Strava and Wellness Pet Company Launch Movement Challenge for Mental Health Month
Krissy Vann | Host, All Things Fitness and Wellness
Whether it is a morning jog or an afternoon stroll with a four-legged companion, research continues to show that staying active with a pet can deliver major health benefits. This May, Wellness Pet Company and Strava are teaming up to celebrate that connection with the launch of the "Wellness Pet Minutes That Matter Challenge" in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month.
Wellness Pet Company created the challenge as a reminder of the physical and mental health gains that come from regular movement with pets. Participants are encouraged to log their active minutes on Strava, the popular fitness tracking app, as a way to celebrate the small moments that add up to better wellbeing for both humans and animals.
The initiative highlights findings that even simple activities, like walking a dog or playing in the park, can reduce stress, improve cardiovascular health, and contribute to a stronger emotional bond between pets and their owners. According to the American Heart Association, pet ownership is associated with lower blood pressure and improved fitness levels, and time spent being active together can amplify those benefits.
Throughout the month of May, participants who take part in the "Minutes That Matter" challenge on Strava will be encouraged to meet personal activity goals alongside their pets. The campaign aims to raise awareness of the important role pets can play in supporting mental health while motivating people to prioritize their own self-care through movement.
More information about the challenge and how to get involved can be found directly on Strava or through Wellness Pet Company’s website.
