Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Need a Push To Start Exercising More? Get a Dog!


Dogs are great pets. They are welcoming, loving and can even act like your child. If you’re thinking of maintaining that New Year’s resolution and exercising, take your dog with you as they will help keep you moving in the right direction.

Research shows that pets help you lower your blood pressure and cholesterol. Research has also shown that people with heart disease have better survival rates if they interact with pets (Washingtonian.com).

Sandra Barker, director of the Center for Humna-Animal Interaction at Virginia Commonwealth University, says "although more research is needed, pets have a physiological effect on people."

“The interaction is mutually beneficial,” Barker says, referring to research indicating that people and animals are less stressed out when they play together and that they experience increased levels of oxytocin, a hormone that creates feelings of love and attachment (Washingtonian.com).

If you’re interested in exercising with a group, do some research to see if there are any human and animal clubs in your area. It will keep you in shape and may make you some new friends!

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