Tired of the Gym? Try This Outdoor Workout You’ll Actually Love
If you’ve ever stared at a treadmill clock and thought, “There has to be a better way to do this,” you’re not wrong. The gym can start to feel stale — same walls, same playlist, same routine. But what if getting fit could feel like an adventure instead of a chore?
Meet horseback riding, an outdoor workout that builds strength, balance, and confidence, all while giving you a reason to breathe fresh air, move with purpose, and have fun.
At Strides Riding Academy in Petaluma and Santa Rosa, first-time riders are discovering a way to stay active that feels more like play than exercise. Whether you’re burned out on your gym routine or just craving something new, horseback riding might be your next favorite fitness habit.
A child enjoying outdoor horseback riding lesson at Strides Riding Academy Petaluma, wearing helmet and learning to ride safely during a beginner session.
Why People Are Ditching the Gym for Outdoor Fitness Alternatives
Fitness doesn’t have to mean dumbbells and treadmills. More people are trading in their gym memberships for outdoor fitness alternatives that make movement enjoyable again.
The Benefits of Exercising Outdoors
Fresh Air & Sunshine: A natural energy boost that no pre-workout can match.
Stress Relief: Being outdoors lowers cortisol and lifts your mood.
Functional Fitness: Outdoor movement challenges balance, coordination, and flexibility in ways machines can’t.
Consistency Through Enjoyment: When exercise is fun, it sticks.
Whether it’s hiking, yoga in the park, or horseback riding, outdoor workouts engage your body — and your mind — in ways indoor routines can’t touch.
Horseback Riding: The Outdoor Workout You Didn’t Know You Needed
At first glance, horseback riding looks effortless, but riders know it’s a full-body experience. Every ride engages your core, legs, glutes, and back, all while sharpening your posture and coordination.
A True Core and Balance Workout
Keeping proper form in the saddle activates stabilizing muscles that most workouts miss. You’ll feel it in your abs, hips, and thighs after your first ride — without the pounding or high impact of running.
Low-Impact, High-Reward
Horseback riding is gentle on joints, making it ideal for adults returning to fitness or anyone who wants to stay active without stress on knees and ankles.
The Mind-Body Connection
Beyond physical fitness, horseback riding nurtures focus, patience, and presence. You can’t multitask on a horse — you learn to breathe, move, and communicate in sync. The result? A calmer mind and stronger body.
What Makes Horseback Riding at Strides Riding Academy So Different
If you’ve never been on a horse before, Strides Riding Academy makes getting started easy, comfortable, and fun. Our welcoming team helps beginners gain confidence one ride at a time.
Learn With a Structured Level System
Strides’ Level System guides each rider through clear milestones. You’ll build balance, coordination, and control at your own pace, with instructors who know exactly how to help beginners progress confidently.
Ride Year-Round, Indoors or Out
Rain or shine, your riding journey continues. Strides has indoor and outdoor arenas, so lessons never pause for weather. You’ll stay consistent — and motivated — all year long.
For All Ages and Fitness Levels
Horseback riding isn’t just for kids. Adults love it as a way to stay active, challenge themselves, and reconnect with nature. Families can come together, making it a shared experience that’s equal parts fitness and fun.
Outdoor Fitness Alternatives That Pair Perfectly With Riding
If you’re exploring outdoor fitness beyond the gym, horseback riding fits beautifully into an active lifestyle. Combine it with other outdoor activities to keep things exciting:
Trail Hiking: Improves endurance and leg strength — great cross-training for riders.
Yoga in the Park: Increases flexibility and core control for better riding posture.
Cycling or Paddleboarding: Builds stamina and balance while enjoying the scenery.
Gardening or Outdoor Chores: Everyday functional movement that supports strength.
But here’s the thing: only horseback riding gives you a living, breathing workout partner — one that listens, responds, and moves with you.
Why Horseback Riding Is the Perfect Family Fitness Activity
If your family struggles to find activities that get everyone moving, horseback riding might be the answer.
At Strides Riding Academy, kids learn discipline, empathy, and body awareness in a way that never feels like “exercise.” Adults rediscover the joy of learning something new, together. It’s screen-free, nature-filled, and builds memories that last longer than any workout streak.
Parents love that horseback riding improves their kids’ confidence, focus, and coordination, while giving them a chance to bond outdoors. It’s one of those rare activities where fitness, fun, and family all align.
The Strides Riding Academy Experience
Strides isn’t just about learning to ride — it’s about personal growth through movement and connection.
Expert Instructors: Patient, professional, and experienced with beginners.
Friendly, Calm Horses: Specially trained to build rider confidence.
Positive Atmosphere: Encouraging, non-competitive, and welcoming.
Community Feel: You’re not just a student — you’re part of the barn family.
Whether you’re chasing a fitness goal or simply want to try something new, Strides gives you the space to grow at your own pace.
FAQs About Outdoor Fitness Alternatives & Horseback Riding
1. Is horseback riding really exercise?
Yes! Riding builds strength, endurance, coordination, and mental focus. You’ll work muscles you didn’t know existed — all while having fun outdoors.
2. How many calories can you burn horseback riding?
A moderate ride can burn 250–400 calories per hour, depending on pace and terrain. It’s similar to brisk walking or light jogging but far more engaging.
3. Do I need any experience to start?
Not at all. Strides Riding Academy specializes in beginners — you’ll learn everything from basic horse handling to confident riding skills.
4. What if I’m nervous around horses?
That’s completely normal! The instructors at Strides help you build trust step-by-step. Many riders who were once hesitant now can’t imagine their week without riding.
5. Do I need my own horse or gear?
Nope. Strides provides well-trained horses and all necessary equipment for your first ride. Riders will need to bring their own helmet and gear for succeeding lessons, ensuring the best personal fit and comfort as they progress.
Ready to Ditch the Gym Routine?
If your workouts feel more like punishment than progress, it’s time to change things up.
Horseback riding at Strides Riding Academy is more than a workout — it’s an adventure that strengthens your body, clears your mind, and connects you with something real.
✅ Great for beginners
🐴 Full-body, low-impact workout
🌿 Fresh air, sunshine, and nature connection
👨👩👧 Perfect for adults, kids, and families
Trade the treadmill for a saddle and see how good fitness can really feel.