Best Gym classes for riders?

[Charlie Bucket]

Don't fall off your chair, but...I've decided to join the Gym

My youngster has been out of work for a couple of months, and after riding him this evening I realised I REALLY need to get fitter.

Just wondering who goes to the gym, and what, in your experience, are the best classes for balance, core strength and general body fitness?
My local gym does Pilates, Yoga, Kettlebells, Zumba, Boxercise (trying this 2morro night ) and a few others.

Thanks in advance

 

[starryeyed]

I found yoga to be really good, I can't fit it in with work anymore and I really notice the difference. A lot of horsey people recommend pilates, I personally didn't enjoy it so went for yoga but worth giving it a go. I loveddd all the dancy / high energy classes too!

 

[Theocat]

The best way to get fit is to do lots of different sorts of training, so I'd just do any classes you fancy! The most important thing is to find something you like or you won't do it.

Having said that, pilates is great for riders, and if you just want to get fit, something like circuit training would be a good bet

 

[Ali2]

Pilates is fab for core strength

 

[Charlie Bucket]

Thanks everyone - had thought of Pilates as perhaps being favorable so will give it a go!

 

[muckypony]

I go to Zumba, its great fun but the instructor is very fast moving.. By the time ive caught onto what shes doing, shes onto the next move! Have to say ive never sweated so much doing exercise before

I'm going to try hot yoga too.. Yoga in 40 degrees.. Yum!

 

[Charlie Bucket]

Haha I tried Zumba once about a year ago - I know what you're saying! I must have just looked like I was flailing my limbs about in random order, that's what it felt like!

Good luck with the Yoga, sounds interesting!

 

[muckypony]

Haha yes I feel like that too! Every now and then I add in a little hop and skip so I look like I'm doing something with my legs

 

[ghostie]

Do they do a ski circuits class? Always found them fab for riding strength as they target arms, legs and core stability

 

[igglepop]

I find rotating classes best as you don't over develop any muscles. Would say i find a abs class a must, other than that i keep changing.

 

[Charlie Bucket]

Thanks igglepop... They have a 'Belly Fitness' class I forgot to mention in my OP. I'm guessing that's ab-related?

 

[showpony]

Pilates! For building strength in core muscles!

 

[TigerTail]

pilates for core - kettlebells for leg strength and general fitness / strength. Should be swing and squat based if its a decent class