Is your best friend of the furry variety? Those playful pals can actually be a great boon to your workout. But, as Liz Neporent told us, more than 50 percent of the 60 million dogs in the U.S. are considered overweight. With that statistic, it seems like our bad habits are rubbing off on our dogs more than their active natures are rubbing off on us.

If you have a dog or two, don't train them to be couch potatoes. Not only will a sedentary lifestyle affect their health (and ultimately, your vet bills), but you're also missing out on a chance for the best exercise partner. Most dog breeds have unflagging energy and will be right by your side while running, biking, or just going for a walk.


Besides, if you've got a little pooch around your belly, your pooch might be able to help you work that off.

Following a few post here at That's Fit about belly fat, I wondered how your waistlines measured up:

• 59 percent of you admit that you can pinch an inch or two.
• 30 percent have a Santa-like bowl full of jelly.
• 11 percent have flat, lean bellies.
• 3 percent of you have rock-hard abs.

Belly fat is stubborn, but it's worth putting in the effort to lose it. Unlike the subcutaneous fat found elsewhere on your body, belly fat is visceral fat. Visceral fat can increase your risk of conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. Remember, spot reducing is a myth. Crunches and other core strengthening moves will help tone muscles in the area, but they won't help you lose excess fat. So stick to a healthful and lean diet and lead an overall active life with plenty of cardio.