13 ways to exercise with your dog

By Catherine DiBenedetto, Health.com

Updated 0138 GMT (0938 HKT) August 4, 2015

Once you and your dog get in the habit of exercising together, it can become a fun habit -- and they won't let you give it up, either. You can try going for a jog or a run together. Click through our gallery to learn about other fun ways to work out with man's best friend.
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Once you and your dog get in the habit of exercising together, it can become a fun habit -- and they won't let you give it up, either. You can try going for a jog or a run together. Click through our gallery to learn about other fun ways to work out with man's best friend.
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Dogs of all sizes can ride on the nose of a paddleboard while you get a killer ab workout. Odds are you're both going to fall in at some point, so be sure to get life preservers for two.
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Stand-up paddleboarding – Dogs of all sizes can ride on the nose of a paddleboard while you get a killer ab workout. Odds are you're both going to fall in at some point, so be sure to get life preservers for two.
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You can also take your dog out for a spin in a sit-on-top kayak. Smaller breeds may perch up front, while larger dogs might feel safer closer to your feet.
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Kayaking – You can also take your dog out for a spin in a sit-on-top kayak. Smaller breeds may perch up front, while larger dogs might feel safer closer to your feet.
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Is your dog so exuberant on walks you worry she might one day pull your arm off? If so, try letting her keep up with you as you pedal. Or, like this cyclist, your dog can just enjoy the ride.
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Cycling – Is your dog so exuberant on walks you worry she might one day pull your arm off? If so, try letting her keep up with you as you pedal. Or, like this cyclist, your dog can just enjoy the ride.
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As long as you're comfortable with inline skating, it will be fun to have your dog join in.
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Rollerblading – As long as you're comfortable with inline skating, it will be fun to have your dog join in.
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You throw the ball and your pup goes bounding after it. But who says you have to just stand there? While he's retrieving, bust out some muscle-building moves like crunches, lunges, squats and more.
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Active fetch – You throw the ball and your pup goes bounding after it. But who says you have to just stand there? While he's retrieving, bust out some muscle-building moves like crunches, lunges, squats and more.
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Believe it or not, some dogs love soccer—especially herding breeds like Border Collies and Australian Shepherds. Some pet brands even sell soccer-style balls.
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Soccer – Believe it or not, some dogs love soccer—especially herding breeds like Border Collies and Australian Shepherds. Some pet brands even sell soccer-style balls.
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Climbing stairs (or bleachers) makes your quads, hamstrings, and glutes work extra hard, so the exercise will benefit both of you.
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Stair-running – Climbing stairs (or bleachers) makes your quads, hamstrings, and glutes work extra hard, so the exercise will benefit both of you.
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Story highlights

  • Dogs can be the perfect workout buddies for humans
  • Running, stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking can all be pup friendly

(CNN)Dogs make the best workout buddies. They never complain about hills, or cancel on you last-minute. And they're always stoked to follow you out the door. That energy can be contagious: research from Michigan State University found that canine owners were 34% more likely to get the recommended 150 minutes of exercise a week than folks who didn't have a dog. Even if you're just taking your pup for a walk, that counts. (Move at a brisk clip and you can burn as many as 170 calories in half an hour.) But there are lots of other activities you and Fido can do together -- all while strengthening your bond.

Check out these fun ways to get fit with your furry pal.

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