You walk the dog, and the dog walks you.

Walking the dog isn’t just something for your dog’s benefit. While you’re giving them the exercise they need, you’re getting the exercise you need. So, what’s the ideal way to go about this? If it’s new for you, it’s important that you take it nice and easy. If a daily session of 30 minutes feels like too much, start with 10 minute walks in the first week. Then 15-20 minutes the week after, until you feel comfortable exercising longer.

Every week try to go 25% further. So, for example, when you’re walking 4,000 steps a day, try 5,000 the next week and 6,250 the next. The goal is 10,000 steps a day, which is recognised as the ideal distance to keep you fit, healthy and lose weight. And just think how happy your dog will be with all this walking!

Photo: courtesy of Humphrey Muleba