Improving Rider Fitness - Any Plans?

meardsall_millie

meardsall_millie

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We've all spoken a lot over the past few weeks about what we intend to do with our horses over the winter 'break' - extra lessons, BSJA SJ, taking advantage of the BD Eventers Membership, etc, etc.

I think it's becoming well recognised that rider fitness plays an important role in how well the horse goes - SO - are you intending to try to improve your own fitness during the winter?
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I joined the local gym about 6 weeks ago and have been aiming to get there 3 times per week (sometimes managed more, sometimes less) and have concentrated on improving cardio, core strength and flexibility. I've also been *trying* to eat more healthily. I have to say that I've lost some weight, feel much better in myself - and - astonishingly - have had some good results recently
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. Can I put it down to my own fitness - who knows - but it can't help can it?!

What (if anything) is everyone else planning to do?
 
definatley i think the fitter you are the better, i always find at the end of a long lesson, if im not fit enough and start get tired, my riding (as in the finer aspects) goes a bit pear shaped due to tired muscles. i go running a couple times a week, and am generally out on the yard most days all day so i think thats something, i find it hard to get keen to do more exercise when you've been on your feet all day though!
 
I had a vague idea that I might start swimming again, but what I thought might be easier and would be a more convenient way of getting fit would be to find a second-hand exercise bike. At least then I can use it when I want to exercise (should "want" and "exercise" go in the same sentence?
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) instead of being tied to swimming pool timings.

Bizarrely I found a Stability Ball in a hedgeside so I shall be using that to develop my core stability. If it doesn't work then I will strap it to my back and it should at least stop me sinking when I fall off in water jumps.
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We'd than have to find a turtle name to call you, as Kermits dont have inflatables strapped to their backs!!!!
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Skipping is really good exercise, and is something I am aiming to do more of!! Was going to start running again, but the cold and rain doesnt make it that appealing....
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I go to the gym about 4/5 times a week in my lunch break. Do a mix of spin, running, weights and lots of stretching and core strength exercises. I find it so much easier when I'm fit.
 
Hmmmm. Are those balls any good and what do you do with them? (does sitting on one to watch the TV work?). My dressage instructor told me the other week that my mid-section was far too floppy. At first I thought she meant my spare tyres were visibly wobbling
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but I think she was meaning more along the lines of poor core stability.

I would run but I am struggling to find hours in the day. I'm too poor to join a gym (and we're a bit rural so it would involve hours of driving which, realistically isn't going to happen). I'd swim but will need to wait until the government brings in this free swimming thing as I honestly don't have 4 squid to pay for it
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.

See - all the intentions but also all the excuses in the world. Will have to do something though as I'll be a blimp by Christmas unless I do.
 
I am going to swim and cycle. Its rather handy acctually because i have a country cottages complex up the road (complex as in 3) and that has a pool. When there are no tourists there, they open it to the public and it is only 1 mile up the road. I am going to cycle up, swim then cycle back.
 
I'm always having these types of intentions. I have just ordered a wii fit though......so i can do loads of exercise in the comfort of my living room on dark winter nights
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that's the plan, i'll let you know how it goes!!
 
I've managed one run this week, on my "get fit for winter" campaign!! However i'm now eating peanut butter plastered on chocolate digestives so i may quickly change it to a "get fat for winter" campaigne instead....oops :-))
 
Baydale - PMSL! And I thought frogs could swim?! Why do you need a ball to help you float?

Gamebird - yes apparently those balls do help if you sit on them to watch telly / at your 'puter, etc. No need to be a blimp! (What happened to the running/healthy eating you started for your Blair training?)

Samuelwhiskers - eeuuggghhhhh!
 
[ QUOTE ]
(What happened to the running/healthy eating you started for your Blair training?)


[/ QUOTE ]

I did get fit for Blair! But sadly that was in August and standards have slipped.

However I am currently developing the Hunting Diet - if it becomes popular there'll be a book and a DVD launched in time for Christmas
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Basically -
1. Muck 6 horses out before you go so no time for breakfast
2. Limit yourself to one small sausage roll at the meet
3. Drink as much as you like (spirits so not fattening, though avoid like the plague anyone who has Bailey's and Whisky in their hip flasks - just looking at them will add pounds on).
4. Dress in a thick wool coat which will weigh 2 stone when soaked through (and it will get soaked through).
5. Ride a hard pulling horse who also has a dirty stop so you need to use your legs and seat too.
6. Swap for a second, fresher version of the above at second horses.
7. Arrive home too knackered to cook tea so go straight to bed (half drunk as you've consumed half a pint of whisky on an empty stomach).

Repeat 3-4x weekly until March when you will emerge slim, toned, bankrupt and in need of rehab!

Any offers for a book contract??
 
Yip the balls are really good but its a good idea to get someone to make sure you're doing the exercises correctly the first few times cos if like me you don't have brilliant posture you won't be doing any good. I bought a ball and pilates video from ebay for about £5 but must admit I haven't used it all that much as I tend to just do it in the gym. I am lucky that my work pays half gym fees and lets me go at lunch time or I'd never be able to go.
Skipping is brilliant if you have the space!
 
I've been rubbish recently up until I went on hols a few weeks ago i was going to the gym 4 days a week in my lunchbreak but have lost motivation now i dont need to be in a bikini!!! However i'm finding lots of riding wtihout stirrups is just as good for tummy and running around trying to do things before it gets dark usually meaning missing tea!!

Gym balls are good they're like £5 from argos and just sitting on it watching TV/using computer is good. Sitting on it and lifting one leg off the floor/then the other is good try doing it without moving at all!! Can do situps/press ups on it, kneeling on it is v good too
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I fancy the idea of a ball but I think it will pop if I sit on it!!! Do they come with instructions? Can't do the swimming thing cos I get a still neck trying to keep my head out the water! Do walk to work though, its 15 mins each way, does that count as exercise?
 
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