Then do it for the dog.

I have REALLY been having trouble getting the exercise thing together. There have been many years of my life where I was a good, regular, devoted exerciser. For the past few years, this has not been the case.  I attempt to use the"time" excuse, but can easily find time for other commitments (they must be a higher priority).

So eight weeks ago, one of my dogs had cruciate ligament surgery (TPLO). I won't go into the gory details, but she was then confined to a crate for eight weeks (but for going potty), and has now been freed and is on an exercise regime; several 10 minute walks a days (as in 4-6), increasing by five minutes every two weeks, for another eight weeks.  Okay, so this is just day six of the first week, and the weather is lovely.  But I am having NO trouble finding the time to take Mollie on these walks, and oh yes, I happen to be getting a bit of exercise myself.  Indeed, getting home during the day for these walks takes far more time than the walks themselves.

And if you were to design a program to get someone back exercising, wouldn't it look a whole lot like this; starting small and regular, with gradual increases? hmm.  I'm glad to have found the motivation, but am a bit disappointed not to have found it within myself.

In Mollie's case, the exercise will actually stimulate bone growth so it can fill in where it is needed; pretty essential stuff. In my case, well, we all know the of benefits of exercise and how that list grows as we age.

After having been crated for eight weeks, Mollie's stamina isn't what it had been. So after five ten minute walks yesterday. She was beat.  A tired dog is a good dog.  I'm not  beat, but can certainly tell that I've been moving more than usual.

Thanks Mollie!