These days, accountability partners are becoming increasingly popular for exercise routines. The idea is to find a friend or someone who will keep you motivated to work out, even when you don’t feel like it. They encourage you to show up because the last thing we want to do is disappoint someone, especially after we’ve committed to being there. But did you know that a dog can also make an excellent accountability partner?
Over the years, I’ve discovered that working out with my dog, Olive, is a fantastic way to stay in shape and achieve my fitness goals. I often tell people that she’s my fitness buddy, my security system (and body guard), and my emotional support. And I’m not exaggerating—she really is all those things. But most importantly, I was surprised when I realized that she holds me accountable. I can’t resist lacing up my sneakers and taking her on our daily two-mile trek in any/all weather conditions. Not only is it fun, but it also provides numerous health benefits for both of us.
Meet Olive, my accountability partner! Olive is a great walking partner. We both enjoy the fresh air and exercise, and it gives us quality time together while offering a great cardio workout for both of us. As she’s getting older, our walks have slowed to a more leisurely pace. And while we don’t tackle the daily 4-10 mile hikes like we used to, we still get out there daily for at least 1-2 miles. Since I do my more strenuous workouts in the mornings, our afternoon/evening walks are bonus points for me, but really important for her, regardless of the pace.
When she was younger, we played a lot of fetch at the park. It was great aerobic exercise for her and a good arm workout for me. But these days, walking together is our go to exercise. It truly brings both of us such joy.
We especially love to go hiking when we camp. It’s often the highlight of our trips, offering a great workout and the adventure of exploring new places, sights, smells, and sounds. These days, we take shorter hikes and we do them in shifts vs. all at once, but we do it together and that’s the best part. Last weekend while camping, we did a couple of two-mile hikes, getting in four miles over two days.
Hiking challenges both of us mentally and physically. It’s a full-body workout, especially on inclines and downhill slopes. I feel the burn in my glutes, calves, and core, while Olive steps over rocks and logs, building strength and endurance as she burns calories. Sometimes she makes me pick up the pace while other times, I help her pick up the pace. Plus, our bonding time is priceless; a few hours a day exploring nature definitely strengthens our bond.
Swimming is another great workout. We also love paddle boarding together, which is a fantastic core workout for me as I stabilize the board with both of us on it as I paddle. With the extra 100 pounds Olive brings to the board, I work harder than when I’m solo, to keep us on the board instead of in the water. Olive also enjoys frolicking along the shore, and fetching sticks into the water. Sometimes we both race in the water towards that stick (she always gets it-wink)! All that movement in the water is a great low-impact workout for her older muscles and joints and helps me engage muscles I don’t normally use. Plus, it keeps us cool in the water, on these hot summer days, which is one of my favorite reasons to swim—no sweating when you’re in the lake (and no chlorine to turn my hair green)!
Incorporating Olive into my fitness routine has been incredibly rewarding. Whether it’s a simple walk in the park, a trek around the campground, a hike through the woods, or a swim in the lake – having Olive as my accountability partner ensures that every workout together is enjoyable and motivating.
So, if you’re looking for a way to stay committed to your fitness goals, consider partnering up with an accountability partner. Two legged or four, an accountability partner might just be the missing link to keep you motivated or even change things up in your existing routine. You might even find that the journey to better health is more fun and fulfilling with a loyal companion by your side.
Remember, the key to a successful fitness journey is consistency and joy. With Olive, I have both in abundance. Happy exercising!
To meet my Olive via YouTube, click HERE.
To support you on your health and wellness journey, I wrote a book detailing my journey and to inspire you. Check out my book (coming Fall 2025) The Awakened Body. Fore more information, click HERE.