Summary

The author has found an effective and enjoyable exercise routine involving vigorous hikes with their dogs in a local park, which has resulted in improved physical health and mental well-being for both the human and canine participants.

Abstract

Advised by a doctor to increase physical activity to address aging concerns, the author eschews traditional gym workouts in favor of outdoor exercise with their dogs, Abby and Jewels. Initially, they start with longer morning walks and gradually progress to strenuous hikes on the hilly terrains of a nearby park. The shared activity leads to noticeable health improvements for the author and weight loss for the older dog, Jewels. The author discovers that engaging in an enjoyable form of exercise, in this case, hiking with their pets, ensures consistency and has beneficial effects on their strength and stress levels.

Opinions

The author prefers outdoor activities to enclosed gym environments and finds gyms to be stress-inducing rather than relaxing.
Engaging in physical activity with pets is seen as an excellent way to bond with them while also achieving personal fitness goals.
The author values the motivational aspect of exercising with dogs, who encourage them to push through challenging hikes.
The beauty of the natural surroundings, including creeks, oak trees, and wildlife, adds to the enjoyment of the exercise routine.
The author believes that finding a form of exercise that one loves is key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle and that this enjoyment-based approach is supported by experts.
The presence of a supportive community of fellow dog owners enhances the hiking experience and provides additional social benefits.
The author is of the opinion that the positive effects of their chosen exercise regimen, which includes both physical and mental health improvements, negate the need for a gym membership.

I Don’t Need A Gym

I have dogs

As if I needed reminding, a few years ago, my doctor pointed out that I wasn’t so young anymore and told me to up my game if I wanted to live into my 90’s. She had some concerns about my stress levels, bones and a few other age-related things. She suggested that I start lifting weights or doing yoga.

I told her that I prefer the great outdoors and that gyms make me claustrophobic and stressed out. She suggested getting a yoga mat and doing yoga in a park somewhere so I could be outside. You know, reduce your stress while everyone is watching. Um, no.

We had just adopted a little boxer named Abby. Abby was great with the kids, but she had a habit of burying socks in the house plants and chewing holes in garden hoses.

Our older dog, Jewels, was gaining weight. Obviously, we all needed more exercise.

So I went in search of an exercise regimen that could benefit all of us. Gyms were out. It’s not that I have anything against them or people who frequent them. I just prefer being outside with my girls.

My family has always had dogs and I’ve always been the one to walk them. For years I’ve walked the dogs early in the morning to get some exercise and clear my head before starting the day. I decided to up my game by walking farther and more strenuously, including hikes in the surrounding hillside.

Jewels and Abby enthusiastically agreed to accompany me.

We live within walking distance of a large regional park with miles of hiking trails through grass-covered hills. Cottonwoods and oak trees stand everywhere, with creeks and streams winding through them. The trails are lined with the blooms of wild watermelon and yellow mustard.

We started with the lower, flatter trails. Each day we went a little further and a little higher. Jewels and Abby played in the streams, allowing aggressive crayfish to nip their noses. We watched some colorful birds and chased a few squirrels.

By the way, holding dogs back from the local wildlife is an excellent workout for the upper arms.

After a few weeks of building up our endurance, we finally tackled the highest trail. It included some steep, rocky spots that I had to climb on all fours. I felt uncoordinated and almost didn’t make it the first time. The girls didn’t have that problem, so they raced to the top, then turned around with their tails wagging as if to say, “neener, neener.” That’s motivation for you.

Once at the top, we caught our breath and listened to the wind through the grass. To our right, we could see the ocean whitecaps in the distance. To our left, we saw the browns and grays of the rocky hills. We could make out other people moving along the trails there, but saw no houses or cars. We were alone, but not alone, in heaven.

We made friends with other dogs and their people. They were out there for the same reasons we were. Soon, we made hiking dates with each other. We’d found our tribe.

Even though I wasn’t lifting weights, I gained strength. I noticed that it wasn’t as tough to drag groceries into the house. I had more energy and little annoyances didn’t have the impact they once did.

I am happy to report that Abby has stopped digging in the houseplants and Jewels has slimmed down a bit.

I believe that what the experts say is true, if you find a form of exercise that you like, you are more likely to stick with it. On days when I don’t feel like moving, the dogs remind me that I have to go. They keep me honest and have helped keep me healthy for many years. We will keep hiking the beautiful hills as long as we are able.

No gyms, just dogs.