#fitfriday Did you know you can burn up 400 calories per hour horseback riding at a slow pace?🐴 And up to 700 calories per hour riding at a faster gallop? 🏇🏼
Surprised? 😮 Me too! It may seem as if the horse is doing all the work. But horseback riding is actually good exercise. Here are a few benefits:
🐴 Cardio - Even though you’re just sitting, your body moves with the horse’s gait. This increases your breathing and heart rate.
🐴 Strength training - Four key muscle groups are engaged when you ride: abs, lower back, pelvis and thighs, with isometric movements as you stay stabilized.
🐴 Flexibility - To keep rhythm with the horse, you need to have a mobile spine and limber hips. Flexible ankles are also needed to absorb the shock appropriately in order to use your thighs and abs.
🐴 Mental health - Spending time outdoors with horses releases serotonin, which can improve your mood and reduce stress. Feelings of relaxation come from circulation as well as joint and muscle movement while riding.
So saddle up your horses and let’s ride! 🤠
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