Dear Cindy:

I recently adopted my dog, Bella, from Pet Helpers and it was a match made in heaven. Besides loving her and enjoying taking care of her, I have found an unexpected reward from having Bella. I stay active at work but finding time to exercise has always been a problem for me, until now. After six weeks I am now walking her each evening for 50 minutes. When's the last time I came home from work and took a 50-minute walk? Uh, NEVER!! Bella returns from the walk exhausted and tired, and I return energized. I'm curious, though, to find out what the fitness world says about the benefits of dog walking? -- Deb

Dear Deb:

My gut reaction says, "Who cares what anyone says about the benefits of dog walking. You just pinpointed the most important one: Energy!"

But OK, I'll share some insight on the topic of dog walking and health. It's actually a subject that is garnering lots of attention from canine lovers, obesity researchers and fitness experts, and being a proud pug parent makes this near and dear to my heart. In an effort to get people moving, the American Council on Exercise believes a picture's worth a thousand words and uses an image of a large lab with the words "Think of him as a treadmill with hair." I wholeheartedly agree.

A couch potato's best friend

Research shows that very little is as valuable as a great workout partner to keep you motivated and active. For example, when a friend calls you up and says let's walk, you're more apt to go. Likewise, when you get your dog into a daily walking habit, he can quickly become your most loyal workout partner. In fact, once in the habit, dogs will remind you that it's time to get moving outside -- some will even sit by the door with their leash in their mouth.

Those who walk their dog are more physically fit

Health benefits for dog walkers happen on both ends of the leash. Just owning a dog doesn't reap fitness rewards. Studies conducted with people who didn't walk their pets were compared to those who regularly walked their dogs, and these were the findings.

Those who didn't walk their dogs:

| Were 58 percent more likely to be overweight.

| Were less likely to meet moderate intensity activity standards, according to the American College of Sports Medicine's guidelines for physical activity.

| Spent at least 30 more minutes sitting each day.

| Doubled their chance for high blood pressure.

Good for you, good for your dog

Cedric X. Bryant, chief exercise physiologist for the American Council on Exercise, says, "Walking is arguably the most popular physical activity in the United States, and for good reason. It's easy to do, inexpensive, joint friendly, and can be well tolerated by virtually everyone. A consistent walking habit conditions your heart, strengthens your bones and muscles, elevates your mood, improves yours mental outlook, and reduces your risk for a variety of chronic diseases . . .  ."

The same holds true for your dog. Unfortunately, studies show that more than half are overweight. In fact, dogs that are active and maintain a healthy weight live up to two years longer than overweight ones.

Public health expert weighs in

Researcher Cindy Lentino, an exercise scientist at George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services, says, "Dog owners who don't walk their dog are missing a great opportunity to get physical activity and stay healthy. If you walk your dog just 30 minutes a day, you can meet national recommendations for physical activity."

In addition, you will find that walking and owning a dog is your best defense against stress.

Some dog walkers are quite proud of the active time they spend with their four-legged friends. One owner I spoke to said she had walked more than 1,500 miles since she adopted her Cairn Terriers five years ago. That's about 300 miles a year. Believe me, she is adding years to her life and life to her years and she's doing the same for her dogs.

Walk this way

I'm sure you are responsible dog walker, which is why you come back from a walk energized. For those of you who would like to begin a pet exercise regimen, here are a few training tips to get you started and keep you and your dog safe.

| Always walk your dog on a leash. A harness is a good choice with a retractable leash so you can give your pet a little slack or reel them in as needed, particularly in the beginning when your paces might not match up exactly.

| If you are taking your dog to a walking event, check with the organizers for restrictions.

| Anywhere you walk, abide by the rules.

| With this in mind, always clean up after your pet. Carry a pooper-scooper or a plastic bag.

| Both you and your dog need water to stay hydrated. Collapsible bowls work well for this.

| Dogs can't sweat, so find a shady area every now and then and let your pet cool down. I can't stress water enough.

If possible, obedience training is good if your dog is easily distracted or hard to handle. Also, remember to pay attention to your dog's conditioning level and it must progress just like yours will. If it is a hot and humid day, be aware of heat stress and shorten your walk or make it less intense. Note: some breeds, such as pugs/bulldogs, are not meant to exercise in hot conditions.

Don't have an exercise buddy?

Do like Deb. There are thousands of dogs wishing they had a home and literally dying to be rescued. Check shelters and rescue groups to find your best buddy and energy supply.

Cindy Boggs, fitness presenter, author and YMCA Activate America director, has been an ACE-certified coordinator/instructor since 1989. Send your questions about fitness, training or health to YMCA of Kanawha Valley, 100 YMCA Drive, Charleston, WV 25311 or email cindys...@aol.com. Look for her award winning fitness advice book, "CindySays . . . "You an Find Health in Your Hectic World'" on her Web site www.cindysays.com or contact the YMCA at 340-3527.