From Heels to Sneakers: How My Dogs Turned Me into a Fitness Fanatic

What are your favorite physical activities or exercises?

I’ll be the first to admit it: I used to hate physical activities. Exercise and I had a mutual agreement to avoid each other at all costs. My version of “getting active” involved walking from the couch to the fridge and maybe doing a heel-click in celebration of a snack. I was the kind of person who wore heels everywhere—not because they were comfortable, but because they made me feel like I had it all together.

And then came Romo and Sauli, my four-legged whirlwind of chaos and love.

When Romo first entered my life, I still thought I could maintain my “no-sweat lifestyle.” But Romo had other plans. He had the energy of ten toddlers after a sugar rush, and the only way to keep him from bouncing off the walls (literally) was to take him outside. Every. Single. Day.

I quickly learned that heels and dog walks are a terrible combination. So, begrudgingly, I swapped my beloved heels for sneakers. At first, it felt like a betrayal of my former self. But as Romo bounded ahead of me, tail wagging, I started to see the world differently. The fresh air, the rhythm of our steps, and the joy on his face began to feel… good.

Then came Sauli. If Romo introduced me to walking, Sauli took things up a notch. Sauli’s idea of a good time wasn’t just a stroll around the block—it was a full-on adventure. Hiking trails, running on the beach, even trying (and failing) to keep up with squirrels in the park. Suddenly, I found myself doing things I never thought I’d do, like jogging or trekking uphill without collapsing halfway.

It wasn’t easy at first. I’d huff and puff and wonder why I didn’t just get a goldfish instead. But Romo and Sauli’s enthusiasm was contagious. They didn’t care if I was slow or sweaty—they just loved being with me. And over time, I began to love being with them too, in a way that went beyond the couch cuddles and lazy afternoons.

Now, I’m a different person. The sneakers are my go-to footwear, and walks with my dogs are the best part of my day. I’ve even found myself sneaking in a yoga stretch or two while Romo looks on, clearly judging my form.

The truth is, I still don’t love exercise in the traditional sense. But the way Romo and Sauli have changed me? That’s not about fitness—it’s about love. It’s about showing up for them because they show up for me every single day. And in doing so, I’ve started showing up for myself too.

So, when someone asks what my favorite physical activity is, my answer is simple: anything that makes Romo and Sauli happy. Whether it’s a brisk walk, a game of fetch, or just chasing them around the yard, they’ve turned me into a person I never thought I’d be. And I wouldn’t trade it for anything—even a pair of designer heels.