7 Benefits to Exercising With Animals

Regular exercise is an important part of good overall health. We’re not shy about how much we love exercising with our goats. Whether you’re doing a half lotus pose with a dwarf goat, taking your dog for a run, or riding a horse, exercising with an animal can have all kinds of benefits, both for you and your animal friend.

Motivation

They motivate you to get moving. It’s not hard to come up with excuses not to exercise, but knowing you’ll have a friend alongside you can encourage you to get up and get moving.

Get Out There

Exercising with an animal can help you feel less isolated. If you live alone or can’t keep a pet in your home, visiting an animal-assisted exercise facility can help you feel more social and less lonely. Taking a friendly dog for a walk in your neighborhood is a great way to meet more neighbors—maybe even more exercise buddies!

Lower Blood Pressure

People living with high blood pressure are often told by their doctors to maintain an active lifestyle to keep blood pressure at a manageable level. When you combine physical activity with interacting with a friendly animal, you gain the added benefit of the blood pressure-lowering effect their presence has.

Get the Kids Moving

Kids need exercise, too, and some studies have shown that regular exposure to animals can help lower the chance the child will develop an animal-related allergy or asthma. Children are often excited to exercise when they know an animal will come along, and helps them develop healthy habits.

Better Mood

Having a bad day? Working out with a four-legged friend can help boost your mood, even if you are determined to pout. One look at sweet Tilly’s big blue eyes cheers us up no matter what.

Increased Focus

People with autism may also find that exercising with an animal can help improve focus and increase verbal communication skills. [http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/06/health/06pets.html]

Happier Animals

Let’s not forget the animals themselves! Our goats love being around people because they get plenty of affection, plenty of healthy exercise, and plenty of mental stimulation.

The most important benefit of exercising with an animal is that it’s fun! Doing yoga with our goats is a sensational experience you won’t forget.

Tags: Animal Therapy, Animals, Autism, Blood Pressure, Exercise, goats, Health, yoga