kentucky derby

The Kentucky Derby is this weekend, which means lots of Southern-style celebrations surrounding a horse race that'll be over before you can blink. But donning a wide-brimmed, fully decked out hat and imbibing mint juleps isn't the only way to pay homage to the all-American event.  Why not celebrate the Kentucky Derby with a few equine exercises too? Here are four exercises that are inspired by the horse!

• Horse stance: This basic martial arts pose is called the horse stance because it mimics the position you get into when you ride a horse. Holding the wide stance while bending your knees works your quads, so it's the perfect simple exercise to strengthen your legs (try this slight variation if you want to incorporate it into a yoga sequence).
• Horse-riding pose: Also called a high lunge or equestrian, this straightforward yoga pose is perfect for the beginner. The pose stretches your legs and arms as you move into a lunge and hold, which makes it a great hip-opening and leg-strengthening exercise.
• Horse pose: For a more challenging yoga pose, try horse pose, also called Vatayanasana. This intermediate-to-advanced yoga pose involves moving from standing and other positions with one leg in lotus, so it helps open your hips and strengthen your legs.
• Horse biting tail: This kneeling twist exercise works your abs and torso. Begin on all fours and twist from one side to the other, like you're going after your own tail.

Source: Flickr User si_si_ay

The 138th Kentucky Derby is this weekend, so grab your wide-brimmed hats and kick back with a classic mint julep cocktail — just go easy on all that sweet stuff. Traditionally made with simple syrup, mint juleps are nothing if not a sugar high waiting to happen. You could skip the drink altogether in favor of another traditional whiskey cocktail from the South: the sazerac. With only a touch of sugar, a sazerac falls right around the 150-calorie mark. Easy drinking for a day at the races!

Learn how to make America's oldest cocktail after the break!

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England isn't the only place fascinated by hats. The Kentucky Derby, one of America's oldest and most prestigious sports events, is this Saturday. Beyond the adrenaline rush of the most exciting two minutes in sports, the Derby is a showcase for incredible, over-the-top hats. There are even websites dedicated to Derby hats. If you're attending the Derby, or just watching it on TV with your friends and a few mint juleps, you must get your hat on. Click our shopping widget to see some fun options, with Derby-worthy Spring dresses to match.

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This year the Kentucky Derby takes place on May 1, so let sunny Spring florals dictate the theme of your party. The menu is a spread of hearty appetizers that should be displayed buffet-style around the living room. White platters look crisp against a printed colorful tablecloth. Silver mint julep glasses are a must. Set the pie out and let guests admire it until it's time for dessert. Make sure the television is visible from all angles — you don't want anyone to miss the race. To let friends know where the party is, stick horse and jockey signs in the front yard.

Where will you be watching the derby this year?