Exercises I can do out of the saddle to make me better IN the saddle?

[Charmaine18]

I only get to ride once a week (twice if I'm lucky) but I really want to find a way of improving my balance and core muscles between lessons. Can anyone here recommend some kind of exercise I can do at home that will make me a more effective rider? Maybe I could even stop being crippled by leg-aches after every lesson...

Thanks!

 

[BobbyMondeo]

There are some really good exercises with a gym ball here

http://www.horsehero.com/1174/feeding-and-fitness/3482

 

[Charmaine18]

Ooh, may have to invest in a gym ball then...

 

[milliepops]

[ QUOTE ]
There are some really good exercises with a gym ball here

http://www.horsehero.com/1174/feeding-and-fitness/3482

[/ QUOTE ]

Oh yes, ditto that - I do those from the video

Made a big difference to my sitting trot, although you do feel like a wally to start with

.

 

[BobbyMondeo]

Yes you do feel like a muppet! My advice is to do it when you know none of your family is in hehe

 

[milliepops]

Yeah agree 100% - and with the curtains closed

 

[cyearsley]

Pilates...........

 

[Evelynmary]

Pilates..... wouldn't have got back to riding without Pilates ..... changed my life having a horse again!!

Worth a few lessons first to get the 'feel' but after that you can devise your own exercises. I do 10mins EVERY day and I'm fitter than most my age and quite few younger ones too.

Good luck and persevere.

 

[catshark88]

Pilates, pilates, pilates!