Walking your dog is vital for both your pet's physical health and your own. Engaging in activities like leash pulling or chasing squirrels requires you to engage your core, balance, and coordination, according to Brianna Steinhilber, TODAY health editor and certified personal trainer.
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Steinhilber emphasized that a stronger and more stable physique enables quicker reactions, potentially preventing falls. To improve your balance and overall strength during walks, she recommends incorporating the farmer’s carry into your routine.
If walking your dog often leaves you feeling sore or off-balance, Steinhilber suggests training the muscles that maintain your stability. The farmer’s carry enhances grip strength and supports core stability during unexpected moments, such as when your dog reacts energetically.
This exercise is a full-body functional move that effectively builds strength in the upper body, lower body, and core. It is especially beneficial when managing leash tension or sudden changes in your dog’s direction.
To perform the farmer’s carry, begin by bending at the waist to pick up two heavy weights, ensuring you avoid lower back stress. Stand upright with your shoulders pulled down and back, chest out, and core engaged. Walk forward in a controlled manner for ten steps, then return to your starting point. After resting, repeat this sequence until you have completed five rounds.
Other functional exercises that can enhance your dog walking experience include single-leg balance for stability, split squats for single-leg strength, plank pull-throughs for core stability during directional changes, and lateral step-ups for strength on uneven terrain.
This advice is part of TODAY’s Expert Tip of the Day series, offering practical strategies for everyday life. Additionally, Clear the Shelters, an initiative by NBCUniversal Local, has successfully helped over 1.3 million pets find homes.