Exercises to get fit for riding?

[hellsdarkrose]

I've been away from horse riding for over a year now and I want to start getting back into it at the end of this month.

I will be having weekly lessons at my local riding school and hopefully looking for a horse to share next year.

So what exercise can I do to help prepare myself for horse riding again as I have become extremely unfit recently and I want to make sure I am exercising the right muscles.

 

[Cuppatea]

cycling with no seat on the bike and/or skiing.....
failing that, mucking out, gets all the core muscles going again

 

[Mrs C]

You'll soon get fit once you get going but I would say definately stretch your inner thighs before getting on as I strained my groin the first time I rode after a long break!!

 

[Riverboy]

Pilates is really good for the riding muscles too.

x

 

[charlimouse]

I was also going to say pilates. I go to a weekly pilates class and my riding has improved no end because of it. I think there is a Pilates for riding book/DVD out. I don't have it, but may be worth a look?

 

[Rachntabby]

You'll soon get fit once you get going but I would say definately stretch your inner thighs before getting on as I strained my groin the first time I rode after a long break!!

I did the same thing too, definitely recommend doing a few stretches before

 

[hellsdarkrose]

I think I might do some pilates exercises then and buy that book

 

[MattLuxton]

I find the pilates is good, but by combining them with specific cardiovasular exercises, using intervals of work and rest, I get far better results.

You can do all of this without a gym membership!!