Sometimes, a new idea just works. You don’t know how, you’re not really sure why, you just know it feels right.
In 2004 beach polo was invented in Dubai. A fun, bespoke version of the game that began in Iran, it’s now played in 33 countries around the world. This weekend sees its founding city’s premier event: Beach Polo Cup Dubai 2016.
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While we’re obviously excited about watching (any excuse to dress up, right?), this year, we’re kind of more interested in playing. This might seem like a lot of work, but after one afternoon being taught by the region’s best, we’ve come to realise that playing polo is one great workout – and loads more fun than the gym. Here’s how it keeps you in shape.
Working on my mallet skills
It’ll help you work on your gun show
Riding a horse while repeatedly swinging a handled mallet will contribute to upper body, shoulder, and arm strength as well as any upper body workout in the gym.
It helps balance and coordination
Riding a moving horse while hitting a ball with a mallet will develop your balance and can also help improve your hand-eye coordination. It’s also incredibly good for your core.
It offers constant conditioning
As you react to the horse’s movements the deep postural muscles of your trunk and pelvis, as well as the abductor muscles of your thighs, are continuously being conditioned.
It helps all-round strength
Playing polo will strengthen all of the muscles in your core, in turn providing more power to your other muscles and reducing the risk of injuries during everyday activities and strenuous exercises.
It’s got a surprising calorie burn
Although it may seem as though the rider is not engaging in any physical exercise, an hour of activity can burn similar calories to that of a 30-minute jog or cycle ride.
Exhausted and feeling the calorie burn
Video: How to Train Like A Pro Polo Player
Beach Polo Cup Dubai 2016, Skydive Dubai, April 1-2
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A limited number of tickets are still available for both days at www.platinumlist.net.
Entry to the ever popular Shams Zone is available for Dhs95 per person per day or take advantage of the two-day weekend pass deal for just Dhs145. Tickets include entry to the event and select seating with F&B cash bars available. VIP table bookings for the Shams Zone are also available. For further information on the Beach Polo Cup Dubai, contact mamemo productions on (04) 3408589 or visit beachpolo.net
Fans can follow the latest news on Beach Polo Cup Dubai 2016 through Facebook: #BPCDXB
