Bob Martin
WALKIES V GYM
The average dog owner gets more exercise walking their pet than someone with a gym membership, it emerged yesterday (Thurs).
Researchers found animal lovers exercise their pet twice a day for 24 minutes each time - a total of five hours and 38 minutes a week.
On top of that, the average dog owner also takes their pet out on three long walks each week adding another two hours and 33 minutes to the total.
But in comparison, those without a dog spend an average of just one hour and 20 minutes per week exercising by going to the gym or heading out for a stroll or jog.
And almost half (47 per cent) of non-pet owners admit they do absolutely no exercise whatsoever.
A spokesperson for pet healthcare experts Bob Martin said: ''Whilst going to the gym seems like a chore for many Brits, walking the dog can be a much more enjoyable way to get your daily exercise.
''A couple of short walks a day soon adds up and this research shows that it amounts to more time than people spend in the gym.
''And whilst gym-goers exercise inside an air conditioned gym, dog walkers are able to rack up the miles and enjoy fresh air whilst admiring the Great British countryside.''
The study of 5,000 Brits, including 3,000 dog owners, revealed that 57 per cent of those see walking the dog as their main form of exercise.
And more than three quarters say they would rather take their pooch for a hike instead of hitting the gym.
A staggering 86 per cent say they enjoy taking their beloved pet out each day, with just 22 per cent saying they ever see it as a chore.
But only 16 per cent of Brits say they enjoy exercising in the gym, with almost 70 per cent considering it a chore they have to do rather than something they would like to do.
The survey showed that having a dog to walk actually encourages regular exercise with 60 per cent of pet owners saying they always go for a walk with their dog - even when time is precious.
But 46 per cent of gym goers admit they often find other things to do to get out of doing exercise.
Researchers also found that more than half of dog owners think going for a stroll with their pooch is a great way to meet new people.
And almost two thirds think it is a great way to get some me-time away from the stresses at work or home.
More than three quarters even use it as a way to relax, while 83 per cent head out with the dog to clear their head.
The Bob Martin spokesperson added: ''With increasing focus on leading an active healthy lifestyle it seems that owning a dog makes us more healthy.
''The Government recommends 30 minutes of moderate cardio vascular exercise 3-5 times per week and it's encouraging to see that dog walkers are exceeding this target and enjoying it at the same time.''
