Equine Athletes Share Their Omega-3 Secrets: Improving athletic performance starts with a healthy swig of fish oil
What if a supplement could make exercising easier and more efficient? Well, the long-kept secret of the horse world is out, and it’s good news for athletes, morning joggers, and couch potatoes alike.
As many Omega Cure customers may know, Ambo Health’s sister company, Wellpride, creates a fish oil supplement for competitive sports horses. How does omega-3 fish oil give horses a leg up on the competition?
Horse owners have reported improved athletic performance when they supplement their horses’ feed with Wellpride, citing improved endurance, increased stride, and a decrease in recovery time. Whether sprinting in the Kentucky Derby or jumping over stone walls in eventing competitions, these horses face a demanding physical routine that requires optimal fitness.
Take US Olympian Gina Miles and her horse McKinlaigh as an example. One year after starting on Wellpride, Miles and McKinlaigh took the gold medal at the 2007 Pan American Games.
“McKinlaigh was not only the fastest of the U.S. horses, but he also recovered the fastest and was one of only three clean show jumping rounds,” said Miles to Wellpride following her Pan American victory.
The omega-3 benefits seen in horses produce similar results for their human counterpart. Studies show that omega-3 regulates the heart beat, which means a steadier pulse during a long run. Omega-3 also acts as the body’s natural anti-inflammation agent. Less inflammation means a faster recovery time, as the omega-3 eases the joint pains and muscle soreness after working out.
If you are not convinced to put on your running shoes just yet, listen to this heartening study: according to the American Society for Nutrition, consuming omega-3 fish oil alongside a regular exercise routine significantly reduces body fat, more so than exercise alone.
With all the good news about omega-3 fish oil and exercise, you’ll probably want to do an extra lap in celebration. But make sure your swig contains 2-3 teaspoons of fish oil – the dose necessary to kick your personal best up a notch or two.