Rider fitness

I've joined the gym a couple of months ago because I felt so old, unfit, had a bad back and I've never been able to find my core :) I also signed up for 3 months personal training and I love it. I go at least 3 times a week and my PT that I have once a week is great. Having a PT who can show you loads of different exercises properly, how to get the most out of the gym equipment and is motivating is fab. I've never run before but we are thinking of building up to doing a 10k later next year. I've never been sporty apart from horse-riding. I can also swim and do classes when I have time.

I wanted a PT because he could advise on the best exercises and also make sure I could build up really slowly so not injuring myself. Big classes you don't have one to one supervision and some stuff like Pilates and yoga in the past have crippled me. I also hate it when I can't keep up with the rest of the class in group session so I wanted to build some strength and fitness before throwing myself into one.
 
KatPT said:
Knee pain is generally a result of poor alignment. The knee is essentially a hinge, any muscle that tries to pull it to one side it the other of its straight line will cause a twist through the hinge and eventually pain. I assess people by getting them to squat several times. Those with knee pain usually find their knees draw together as they go to sit, often a problem with riders due to strong inner thigh pulling knee in and weak glutes and abductors unable to counteract. I give these people exercises to correct the imbalance according to the cause, before they start a running plan.
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You've just described me KatPT. I suffer with my left knee in particular. Any tips on excercises please?
 
I used to do a lot of running but it's killed my knee, I can barely jog a few metres now :( so instead I swim, spin, box, climb and have just taken up MMA! Occasionally I'll step foot into the actual gym if I can't get into the spin/Pilates/core/combat classes. My gym membership also includes access to the spa which I use a lot!! That akes it worth it alone :)
 
my right knee is wrecked so no running for me.
I was going to the gym 3 times a week plus seeing a trainer twice and then going to a Zumba class 3 times a week.
I really need to get back into it again.
 
I would say definitely don't write off the gym! I run outside out of the gym, run on treadmill in bad weather, do Pilates, have a pt, weights, body balance, circuits... I have found the rowing machine is excellent for lower back strength as well as a great cardio workout.

Once you do something regularly exercise wise, your body becomes accustomed to it. So for example if you ride 5x a week and muck out etc, your body will get used to it as 'normal' and will no longer find it a challenge. As you get fitter you will find you need to do more and more to challenge yourself, until you get to a level of fitness you want to maintain.

Maybe see if you can try a 3 month membership and see how you go. It's very addictive! And great for your riding!
 
I dog walk for a living, and horse ride, but I do have poor core strength, and often get out of puff riding in the school. Keep thinking about doing pilates but not really into the 'group session' thing..
 
tankgirl1 said:
I dog walk for a living, and horse ride, but I do have poor core strength, and often get out of puff riding in the school. Keep thinking about doing pilates but not really into the 'group session' thing..
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I do 1-2-1 sessions with my pilates teacher (I started off with classes but a max of 7 people so didn't feel 'busy'). I have a session every few months, now that I know what I'm doing, and do half an hour at home most days. It's the best thing I've done for my back and my core stability!
 
I can't do anything high impact due to a bad knee, since I've been out of action the past mth am under strict instructions to work on my own fitness! I swim once a week, pop cross trainer out on front of TV 3 times a week and do some exercises on my balance ball. Also plan on starting rider pilates in new year! Losing weight wasn't a goal but I've dropped half a stone the past mth :)
 
Just a quick update - I've found out from my neighbour that on Wednesdays there's a pilates class in the village hall and as I'm a full time student, if I go to the gym that's a little bit further away I can swim for £1.80 (same price as a pensioner) compared to £3.80!
 
I'm a huge fan of pilates, it's great for core stability and also for keeping muscles long and lean and for general body awareness. I've ditched the running as it was knackering my back and knees but replaced it with cardio work in the gym (but I'm 65 and the body is starting to show it's age!) Personally, I don't think riding keeps you that fit but being fit certainly improves your riding.
 
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