According to the American Heart Association, walking has the lowest dropout rate of any physical activity. Think it doesn’t do any good? Think again. Walking is low impact; easier on the joints than running. It is safe – with a doctor’s okay – for people with orthopedic ailments, heart conditions, and those who are more than 20% overweight. In addition, research has shown that you could gain two hours of life for each hour of regular exercise! That quick stroll around the block seems a little more worthwhile now, doesn’t it?

But these health benefits aren’t restricted to people.  Regular physical activity is one of the best things you can do to keep your dog healthy, happy and out of trouble!  The Small Animal Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation unit at Colorado State University wants to get you AND your best friend out to walk together.  CSUs Walk with a Doc and a Dog chapter will be hosting monthly walks rotating between the three CSU campuses.  Each walk will be led by a visiting walk-host from CSU that will share with the group a bit about the work they do to keep animals and people healthy. While you walk at your own pace, you’ll have the opportunity to have questions answered by a variety of CSUs health science students and professionals.  No dog?  No problem!  There will be plenty of pups to greet and show you around.

Walk with a Doc is a walking program for everyone interested in taking steps for a healthier lifestyle. This program was started in Columbus, OH in April of 2005 by Dr. David Sabgir and has now expanded throughout the country. You don’t need any special gear and there are no special rules. Just put on a pair of comfortable shoes and walk alone, with friends, a partner or family or with a group. It’s a personal preference!