Still on the subject of exercise, if you are a lazy person and if for some reason you are allergic to UV rays, then by all means try swimming. This form of exercise, not only lessens the probability of your dog getting muscle sprain, is also more effective and less time-consuming. Imagine: 5 minutes of swimming = 8 km run. 
Swimming is also the ideal sport to burn fat, as well as to strengthen your (and your dogs’) heart and lungs. When a dog swims, his chest contraction is affected by water pressure and he is forced to utilize his lungs and breathe with more intensity. This will in turn strengthen the diaphragm.
Swimming is also used for hydrotherapy, which is frequently used to treat both dogs and humans who are suffering from leg or muscle injury. Especially those with a broken foot. Those who have just healed from a broken bone, but have not walked in a long time would need to through hydrotherapy to facilitate better recovery. Hydrotherapy is also recommended for dogs who are suffering from Hip Dysplasia (HD).
If your dog has never swam before, then try introducing swimming gradually. You could start by immersing him in the shallower part of the pool for 2 minutes per day for a week, then gradually adding the length of time. Never push your dog into the pool or force him to swim on his own. The amount of energy dogs use up in swimming is tremendous, so don’t overdo it. I’m blessed with a Golden Retriever and Bubble swims like a fish in the sea 
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