rider aid

[angel]

does anyone know of a belt that would be suitable to help with my collapsing middle i even do this off ahorse it is no use telling me to sit up straight and put shoulders back i do that but as i get slightly tired i colapse. i looked at the mary wanless one but not sure it would work any idea's most grateful. i have the same problem sitting in chairs standingect, and am in my 40's so its well established. i am not new to riding either as i have ridden since i was 11, but this problem is afecting my riding. an aid like a belt hopefuly would make me sit up straighter.

[Kerry's Partner]

No. I don't think you should look for artificial aids yet!!!!!! You need to overcome your tendency to "slouch". I managed to do this when I was driving. BUT, whenever I have other problems to deal with everything seems to go back to "slouch". I have a gymn ball which I use whenever I think my slouching is just too much. They are very good - at helping you to remember that you have control of your posture. It's an aim at a bit higher of a higher level but there you go, I like challenges really!!!!

I am sharing my own learning curve not science!!!!!!! Good luck.

[angel]

wht is a gym balll where do u get them how much are they

[Kerry's Partner]

I got mine from Argos. I can't remember how much it cost but probably less than £20. I have some funny memories relating to when I first had it (which was before Kerry and I moved to Devon for a very short while).

They are an enormous "ball" - so balance is the key!!!!!!

[galadriel]

I was one of those teens who hid in corners and rounded shoulders forward to seem smaller; as a result I had a terrible time when I finally did start trying to put my shoulders back.

It's tiring when you start, but if you *make* yourself do it you'll tear at your muscles. Do as much as you can at a time. When you notice you are slouching, sit up & try to hold it. It eventually becomes habit...eventually. Be aware of yourself even when you're not riding; you can develop those muscles so they do it naturally, and you won't get tired all the time.

[Sue Carnell]

Heather recommends the Sportabak worn back to front. If you collapse it digs into your ribcage and reminds you not to, without holding you stiff. A friend of mine used the Slendertone thingy to strengthen her abs generally and a Sportabak (front <g>) when riding and tells me that using both helped her enormously and she no longer has to worry about it. She also corrected her posture when she remembered in general life. She says it took about 6 weeks for her, that's all. I agree that her posture has totally changed. She's in her late 30's.

Sue
sue@eclipse.co.uk

[Heather]

Thanks Sue, the Sportabac back to front is excellent, but I have also found that most of those wraparound back support belts are good too, like the Professional's Choice one or even just some of those you get in those catalogues that keep coming through the door advertising herbal pills and potions and the like.


Heather

[angel]

thanks all i will try the belt i do have one somewhere. people say i am too critical on myself but i want to look good not collapsed espically to benefit my horse.