People and their dogs come in all shapes and sizes with different ability levels. Some are natural when it comes to running, others less so. Some are looking to enter races whereas some just want to achieve a basic fitness level by enjoying social runs.

At Dogfit, your entry fitness level is not important – what is, is that you recognise the benefits of getting fit with your dog and that you are both doing something!

I’ve been doing Canicross for two years now and I’ve met so many people who can clearly see the benefits of running with their dog but for whatever reason they are nervous about getting started.

But once they do they never look back!

From power walking to running – pretty much anyone can start getting fit with their dog

For some people it’s a fear of not being fit enough to even get started. For others it’s a fear of looking unfit (getting red faced, wheezing and wobbly bits on display!). It can also be a time factor, when they have other commitments such as children. Some people even declare that they ‘can’t run!’.

We can all identify with some of these concerns and I’m sure there are others I haven’t covered.

All I can say is that nobody is too unfit to start getting active with their dog – we all have to start somewhere…and you are not alone! You don’t even have to run, simply power walk and build up from there.

As for being worried about how you look…no one will be judging you as much as yourself! In fact, you should be proud of the fact that you are putting the needs of your dog first…whilst getting a benefit from it yourself.

This is where group classes have so many benefits. Running with likeminded people will not only increase your confidence but it will give you the support to keep going! We have classes designed especially for beginners (including Couch to 3k).

It’s also much more fun running in a group and great for the dogs too!

There is no time like the present to start getting active with your dog!

In terms of not having the time to get out and get fit, well this is the great thing about getting fit with your dog; you kill two birds with one stone! You have to take your dog out for exercise anyway!

My husband’s favourite motto is ‘try it, you might like it’. Well I would say the same about Canicross, except I’m sure you WILL like it!

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