Hi and getting fit

[stroppybrunette]

Hi everybody. I rode a lot and had my own horses and ponies in my teens but then had a break for nearly 20 years. I started riding again a year ago, thanks to my dad and sister owning several Dales ponies so I get out several times a week. I've also been slotting in lessons when I can find the time, and after some hiccups am feeling happy with my progress.

I think most of the problems I have with my riding are due to a total lack of fitness. The amount of riding I'm doing means my aerobic fitness has noticeably increased (I jogged all the way back from the paper shop the other day,!) but my flexibility is not what it should be. I'm also sorely lacking in abdominal tone - I don't think I ever had that much anyway, and three pregnancies have made it really poor - so I overcompensate with my spine and am consequently prone to lower back pain. Then there are the knee problems....

I've noticed a few books around on rider fitness. Has anyone got any and how did you find them? I'd like to know which areas I should be particularly concentrating on, plus find some exercises I can easily fit in to my extremely hectic life.

I'm in West Yorkshire, between Huddersfield and Wakefield.

[Grace O'Malley]

Sounds like you want to work specifically on "core strength'"--abdominal and back. I think pilates is the best for targeting those muscles quickly and effectively. If you can find a class, that's a good way to learn the basics. There are also dozens of books and videos/dvds out there. I have a basic pilates book by Denise Austin. I try to do the abdominal, back, arm, and leg exercises on a regular basis. Though I've kind of fallen off the wagon lately...need to get back on! :p

I've also taken up tai chi lately, which isn't as obviously helpful for muscle strength. But it is all about shifing your weight and center of gravity, and being aware of your body's position in space. Lots of balance and control moves, so you end up using core muscles way more than you might think.

Have fun!

Grace

[hackedoff]

Put 'the Matthews Method' into a search engine. Really good stuff (but the pics are a bit disturbing:D )

[SarahJay]

Hiya!!!:D

Welcome to New Rider!!!:D

I live in Huddersfield, but am nearer to Wakefield!:D :)

[rainmaker]

Yeah your core strength is what you need to specifically target - this well help your balance and also take some pressure of those knees. Pilates is probably the most effective way to target your core strength. Or you could try some stability training using the swiss ball. If none of these are avilable to you sit ups complemented by back raises, and dead lifts should do the trick.

[T-bred]

When it comes to working my abdominals I have Tami Lee Webbs I want those abs video. I work my abs 15 minutes a day and I dance 1 hour of hip hop, 1hr 15 min of tap, 2hrs of ballet, and 1 hour of jazz a week.Pilates is also really good and between dance and pilates I can now do the splits.:)

Anna

[sadie01]

Hi stroppybrunette

I have heard about a book specifically for horse riding using the balance ball - but I can't remember what it's called (although I have looked in some of the bookshops) The lady in WH Smiths thinks I'm a weirdo I'm sure!

I have been using a 'lateral thigh trainer', and noticed a big difference in the space of about 4 weeks. It's basically a stepper that goes slightly to one side then the other on the downward step. So that aswell as working inner and outer thigh, you also work your core muscles. I've used it for 20 mins a day and my legs are definitly a lot stronger and I am able to hold my position more easily - although it could all just be coincidence!

Anyway, I'm still looking for the balance ball horsey book as it was recommended.

I live in Harrogate by the way, so not too far from you either.

[laura jeanne]

There's a book called "Yoga for Equestrians" by Linda Benedik that's pretty good. Yoga can help with core strength, flexibility and balance.

I also have a video by Sheena Easton called something like "7-Minute Abs". She is the person who sang For YOur Eyes Only. It's really a riot- my husband loves to watch her on it and listen to her accent but hates to do the exercises.

[ANN G]

Fitness was and still is an issue with me! I've recently gone back to riding after a very long break(10yrs+) and especially after the first few lessons, my mucsles ached soo much :eek:
My job is reasonbly active( a nurse) but I don't take any exesise except riding, hate the gym! It's interesting hearing about the books,videos and ideas on improving the rider's fitness.
As I carry on with my riding, trying now to ride at least twice a week( time 'n money permitting!), I don't ache so much and my bum is actually changing shape:)
Any more tips are always useful!
Thanks Ann

[james]

Flexibility is important too for riding. Stretches and regular massage for the legs, lower back and shoulders improve your riding and help prevent injuries.

[T-bred]

I agree that stretching is important. I stretch every day as I'm working on my flexibility for dance, I also have to work on my upper body strength because I have to learn to break dance for Hip Hop this year!!!

Anna

[laura jeanne]

I keep an 8 pound handweight by by desk at work but never use it!! Still trying to do one push up.

[T-bred]

I can only do 10 push ups!!!:rolleyes:

Anna

[james]

Cycling both helps and hinders riding. It strengthens the legs, improves general fittness and balance, but means that I have tight calf muscles, so keeping my heels down is a struggle.

[T-bred]

Dancing is really good with helping my flexibility and loosening everything up.

Anna

[stroppybrunette]

Thanks everybody; I'm putting my riding lessons on hold (I can still ride out regularly) so I can afford some sessions with an Alexander Technique teacher, and I'm going to track down Pilates in my area.

I joined my sister on a long hack out with the Dales Pony Society on Saturday - I've not ridden much for a while cos I've been working and Waterside Duke (one of my sister's Dales ponies) had a hoof abscess, and so now I am absolutely knackered.

I also have a huge burst blister on my third finger cos I was too warm to wear gloves and the horse I ended up riding, Waterside Alick, had rubber reins. Alick really leans on the bit if you let him, and I was both unfit and a bit nervous about riding out with a big group, so I didn't use my legs properly and ride him forward into the contact. Consequently I ache all along the back of my shoulders. Serves me right! I realised all the things I'd done wrong AFTER I got home and was soaking in a hot bath.