One of the hardest parts of being fit is finding new and exciting ways to exercise. Eventually, everyone that does the same thing will reach a plateau.
So, it’s always good when you can find something new to add to your routine. And, I’ve got an idea that will blow you away; horse riding. That’s right, riding a horse can actually be amazing for your fitness levels. Many people think it’s a waste of time as you’re just sitting on a horse. However, here are some awesome facts that prove horse riding is a great form of exercise:
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It Involves A Lot Of Balance
There a reason why some people can ride a horse and some can’t. It’s because riding one requires an awful lot of balance. You have to work hard to keep your body upright and not fall over the side of the horse. And, anyone that’s done any balance work will tell you that it works your muscles. Your body has to work hard to maintain a balanced position. It’s fighting against different forces that want to see you fall off that horse. As long as you’re staying upright, you’re getting some great exercise.
Killer Leg Workout
Many people think that sitting on a horse is easy. But, riding requires lots of leg strength. Your inner thighs will always be tensed and working hard to control the horse and keep you on that saddle. If you want to mix up your leg routine, then give horse riding a go and feel the burn!
Encourages Stretching
Stretching is a very important part of every fitness routine. It helps keep your muscles long and free from injuries. When you go to the gym, it’s easy to neglect stretching. But, try and get on a horse with tight hamstrings and you’ll be in for a shock! There’s no way you can ride a horse without being flexible. So, it encourages stretching, which can help maximize your fitness gains.
As you can see, there are many ways horse riding can help your fitness routine. If you’re interested, then here are some things to consider:
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Get A Horse And Insure It
Obviously, you can’t go horse riding without a horse! And, you need to find some good insurance for horses too. If you don’t insure your horse, then you may end up paying loads if it damages something. It’s not worth the risk, so make sure you do it.
Buy Riding Gear
Next, you have to find some riding gear for you and your horse. This includes a saddle, and a proper riding outfit, so you feel comfortable. Any equestrian website will sell the things you need here.
Go To A Field
To get the most out of horse riding, you should find a suitable field. This gives you plenty of room to get to grips with everything. And, you can trot and gallop around for a long time, leading to a killer workout.
And, there you have it! That’s all you need to know about horse riding and fitness. Hopefully, you realize how good it can be, and now know how to get started!
