Getting Fit for Riding

[LizzieRC1313]

I was wondering if anyone fancied inspiring me with their fitness regimes and diet secrets on this rainy thursday evening??!

I'm 23 and normal weight etc but in no way fit at the moment. I have been fit in the past (I rowed my university) but I still was a long way off having a washboard stomach, and I wasn't riding then so can't really tell how much it would have helped. I work as a HCA at the moment and with riding as well I often feel shattered (and starving!!!) and definitely don't have the time to be off running for an hour or more, plus I find that really boring! But I would love to strengthen my core and feel generally fitter when I'm riding.

My horse is a big strong boy and I feel I have very little core strength when I'm schooling and I'm about to try taking him out to do a little bit of XC schooling & I'm sure I'll need to be super strong for that!!

So would love to hear stories or experiences- what do you do to get fit/stay fit, have any of you become fit from having average/low fitness levels - how did you do it?

 

[AmyMay]

When I was doing horses every day I ate what I wanted and was as fit as a fiddle. My exercise was riding and yard duties.

 

[Rhubarb]

i've just started a fitness regime as I'm going on a riding holiday in July riding x3 per day (lessons) and I'm so unfit. This is due to winter and my dodgy knee which has stopped me exercising.

I get bored exercising to keep fit so I do a variety of things. I'm on day 5 of my regime. Day 1- a long walk around badminton! Day 2- a six mile bike ride, day 3- a riding lesson, day 4- rest day, day 5- pilates class. I'll also be swimming and playing tennis and the odd keep fit DVD at home. My main method will be cycling tho!

Circuit training is fun and works on all areas. My trust run a free weekly session, maybe yours does? The other option is a personal trainer. The OH and I had one last year and found it beneficial but really really hard work! The good thing is, they focus on what you want to achieve and give you specific exercises that fit in with your life.

I would definately recommend pilates for core stenghtening and circuits for general strength and cardio.

I'd also be intested in any tips on improving riding fitness whilst on the ground!!

 

[JustKickOn]

Now the horses are out and not mucking out and other such stable duties, I have cut down on my portion sizes slightly but need to find an alternative to keep fit.

So far I have considered swimming and running, but yet to find the time to do either of them. You wouldn't need to take an hour for running, half an hour of consistent or 2 minutes jog, 1 minute quick pace alternated running would help. Just make sure you have decent running shoes for support and impact reduction.