Exercise - (need To Do, Not Nice To Do!)

Recent research has highlighted the importance of routine when it comes to sticking to your fitness goals

. The average dog owner does more exercise walking their pet than someone with a gym membership - and why? Because the routine factor of walking the dog every day motivates owners to exercise regularly. We all need to find an exercise routine we enjoy regularly, leading a healthier lifestyle and improved fitness levels.

Carried out by pet health care experts Bob Martin, the study involved 5,000 people including 3,000 dog owners. The findings revealed that those with a dog exercised twice a day for an average of 5 hours and 38 minutes a week, while those without a dog spent just one hour and 20 minutes a week either at the gym or running/walking. An incredible 47 per cent of those without a dog admitted to doing no exercise at all.

The driving factor behind the findings was routine, with 60 per cent of dog owners always taking their dog for a walk even when short of time. In comparison, 70 per cent of non-pet owners said going to the gym was a chore and 46 per cent revealed they often find other things to do rather than go to the gym.

Enjoyment of exercise often leads to a successful routine. Dog owners tend to like taking their dog for a walk - 86 per cent of owners, in fact. And 75 per cent said they preferred walking their dog rather than going to the gym.

The government recommends we should all do 30 minutes of moderate cardiovascular exercise 3-5 times a week to stay in good shape. Dog walkers far exceeded this and for the most part, enjoyed it. So what can you do to boost your exercise routine, if you don't own a dog?

The good news is: plenty. Corporate fitness is becoming important to more and

more businesses today because of the improved levels of staff motivation and productivity. Schemes like the Ride2Work initiative benefit employers and employees alike, saving money and raising fitness levels. And cycling to work every day fast becomes a routine, which means you are far more likely to stick to this form of exercise. Many companies work in partnership with cycle firms to make it even easier for businesses - for example, Esteem Fitness works with Evans Cycles to implement Cycle2Work schemes.

Corporate fitness programmes include running clubs, which are also great for forming an exercise habit. You can go running straight from your office on one or two nights a week, and the routine becomes enjoyable as you feel an improvement in your health and wellbeing. Running clubs are also great for improving relationships with colleagues.

Another form of exercise which can be enjoyed on a routine basis is team sports. Whether you enjoy football, rugby, hockey or basketball, joining a team locally or as part of your work's corporate fitness programme, such as setting up a team for inter branch competitions or training together for a physical charity motivated team event will inspire you to regularly exercise.

Exercising on a regular basis, 3-5 times a week, is important for our health and wellbeing. Find an activity or sport you enjoy and form an exercise habit for continued long-term fitness success.

Vanessa Alexander

http://www.esteemfitness.com

by: Vanessa Alexander

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