Getting riding fit - without riding

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Twiglet

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I'm booked to go on a riding weekend in a couple of weeks, and as no longer have a horse, am not very riding fit. The riding involved in the weekend is pretty intense - 6-7 hours a day, some of which is pretty fast, and the terrain is very hilly....so I think my legs might actually fall off :p
I'm relatively fit anyway, but aware that this is different to riding fit. What can I do in the meantime to prepare myself? Am thinking lots of squats. Anything else? At the moment I'm running quite a bit and doing pilates twice a week to kick my core back into shape.

Also, any tips for making long distance riding more comfortable?? Are padded pants worth it?!
 
I really think only lots of riding makes you riding fit - and thats not being funny but my daughter runs half marathons, does pole dancing classes and regularly works out so is beautifully fit and toned everywhere including lots of core strength from the pole dancing and after not riding for a couple of years it has taken her lots of lessons to begin to recover her riding fitness. Luckily you are fit anyway so should stand you in good stead and I guess if you are doing marathon rides whilst away any extra aerobic exercise has got to help. Do hope your legs stand up to it, I'm sure they will, and enjoy!
 
Thanks :)

Unfortunately I live in London so won't be able to get to many hilly places to cycle beforehand....sure I can find that function on the bike at the gym, although it won't be as pretty! I'm probably going to get four riding sessions in on a friend's horse in the next couple of weeks but it's obviously nothing compared to what i used to do :(

Am going to buy plenty of ibuprofen gel :p
 
Wow - 7 hours a day does sound intense.

For comfort, just use jodphurs not jeans. For recovery, a nice hot bath afterwards followed by wine!:)
 
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