People who have a workout buddy tend to stick with an exercise program and reach their goals more than those who go solo. But coordinating schedules can be a nightmare at times.
The solution? Get a dog.
Dogs make great workout buddies. Their schedules will always match yours. Pick an active breed and they will run with you for hours. Hike mountains. Trot along side you when you bike (I have seen this, but I have never owned a dog I would trust to not pull me down!).
Unlike human workout partners, they never lose their motivation to move. And dogs don’t judge you.
Most importantly, having a dog will provide motivation for you to exercise. While you may not make time to get out and exercise on your own, if you are a dog lover, you will make sure your companion gets the exercise that he needs. Just make sure when you head out with your canine companion that you have plenty of water for both of you. Dogs are just as likely to get dehydrated as you are.
Of course, remember that dogs are a real responsibility. Shelters are full of dogs who turned out to be more work than their owners expected. But if you’re willing to take the time and make the commitment, you can help one of them while helping yourself.