Prancercise, the horse-inspired workout, has become an internet sensation after a YouTube video of the workout went viral.

Created by Joanna Rohrback, Prancercise is defined as a “springy, rhythmic way of moving forward,similar to a horse’s gait and ideally induced by elation.”  The exercises are inspired by the moves of a horse.  The Prancercise website explains that the method has individuals imagining that they are these strong and beautiful animals in order to move away from negative self-images.

While the YouTube video has only been around for a few months, the method is not new. It is actually a routine from the late 1980s. The video itself was created in 1989 and Rohrback has continued with Prancercise over the last two decades, publishing a book in 2012. The resurrection of the video went viral and the exercise method is enjoying a new-found popularity.

The popularity may be based on the ridiculous nature of the exercises.  The horse moves include trotting, galloping, and, as expected by the name, prancing. Observers encourage that Prancercise should be done on a deserted road, away from others that would certainly point and laugh.  Others clarify that this is, in fact a serious venture, and not intended to be a joke.  Though it may seem strange, some argue that the mockery will actually be a means to help keep Prancercise alive. Rohrback willingly acknowledges that people take Prancercise as a joke, but only says, “Let them laugh.”

Whether people think it is a joke or not, the real question is whether the exercise method has merit. Prancercise goes beyond just the moves on the viral video. It emphasizes the need for a proper diet, stating that a pure vegetarian or vegan diet is ideal.  Medical News Today notes that Prancercise burns about 4.2 calories for the prancing moves, up to 5.86 for the galloping moves.  That is fewer calories than brisk walking, estimated to be approximately 7.6 calories a minute.

However, the draw of Prancercise may go beyond the number of calories burned.  In order to be effective, exercise must be a regular activity. The challenge of any routine is sticking to it.  Prancercise has a philosophy of spirituality that goes along with the cardio workout, which may help keep some people committed. Gillian Mohney of ABC News points out that Prancercise is not the first strange exercise phenomenon.  Many of the other programs have worked and, for some, Prancercise may be just the workout they need.