Tag Archives: horses

5 Videos with the Wackiest Ways to Workout with Cats, Dogs, and Horses

We couch potato-loving humans watch longingly as our dogs, cats, and other pets seemingly lounge and nap the day away, but that’s hardly the full picture. Animals are incredibly active beasts. Not too unlike children, the more exercise and playtime they get, the more likely they are to behave. And not too unlike their adult human caretakers, the better shape they’re in, too!

Everyone needs a bit more motivation to get up and get moving, so let your pet be your guide. From cats and dogs to even horses, these four-legged friends make it more fun than ever to drop on your own two legs and give 5, or 10, or 20.

The Weirdest Poodle Workout Video Ever

We recently discovered this ultra bizarre Exercising Poodles video and want to make sure we’re not the only ones enjoying this kind of nonsense.

Mariko Takahashi, who is an actress playing an exercise video star, takes us through different exercise routines alongside poodles. . It is quite the sight–slightly disturbing, but hilarious nonetheless. More so when you realize those are humans in dog suits with superimposed poodle heads. (more…)

Prancercise is the Harlem Shake for Fitness Buffs…and Horses

At DietsInReview, we take pride in being your premiere lifestyle website. Whether we’re whipping up a healthy recipe or trying out a new piece of exercise gear, our goal is to make sure we’re providing all the information you need to make your life the best it can be. That’s why we’re introducing you to the newest fitness craze, “Prancercise.”

Wait. What? In case you missed it, Joanna Rohrback, prancing pioneer, released a video of the the “fitness workout” she created way back in 1989. She became an instant YouTube darling, and as of today, has just shy of 4 million views. Inspired by horses, Prancercise is a “springy, rhythmic way of moving forward, similar to a horse’s gait.” Ankle and wrist weights are used intermittently to increase resistance. The basic moves include the “Prancercise walk” the “Prancercise trot” and by the time Joanna busts out the “Prancercise gallop,” look out ’cause that little filly is really on the move.

Rohrback, a 61-year-old social worker from Coral Springs, Florida, says she’s “flabbergasted” by all the attention and even appeared on the Today Show plaza where she coaxed Natalie Morales to trot around in three-inch heels. (more…)

Megan Stone Plans to Resume Rodeo Career after Biggest Loser 13

By Dani M. Stone

Megan Stone is a vivacious, animal-loving, 21-year-old country girl from Dittmer, Missouri. Although she was active in high school with rodeo competitions, choir, color guard, and 4H, Megan began to notice her weight gain at the age of 16. She remained active but didn’t change her eating style and over the years the pounds began to add up. When she could no longer get on her horse by herself, she knew things had to change. Megan, who weighs 259 pounds, teams up with her mother Kim Stone this season on Biggest Loser 13.

Megan is a college student who currently works in a support staff position for an organization that assists disabled adults. A self-described procrastinator, who always finds a reason not to exercise, Megan certainly has her work cut out for her. This season of the Biggest Loser has already been dubbed “the season of no excuses.” (more…)

Ban on Horse Meat for Human Consumption Lifted in the U.S.

If you’ve ever visited another country or even enjoy a foreign cuisine chances are your eyes have been opened to many different ways of doing things. One of the major eye openers I’ve experienced as a traveler is how different the food is in other cultures. As my family dined on a Dim Sum meal in Boston’s Chinatown, my little boy was served chicken feet. He bravely accepted the feet and began chowing down. And as a good guest, so did I. I had to separate myself from what I was doing, and try to enjoy what those around me were calling a delicacy.

Chicken feet aren’t the typical American fare, however, they don’t stray too far from a familiar food. But what about bugs? Rats? Or even horses? These meats are very popular in many cultures around the world. However they seem to make us squirm. Should they?

Americans may be serving horse meat to humans in the near future. Are you ready? (more…)

Top 5 Upper Body Exercises to Prepare for Horseback Riding

woman riding horseHorseback riding is an amazing hobby and I wish that I could find the time to do more of it. I’ve been discussing workouts that help riders develop the strength needed. We’ve discussed the lower body exercises to help prepare your body for the jolts and shock of horseback riding, as well as the core strength needed to help you maintain proper posture.

Although your upper body is less of a factor, you still need to train it properly to prevent possible injury, soreness, and to help maintain good posture. (more…)

Top 5 Core Exercises to Prepare for Horseback Riding

polo player riding horseWhy is the “core” important for horseback riding? The core is the center of gravity and your body relies on a strong core for proper posture and proper body functioning. The core is made up of your entire body except the upper and lower extremities. The core stabilizes the spine and pelvis while providing a solid foundation of movement for the rest of the body.

So, while your body bounces around in the saddle, your core is working extremely hard to maintain proper posture as well as hold your body upright. (more…)

Top 5 Leg Exercises to Prepare for Horseback Riding

mathue johnsonWhile my folks were visiting LA for the 4th of July I took them horseback riding in the Santa Monica Mountains. We rode trails by the infamous “Hollywood” sign and the views were absolutely breath taking. After our three hour adventure through the mountains my legs, butt, and back were tight and I could tell that I was going to be sore a few days later.

So, I have put together a pre-horseback riding workout routine for you (just in case you get the wild hair to ride as well). Today the focus is on a leg workout and I recommend performing three sets of 20 repetitions at a medium weight. (more…)

Bar Refaeli’s Swimsuit Issue Diet

bar rafaeli swimsuit issueMost of us do a little last-minute toning work before we head to the beach. So imagine what we’d do to prepare for the coveted Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue! For current cover model Bar Rafaeli, it was cake. Literally. The 21-year-old Israeli supermodel admits she ate whatever she wanted and didn’t do any special workout to prepare for the shoot.

“They tell you ‘you better not go on a diet before the shoot’. Girls tend to think, ‘Oh my God, I have to be in swimwear, I have to look amazing’. They just say, ‘You better not, girl!’ And they just let you eat all the time during the photo shoot. They love that; they love their girls healthy,” said Rafaeli.

When asked about her typical regimen, her answer was simple, “exercise and eat right.” (more…)

Horse Racing: An Unlikely Victim of Child Obesity

There’s a potential victim of childhood obesity that I bet you would have never considered: the horse racing industry.

Really? Childhood obesity is so pervasive, that it threatens the ability of race horse owners to find viable jockey.

According to Deborah Butler, a British college tutor and stable lad (a person who looks after the horses in a racing stable), found that a dwindling amount of teenagers are light enough or eager to take on the manual work of looking after horses. (more…)