| Recent studies have shown that one of the best | | | | by up to 47 percent, which could curb your |
| ways to stay fit is to take your pooch for a daily | | | | appetite as much as 29 percent for six hours |
| walk. Because you're doing all that exercise for | | | | after you walk. |
| your dog, and not just for yourself, you stay | | | | If you need to lose weight, you'll be happy to |
| committed to your fitness program long after | | | | know that walking briskly for one hour will burn |
| other people have given up on their gym | | | | approximately 300 calories. If you walk for 45 |
| memberships or hidden their home exercise | | | | minutes a day, 7 days a week, you could lose 23 |
| equipment in the garage. | | | | pounds a year without making any changes to |
| You'll keep on having fun for years, without | | | | your diet. |
| spending a lot of money. All the equipment you | | | | Walking is also one of the easiest exercise |
| need will cost less than a month at a gym. And | | | | programs to participate in. The only pieces of |
| the activity you'll both be engaged in - walking - | | | | equipment you need are good walking shoes, |
| has been proven to be one of the most effective | | | | some good socks, and some comfortable clothing. |
| ways to get fit and stay fit. | | | | When you include your dog in your walking |
| If you don't currently have a dog, and if you have | | | | routine, you're far more likely to continue with |
| a hard time forcing yourself out of the house | | | | your program than you would be if you walked |
| because of chronic pain or depression, it may be | | | | alone. Plus, it's good for your dog, too! |
| time to "prescribe" yourself a canine walking | | | | Scientists know that interacting with pets, including |
| partner. Many doctors around the country are | | | | dogs, increases your serotonin levels, the same |
| discovering the healing power of pets. | | | | important benefit that you receive from walking. |
| In short, walking improves your fitness while your | | | | You and your dog will get this helpful boost of |
| dog helps you stay with your program. Walking | | | | serotonin, both when you're walking and when |
| regularly also gives your dog the exercise he | | | | you are simply petting him or cuddling on the |
| needs to stay healthy and happy. | | | | couch. |
| Walking doesn't just improve your fitness and | | | | Both walking and interacting with your dog can |
| health by burning off calories. Scientists have | | | | also reduce your levels of the stress hormone |
| found that walking elevates your serotonin, a | | | | cortisol, which is secreted by the adrenal glands. A |
| chemical in your brain. An increase in your | | | | high cortisol level is a natural result of stress. And |
| serotonin puts you in a better mood, helps you | | | | high stress can cause overeating and weight gain. |
| sleep better, and controls your appetite. | | | | So take your dog for a walk today. It's the best |
| In fact, walking can boost your serotonin levels | | | | free exercise program ever invented. |