Leg strengthening tip

[Rebecca]

I had a private lesson today where I was really having to use my legs, especially my inside leg to try and get a horse into his corners, and after a bit they just stopped working, because I am rather unfit. My teacher told me that a good way to strengthen the leg is to ride a bike standing up and balancing on the pedals, instead of sitting on the seat. Apparently jockeys often bike around on saddle-less bikes for this reason.

Rebecca

[Maci]

I'm going to have to remember that!! I'm trying to build my leg muscles up, because I also use ALOT of inside leg! I just ride my exersize bike, but since the nice fall weather will soon be here, maybe I'll go for a spin on my regular bike!
Maci :)

[Silver1]

the second i read that i decided to go biking today! I'm just heading out the door but had time for a quick post!

[Morning Dew]

Hello Rebecca,
These are exercises I do at least 4 times a week to help with my riding,hope they help you.

1.To help keep my inside knee and leg in contact with the saddle and to keep your toes pointing forward rather than ou to the side,sit in a firm chair with feet flat on the floor.knees together and pointing straight ahead,lift your feet slightly off the floor and spread your ankles as far as they will go without separating your knees,hold for a count of five and relax.eventually you can add weights toincrease the strenght of these muscles.

2.to keep your head and back straight and your shoulders well back,lie face down with hands clapsed behind your neck and a pillow under your tummy,raise your head,shoulders,and elbows as high as possible and hold for a count of five.

3.I am sure you know this one,standing on the balls of your feet on a step and pushing down on the heels.or you can sit on a chair,raising your toes and feet up toward the celing while your heels remain on the floor. weights are more effective(at the top of your feet)when you get the hang of it.

4.get down on your hands and knees and look up,raises one leg up and straight behind you,repeat with other leg.

I always found if you take up yoga this helps out those muscles and your mind also when you get frustrated with the way things go sometimes.hope all goes well,happy riding
Morning Dew

[Rebecca]

Thanks for those exercises Morning Dew, especially the first one, as I have a lot of trouble keeping my toes turned in. Just trying it out now I could feel that it uses the same muscles as keeping the toes in does.

Rebecca

[Horseluver1220]

I find that steps help the calf a little and biking without a seat(better on rough terain) does help both theighs and halfs. For exericises while mounted I just remain in two point or post the trot all the time. I also recommand stretching before you mount and after you dismount(this may seem obvious but MANY people don't do it which results to some sore muscles even to skilled riders. I hope this helps.

[lleeaannee]

Another one is to stand with your back and heels against the wall. SLide down until you are in your "mounted" position and hold it. Keep you back and heels against the wall. This is good for head-hip-heel position and strengthening your thigh muscles.

See how long you can hold it for - its not as easy as it sounds!