Finding Fitness on the Back of a Horse

Following my joy in the stables has allowed me to reap more health benefits than going to the gym ever couldI hate going to the gym. I loathe itBLASPHEMY, I know. Especially coming from a physical therapist. Take my license awayI don’t hate working out, though, or getting exercise, or being healthy and fit, or being outside. I just really don’t like boring, gym-based, exercise routines.
So what’s a girl to do? Well, get creative, I guess. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from years of treating patients who promise to do their PT homework but don’t follow through, it’s this: If exercise doesn’t excite you, you won’t do it — and you definitely won’t stick with it long term.
My chosen fitness routine might surprise you, but there’s only one activity that keeps me coming back for more — even after a 20-year hiatusCourtesy of Marcy CroucBack in the saddEver since I was a young, carefree, wild child, I’ve had a profound and deep love of horses.
I feel a connection to them, and I love everything about them: the way they look, how they smell, the sound of leather and buckles, the clip-clop of horse hooves on the ground, the sounds of hay munching, soft nose kisses, and the rhythmic motion of brushing themAfter a 20-year break to get married, get my doctorate, finish residency, have kids, and move all over this country for work, I finally have found myself back in the saddle at almost 40 years young.
During that 20 years, I tried to replace riding with other activities. Yoga, Pilates, running, triathlon, and spinning were all short-lived experiences for me. I enjoyed them and felt good doing them, but something was missinLooking back, I think I was trying to convince myself to love them. And we all know the truth comes out in the wash. Nothing was able to fill the void until I got on the back of a horse.

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