Exercising with your DOG during coronavirus lockdown improves your workout, university scientists reveal
- People feel more energised after exercising with their pet pooches
- University of Chichester study shows canine companion increases motivation to exercise
- Participants reported lowered depression rates after doggy workouts
PEOPLE who exercise with a dog feel healthier and more energised after their workout than if they go it alone, a study has revealed.
Scientists from the University of Chichester found that taking a canine companion when running or walking is also a top remedy for combating depression.
Just one outdoor activity each day with a dog is enough to feel happier and less fatigued, the study found – even more crucial now given the government’s exercise allowance during the coronavirus lockdown.
Sport and exercise psychologist Dr Sarah Edmunds, from the University of Chichester’s Institute of Sport, led the study. She said: “Despite nearly a quarter of adults in the UK owning a dog, there’s been very little research investigating the role dogs play in their owner’s motivation for exercise.
“This is the first study which looks specifically at the impact of running with dogs on their owner’s exercise experience. Participants who exercised at the same intensity both with and without their dog experienced an improved psychological benefit when running with the canine.”
The University of Chichester investigation, conducted together with pet food brand Canagan, revealed that negative moods like depression, anger, and fatigue decreased following the runs.
People who frequently run or walk can still maintain the same levels of intensity when working out with a dog, according to Dr Edmunds, as activity is a feasible way to build exercise into both you and your pet’s routine.
She added: “This was a small-scale study but it indicates that taking your dog as a running companion may help to provide that extra motivation to get you out running and help you enjoy the activity. Emotional connection with our dogs helps us go the distance, and interview data found participants were autonomously motivated to run with their dogs.”
Owners who participated in the doggy study felt that the prospect of running with their animals gave them the motivation to get up and go – turning “good intentions” into “action”.
They also reported feeling satisfied knowing that they are doing an activity their pet enjoys – and that the feeling of companionship makes the activity itself more enjoyable.
Canagan veterinary expert Henry Dove said: “The companionship you share with your dog offers so many benefits and this can be applied to running with your dog. Building runs into your pet’s daily exercise regime will ensure they will be fit, will be less likely to be overweight, will keep their joints mobile, and will strengthen their muscle mass.
“They will also get mental stimulation from going to new places and be happy that they are doing something with you. It is important to remember that like humans, your dog will need to build their running endurance over time, and they will need water along the way too.”
For more about the University of Chichester study go to www.chi.ac.uk/sport. Alternatively there’s more about pet food brand Canagan at www.canagan.co.uk.