Riding fit

[cosmo_sam]

I've recently had a bit of discovery - a good one - sort of!

Basically I've had a wonderful dressage clinic with a fab classical dressage rider, and come the conclusion that I need to be much stronger and more riding fit to be able to cope with George when he is working correctly.

Now I'm lucky that I've got access to both George and Dragon who are both big moving horses, but even so I don't want to override them just to get me fit!!

I don't feel that the gym is the answer as I never feel I use my body in the same way and just wondered what everyone else thought?

What would you do to help your stability strength in your upper body?

 

[icestationzebra]

Swiss ball. Brilliant for balance and core strength. When I went to a sports physio a couple of years ago after hurting my back she sent me off to buy one and gave me some exercises - brilliant. And the best thing is you can do it in front of the TV!

 

[samp]

Also I do skipping as it works your balance, flexibiltiy and cardio

 

[Super_Kat]

Ride my horse.....Thanks to her I'm far more 'riding fit' than I was and I now have forearm's like popeye.

 

[cosmo_sam]

Ooh thanks for those!!

I like the sound of them

I can do skipping and I like the idea of the swiss ball thing, add a bit of interest to the physio exercises.

Do we think a trampete would we good like skipping too?

As for the riding, I actually thought I was quite riding fit as I do ride quite a bit. The clinic though made me realise that I don't push George as I should as his big movement is so tiring to absorb.

So that's the challenge!!!

 

[samp]

I think a trampete would be fine, do some weights whilst on it also and this will help to tone and strengthen your arms up. Swiss ball really does help to give you that flat stomach!

 

[CSYMolly]

Pilates and yoga are very good for core strength and ditto about the stability ball. I do a stability class at the gym every thurs but want to get one for home too.

 

[dieseldog]

Cycling stood up on the pedals, don't sit down, very good for strengthing your legs

 

[Toby_Zaphod]

Cycling & swimming. Both these exercises don not jar you in any way so you will get fit but with little chance of sprain or strain

 

[cosmo_sam]

I can't swim and I only really DO outside if it involves a horsey!

Hence I liked all these "infront of the TV" suggestions