How to do horse riding for weight loss
This article includes links I have been paid to include but all opinions are my own and information I have found online about how horse riding can be used as exercise.
If you are not a gym bunny and don’t want to go for a run then maybe you are starting to think exercise just isn’t for you. There are so many fun exercises out there that won’t even seem like exercise you will have so much fun. However, before you get excited I am not saying that any exercise will outweigh a diet of takeaways! Here are all the reasons horse riding could help you.
How good an exercise is horse riding?
Whilst horse riding, in general, is good for exercise the most calories are burnt through galloping. The harder it feels on your body, the better the exercise is.
Horse riding exercises so much of your body because you are using your thighs to grip, but also your core to maintain the correct posture. It truly is a full-body workout.
There are plenty of places you can go to learn to ride around the country. Alternatively, have you considered owning a horse?
If you have the money to pay for the horse, a nice stable, and, of course, vet treatments and such, then this could be a great way to ensure you keep to your exercise!
Moreover, it is important to prioritise the horse’s comfort. Certain accessories play an important role in achieving this. For instance, saddle pads for ultimate horse comfort are indispensable horse accessories. These pads not only provide additional cushioning but also ensure even weight distribution, reducing pressure points and potential discomfort for the horse.
5 Benefits horse riding has on your body
Horse riding is great for fitness, as it adds a bit of variety to your usual routine and can be a lot of fun too. Aside from cleaning out the stables and grooming your horse, which of course are both workouts in themselves.
Flexibility
To ride a horse well, you need to be in the right position and be flexible enough to move with the horse and stabilise yourself.
A good stretch before your ride and another to cool down afterwards should help, but in the long run, horse riding will also help your flexibility in other areas, too.
Coordination
Do you find you are not the most coordinated of people? It may sound crazy, as you need coordination to ride a horse, but it also helps your coordination.
The body awareness you get from horse riding will really help in the long run, too. Don’t forget that horse riding is used in therapy for many disabled and blind children for this very reason!
Exercises your arms and shoulders
On a horse, you never get to relax your arms and shoulders; they are always busy. This is one reason horse riding is good exercise. Don’t underestimate the number of calories burnt and the muscles used by your arms alone.
A great leg exercise
While you are enjoying your ride, trotting along, you are squatting and holding that squat for quite a long time. For galloping, you are clenching your thighs.
Think of all that weight loss while you are clenching those inner thigh muscles. A great workout for your quads, hamstrings and glutes, all whilst having fun.
Last but not least, your core
Your core is really engaged during horse riding and helps keep your body in the correct position throughout. Whilst you are riding, this will come naturally to you, and you might not even feel like you are working out.
After the ride, you may feel the effects, but the benefits really do outweigh the pain and tiredness. Not only that, but good core strength is beneficial for other exercises and for day-to-day life, too.
Next time you are decorating, you may realise your stamina and core strength increased just because you have enjoyed horse riding!
Do you do any unique exercises that others may not realise are good for weight loss? Even skateboarding can be a great way to exercise!
