the way people shop for the other items in their lives: one stop shopping. With the use of credit card, all the hard work is done for the customer.

In reality, however, as far as technology has taken the world, a truly healthy and well rounded lifestyle still can't be bought. A healthy lifestyle is not available for purchase at three in the morning with a quick phone call. After millions of dollars have been spent on promoting the latest and greatest exercise tools, the most succesful way to ensure a healthy life remains diet and exercise.

Stay tuned to this blog to learn some tips and tricks for leading a healthier life- and a happier one. Connect with others by posting comments on this blog and watch for new communication opportunities!