Make your exercise count twice!

jezzi4ever
jezzi4ever Posts: 100
edited September 2024 in Motivation and Support
How? Double up exercise with volunteerism!

I spent the morning walk/jogging with two dogs at my local animal shelter. After that I had a little time left over for some love, cuddles and brushing.

"Walking/jogging with dogs" is one of my most frequent forms of exercise, so it just makes sense to double up. I'm helping myself and making their time at the shelter that much more enjoyable. Today I "walked" (aka tried to get him to walk, when all he wanted to do was sleep) an overweight Alaskan Malamute then went for a two mile jog with a lab/shepard mix. It's my experience that there's a dog for every activity level!

So perhaps this is a good option for those looking to "mix it up." Plus--these dogs are extra motivation--they are expecting, and wanting you to come help them exercise!!

Does anyone else do this?

Oh--and a 'special thanks' to my MFP buddy Jamazurunner, who re-sparked my interest in doing this!

Replies

  • pilotgirl2007
    pilotgirl2007 Posts: 368 Member
    When I was studying abroad in England I volunteered at the shelter to walk and run dogs : ) it was nice to have the companionship while I was away from home
  • jezzi4ever
    jezzi4ever Posts: 100
    When I was studying abroad in England I volunteered at the shelter to walk and run dogs : ) it was nice to have the companionship while I was away from home

    Yes!! I didn't even think of the companionship part--great point!
  • SiltyPigeon
    SiltyPigeon Posts: 920 Member
    Awww! Good job!
    I spent the entire morning delivering Pet Banks around town, 90* weather in the rain, for the Humane Society. Does that count extra, too? :laugh:
  • luv_lea
    luv_lea Posts: 1,094 Member
    That's a great idea!
  • jezzi4ever
    jezzi4ever Posts: 100
    Awww! Good job!
    I spent the entire morning delivering Pet Banks around town, 90* weather in the rain, for the Humane Society. Does that count extra, too? :laugh:

    What are Pet Banks??
  • SiltyPigeon
    SiltyPigeon Posts: 920 Member
    Banks shaped like cats and dogs that we take to the local businesses so that hopefully customers will drop their change in. I volunteer to switch them out and find new homes for them every couple of weeks.
  • jezzi4ever
    jezzi4ever Posts: 100
    Oh I love that!! Yes, I say it counts. How great of you to volunteer your time to a wonderful cause!
  • Mucky_Duck
    Mucky_Duck Posts: 73
    I'd love to do something like this. I haven't got much going for me in my life at the moment and I love animals & doing something that feels meaningful. Such a fabulous idea.
  • jezzi4ever
    jezzi4ever Posts: 100
    I'd love to do something like this. I haven't got much going for me in my life at the moment and I love animals & doing something that feels meaningful. Such a fabulous idea.

    Yes! Do it. Those dogs (and cats) will love and appreciate you unconditionally! They don't know what baggage you have, or care what you look like--they LOVE you for being there!! Plus, I think pet therapy is one of the best possible therapies around, it always picks me up!
  • Jenscan
    Jenscan Posts: 694 Member
    Great thread - I volunteer with animals too. This could also go great for someone playing basketball with a Little Brother/Little Sister, or doing the Race for the Cure.. etc etc.
  • jezzi4ever
    jezzi4ever Posts: 100
    Great thread - I volunteer with animals too. This could also go great for someone playing basketball with a Little Brother/Little Sister, or doing the Race for the Cure.. etc etc.

    Yes!! Absolutely!! All great ideas to keep in mind when people make their exercise choices!
  • themommie
    themommie Posts: 5,033 Member
    what a great idea. I think I will check into this.
    Jenscan you are so right , there are alot of opportunities to volunteer that also help us with exercise. I use to love doing the walk-a-thons and bike-a-thons when i was younger......
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