January is National Walk Your Dog Month, the perfect opportunity to get moving and kickstart your healthy new year’s resolutions with more exercise and fresh air. That’s why we’ve put together some of our top dog walking tips and locations around Bridgend.
Walking your dog is a great way for you (and your dog) to keep fit. Walking is of course completely free, completely flexible and most importantly has a positive impact on both your mental and physical health. With so many in our community working from home, it’s healthy to take regular breaks away from your computer and home office environment. The NHS has deemed walking as one of the most effective cardio exercises, reducing the risk of diseases, and extending your life.
One of the main reasons for not getting outdoors in the winter is we can often tell ourselves we are ‘too busy’. January provides a great opportunity to set yourself some targets and step by step change small habits, which you can bring into the rest of the year. As well as pleasing your dog, your walk can also provide opportunities for social interaction with other dog walkers, or even friends & family that join you. Why not try a dog friendly cafe in Bridgend along the way, for a healthy refreshment? If you find yourself seeking company for your dog walk, there are also local dog walking groups available, as well as interactive groups online for dog owners.
Try our top recommendation for a local dog walk. You can also explore nature with your dog, around the beautiful coastal walks in Bridgend. A mindful stroll can help reduce anxiety and improve your mental health.
This time of year there are some important safety elements to consider when walking:
- Wearing brightly coloured or reflective clothing, as well as leashes and collars on your dog
- Staying in well-lit public areas
- Ensuring you and your dog have access to plenty of water during a long walk and afterwards
- Protecting yourself from the elements- dress up warm and stay dry where possible. Don’t forget to protect your dog’s feet from any ice or snow too!
If you don’t have your own dog to walk, did you know you can borrow one? There are a number of companies that link dog lovers to dog owners who may not be able to care or walk their dog as often as they would like to, here’s a few:
Alternatively, recording the steps you do each day can be the incentive for you to keep moving. The goal of 10,000 steps a day is a recommended target for healthy adults to achieve health benefits. Why not work towards your own goal and monitor progress? You could even start a ‘step’ competition with family and friends.