So Stiff--Need Streching!

[winterbalto]

I've been riding for a few months now and instead of me becoming more and more flexible I have become more and more stiff :(

t's come to the point where it makes me uncomfortable all the time. My legs are now harder to open far apart, it's harder to attempt to touch my toes (I could never do it all the way), and when I'm on the horse and I have to do something like jump on or jump off I feel so stiff and my legs really hurt. I'm also ALWAYS getting charlie horses.

I was kind of hoping it would go away but now I realize that I really need to start doing some stretching exercises evey day. I started doing some generic stetches today on my bed and I already feel a little bit better. Does anyone know of any good stretches for the legs or any kind of stetches that are good for riders? Any help will be appreciated.

~Nicole

[Grace O'Malley]

I think all the general stretches for hamstrings, inner thighs, and calves are good. For hamstrings, touching your toes from standing is good, but also reaching forward for your toes while sitting with legs out in front of you. I also like to lie on my back and lift one leg up, grasp the ankle and gently pull toward my nose. Used to be easier a few years ago... but can be modified by bending the leg on the ground at the knee versus keeping it flat on the ground, also by slightly bending the leg you're stretching, or use a towel if you can't reach the ankle with your hands...lots of variations. Inner thighs by straddle splits (doesn't have to be big split, just as far as you can go that feels like a stretch but without pain), reach forward. Calves: toes on stair step, let your heels drop below the level of the step.

Hope I've made some sense in explaining. But there's no secret riding stretches as far as I know ;) Just be sure to warm up a bit first, don't bounce, keep it gentle and steady. And be especially gentle if your muscles are sore.

Good luck!

Grace

[eventerbabe]

Try pilates, it can also be benificial for your position :)

[PromiseMe]

Maybe you should get one of those 'fitness for equestrians' video. Ive tried one before (dont have one) and theyre not bad. like you could run it through every day and do it along with them.

[FreedomStar]

Dance stretches help a lot. At school instead of a physical education class for sophmore we have the option to do weight training or dance or specialize in a sport instead of regular physical education. Since I started the dance PE i've noticed an improvement in flexibility and balance. I also do crunches to help strengthen my abs. Dancing also helps you build up muscle. Have you ever noticed those dancers with their legs stretched out while at the barre? dancers have incredible leg strength. At the beginning of the school year I could NOT even come remotely close to the splits. Now, as long as I stretch out carefully, I can do the right side splits. eep!

Another thing that could help is some sort of daily exercise to help loosen you up. Maybe an aeroibics class, or going for a job in the morning. I keep complaining to my mom that there should be a teen aerobics class started at the local YMCA or 24 hour fitness. It's great exercise and keeps you fit.

[jUmPingIsLifE]

What about doing Yoga regulary. personally i cant, i get way to bored...but i did try it and it really does help and i hear great things from others that do it.

i just stick to a couple quick stretches and then get going because i just get to anxious.