Look and feel better by walking

 I am going to share various tidbits concerning fitness, nutrition and more, but first I want to mention again we are all different, so you should consult a doctor, Veterinarian or appropriate professional before starting anything new to be sure it is right for you.

  Walk and stretch! It’s so simple and important, but most of us don’t do it as often as we should. In today’s electronic and hectic world we spend far too much time sitting in the same position. When we begin to exercise we get sore, because we lack a base of fitness and flexibility. It makes such a difference to your overall physical and mental health if you can find time to walk briskly and stretch everyday. You can do it for short periods 3 times a day say 7-11 minutes of walking fallowed by 5-8 minutes of stretching or one long  21- 33 minutes of walking  fallowed by 15-24 minutes of stretching. The walking should be brisk and the stretching slow and methodical. Do this for 3 weeks then you can add some other types of exercise that will shape a new you both inside and out!

·        For Equestrians this is easy to fit in and also great for your equine partner. Before getting on walk your horse in hand a few times each way around the arena, think free walk on a loose reign. Be sure you are walking in a good forward rhythm and a long stride for 7-11 minutes. Then get on and allow your horse to continue to walk in this fashion while you take 5-8 minutes to stretch yourself. Then proceed to your normal warm up, work, and cool down. Once you have finished get off and walk your horse in hand for another 7-11 minutes (loosen the girth a whole or two) again in a good rhythm with a long stride. After you put your horse away stretch yourself for 5-8 minutes to release any tension you might have. This can be done at home before bed, but when you can do it right away then it lets you have a more day or evening! If you can have a brief walk and stretch in the morning or right after dinner to fit in your third time that is Fantastic! If you have a dog talking him/her with you makes it fun and easy! With this program your and your horse will look and feel amazing! You will have less soreness and injuries too!

·        One other equine helpful hint before tacking up and then after you ride; you should carefully run your hand from the knee or hock to the hoof on all four legs feeling any heat, swelling, bumps, scraps ex. You can catch any small change and politice or treat whatever you find. You can also make temporary adjustments to your work so something small doesn’t turn into something big. We find it helpful to keep a journal containing the weather, time of day, type of work we did , how it went and anything we felt important good and bad.

I truly hope the information I share enriches your life in some way!!!
Sincerely, John