Forget working out at the gym ... you'll get fitter walking the dog

But the study revealed that gym goers clocked up an average of just 468 miles a year on various exercise bikes, running machines and other gadgets.

The study also found that 92 per cent of dog owners stick to an exercise routine through the years, compared to only 52 per cent of gym members who continue to go often after two or three months.

Psychologist Dr David Lewis was involved in the study of 1,500 dog owners and health club members.

He compared middle-aged people in both categories and measured their heart and stress levels before and after a series of exercises to monitor their fitness levels.

Both groups were asked to do eight minutes on a stepping machine and then tested 60 seconds after the end of the exercise.

The heart rate of dog walkers had returned to the normal resting rate, but the heart rate of gym members was still 29 beats a minute above the normal level.

This is because dog walking is a heart-strengthening aerobic exercise while the average routines of gym members included around 48 per cent of aerobic exercise.

Higher than average stress levels affected 52 per cent of gym members, but only 35 per cent of dog walkers.

Dr Lewis said: "Given the financial cost of gym membership, Fido wins hands down as your personal well-being trainer.

"Not only does walking a dog mean you have to go out at least once a day - rain or shine, you become far less stressed merely by stroking a pet."

The study

also found different breeds contributed more or less to the fitness levels but it was not as simple as big dogs needing more exercise than little ones.

Owners of Basset Hounds, Shih-Tzus, Dachshunds, Corgis and, surprisingly, Whippets, tend to do little more than stroll with their animals.

Boxers, Dobermans, German Shepherds, Retrievers and the much smaller breed of Jack Russells are suitable pets for anyone wanting regular brisk walks.

The power walkers in the canine world are Dalmatians, Border Collies, Setters and Springer Spaniels.

David Changleng, a physical education teacher at Peebles High School said dogs give owners the opportunity to go out and get fit.

"The simple fact is, when you have a dog you got to get out there even if the weather is poor. There is a daily routine you get into and with the Scottish weather you have to get out.

"If you have a larger dog, it needs a lot of exercise and you need to take it out in the countryside rather than take it down to the shops.

"I've got two dogs, a Collie and a Spaniel. They are very loyal and we walk them a lot."

Alison Cockcroft, brand manager of Butcher's Dog Food, which commissioned the research, added: "Come January hordes of men and women will flock to the gym to ward off the excesses of Christmas, but how long will it last?

"We wanted to test the theory that a 'walkie a day' is just as beneficial, if not more, than spending time pumping iron in the gym - we were delighted to find that it is."

PET NAMES

DOGS may not like being closely associated with their traditional foe, the cat, but a survey today revealed that the most common name for both animals was the same: Molly.

The name has emerged as the number one choice in separate lists of top dog and cat names compiled by the RSPCA, based on a survey of almost 2,000 people.

The name Molly did not make either top ten five years ago, when Ben was the favourite dog's name, but has now taken top spot in both lists. Meanwhile, Ben has slipped out of the chart completely.

David McDowell, acting chief veterinary officer for the RSPCA, said: "This is a real shocker for the name Ben. I believe it has always been a solid name for a dog, standing for loyalty and friendship.

"It even survived the Michael Jackson song about a rat. But now it's gone."

Yesterday's survey showed Felix and Smudge are the second and third most popular choices for cat owners, with Jack and Holly the second and third choices for dog owners.

The poll also revealed most pet owners, 56 per cent, have an animal to keep them company and that cats and dogs are still the most popular, accounting for 49 per cent of animals.