collapsing rider

[angel]

i have been rding for yrs. am not to old but not that young. anway i find when i am riding that i tend to slump i can sit up but it does make my back ache. any idea's i also have a slightly forward positon. i can and have ridden in the clasical way but hate this collapsing. it also happens at the comp. as well. any one know of a belt or similar i could put round my waist to help. i am quite fit not to over weight only a few pounds. and active help

[Miriam]

I had a very similar problem as you. Everytime I rode I slumped forward. I was always being reminded not to slump by my instructor. Like you I always had the problem with an aching back if I sat straight. In order to help my back grow stronger I used to spend a few minutes a day walking around with my back staight as I had a tendency to slump my shoulders when walking. This has paid off I do not slump half as much.


Miriam

[Rachel R]

Go to http://www.derbyhousesaddlery.co.uk go to the shopping section. Search for Sportabac and back supports.

They do a lower back support which can help with mid section stability and a shoulder brace which can help people who slouch and round the shoulders.

Alternativly, Mary Wanless does something called a "riders belt". Details are at http://www.mary-wanless.freeserve.co.uk/belt.htm I have no experience of this one, but it might be worth looking at.

Let us know how you get on,
Rach

[Remmy]

You could also try thinking that you head and body are suspended by a bungee cord attached to the top of your head.

If you do this whenever you are sitting, standing or walking, then your back muscles will gradually develop the stamina to hold your head and spine in the upright position and prevent the back ache.

If you can picture the bungee cord when riding too, it will help you maintain a better posture.

Hope this helps

Vicki