Why Your Pet Is the Best Workout Buddy You Never Knew You Had (Unless It’s a Cat)
Let’s face it, finding the perfect workout buddy is a challenge. Your friend bails last minute, your partner complains about sore knees, and your personal trainer charges enough to make you sweat before even hitting the gym. But what if I told you the ideal workout companion has been lounging right at your feet this entire time? Yep, it’s your pet. Specifically, your dog. Cats, on the other hand? Well, we'll get to them in a bit…
Dogs: The Four-Legged Personal Trainers You Don’t Deserve
First off, dogs need their walks. Morning and evening, no ifs, ands, or bones about it. You getting those extra steps might feel like you’re doing the dog a favor, but newsflash: you need those steps too. Fresh air, sunlight, and exercise? It’s basically your doctor’s prescription without the copay.
Sure, walking your dog might feel like another chore on your endless list of “adulting tasks,” but consider this. While you’re shuffling behind Fido, he’s making sure you check every health and wellness box on your to-do list:
Daily Exercise: Because someone has to chase squirrels or at least pretend like they’re hunters of the suburban wilderness.
Fresh Air: Admit it, you probably wouldn’t leave your house otherwise.
Mental Clarity: Nothing says “meditation” like questioning why your dog just rolled in something suspiciously smelly.
And the mental health benefits? Don’t even get me started. I used to tell my dog Jackson all my deep, dark secrets. I knew he’d never judge me, spill them to anyone, or roll his eyes the way humans do. He was my emotional support AND garbage disposal for dropped snacks. Talk about a win-win.
Fast forward to now. Jackson passed away about eight months ago (RIP, buddy). My parents, who are both retired, suddenly found their daily routine off-track. Without walks to fit into their mornings or evenings, they linger in bed a little too long. And while I’ve told them time and time again that they need to "take extra steps” (both literally and figuratively), I KNOW getting another dog would be so much easier for their lives and their health.
Because here’s the thing with dogs. They make you better, simply by needing YOU to take care of THEM. Their meals are consistent. Their diets are balanced. Their days are filled with walks, play, and mental stimulation. Now compare this to how you treat yourself. Right? I’m just saying…
Cats, on the Other Hand…
Oh, cats. The self-proclaimed monarchs of the household who “allow” us peasant humans to share their space. If dogs are workout buddies, cats are your nap enablers. They excel at reminding you to ignore that yoga mat entirely and instead curl up in the sun for a solid 5-hour snooze fest.
Cats as Fitness “Partners”
Nap-Time Champions: Cats spend roughly 16 hours a day napping, all while staring you down as you dare to lace up running shoes instead of joining them on the couch.
Support... Sort Of: Emotional support? Sure, but only if you consider their judgmental stares as “support.” Have you tried telling your cat about your bad day? The only response you’re getting is a theatrical yawn or maybe a hairball, if you’re lucky.
Yoga Mayhem: Ever tried doing yoga with a cat around? Say goodbye to zen, and hello to yoga with a side of claws, tail swipes, and “accidental” pounces. Dog yoga, on the other hand? Who wouldn’t want to do downward dog with an actual puppy climbing on their back? Exactly.
Cats, while adorable in their own way, are self-proclaimed sovereigns of sedentary behavior. Ever see someone walking a cat through the park? No, because cats don’t care if you get fresh air or hit your step goals. Their workout of choice is casually falling off the couch while you scramble to play it cool like it was on purpose. Spoiler alert, it wasn’t.
Why Dogs Bring Out Our Better Selves (Sorry, Cats)
Owning a pet, whether it’s athletic Fido or judgmental Fluffy, WILL improve your mental health. It’s science. But the simple truth is this: dogs make you healthier because they demand it. They force you to show up in a way cats just don’t.
My parents’ old dog got them out of bed every morning. He gave them a reason to start their day with purpose, move their bodies, and experience the world outside. Now retired, they socialize less. They linger more. And it’s something many of us fall into without meaning to.
A new dog wouldn’t just bring their step count back up; it would improve their mental wellbeing. And, honestly, who wouldn’t want the companionship of something that looks at you like you’re EVERYTHING in the world? (Sorry again, cats, but you’re busy plotting how to knock over yet another houseplant).
Final Thoughts from Jackson (If He Could Share Them)
If Jackson were here, his advice would probably be simple:
Get out there and explore the world!
Take those steps, whether it’s a brisk walk or a hilariously clumsy run.
Chase all the squirrels, bunnies, or even that mysterious moving leaf!
Sniff every rose, every tree, and yes, even the not-so-rosy-smelling stuff—poop counts too.
Bask in the simple joys of life, like belly rubs, sunny days, and sticking your head out the car window like the majestic creature you are.
Taking care of pets helps us take care of ourselves, often in ways we don’t even realize. And while cats are great for sharing lazy afternoons (and maybe a little attitude), dogs? They’re the unsung heroes of our health and happiness.
Now, before you sign up for that overpriced gym membership, why not take a page out of Fido’s book? Lace up your sneakers, grab the leash, and remember our four-legged friends often know how to take care of us better than we take care of ourselves. Just don’t forget the treats. For Fido… or maybe you.