Yoga for riders

[little_critter]

I’ve recently realised I ride with too much of an arched back and it’s stifling my horse.
I’m looking at yoga to improve my core strength / stability and improve my hip flexibility.
But there seems to be 101 types of yoga, is there any style / type that I should be looking for?

 

[ramsaybailey]

I really recommend yoga with adriene on youtube her 'move' 30 day yoga challenge in particular, it's just general yoga rather than aimed at riders however my position in the saddle (as well as general posture and strength) really improved doing this

 

[MuddyMonster]

I really rate Meg Parkinson Aligned Rider Academy - she's a BHS instructor & does dressage but also is a qualified yoga instructor and does a great yoga/pilates blend for riders. It's been so much more beneficial than regular yoga or pilates IMHO.

It's all online but the bargain price of £15 month doesn't do it justice, especially with x 3 classes a week but all on demand too plus webinars etc, would be a bargain at triple that!

Not affiliated with her in any way other than a very happy paying customer.

 

[little_critter]

I’d rather do in person classes
a) I’m less likely to flake
b) as demonstrated today, I can’t get my leg behind my head while at the same time trying to watch a YouTube video.

 

[Kunoichi73]

If you fancy trying some free pilates, Jess at Rider Pilates is running a free 5 day starter course. I've done it a couple of times and it's not bad. It did highlight a few areas that I'm quite tight in.

FREE Rider Pilates Club Exercises

Secure yours now!

www.riderpilatesclub.com

I've booked a full movement assessment with my local physio tomorrow to try to pick up on areas I need to work on for sport in general.

 

[Foxford]

I started doing yoga about 8 years ago to help with riding. I was very fortunate to land immediately with a great local instructor and haven't always enjoyed the classes if I've needed to go elsewhere. I'd definitely ask around to see if there's any good recommendations. I'd suggest look for sports yoga type classes geared towards runners/cyclists.

After my instructor closed her yoga studio, I've drifted back to pilates! I'd say either helps, just go for whichever is more convenient.

 

[Identityincrisis]

If you fancy trying some free pilates, Jess at Rider Pilates is running a free 5 day starter course. I've done it a couple of times and it's not bad. It did highlight a few areas that I'm quite tight in.

FREE Rider Pilates Club Exercises

Secure yours now!

www.riderpilatesclub.com

I've booked a full movement assessment with my local physio tomorrow to try to pick up on areas I need to work on for sport in general.

I’m 1 year into Rider Pilates and it has worked wonders on me! I also had a ‘duck bum’ this has really helped with that.

Personally, i love the online facility, it means i can do it whenever i have a spare 30 minutes, whether that is 6 AM or PM

 

[sbloom]

I would say Iyengar is one of the stronger ones for riding. I would recommend a rider specialist over a general local class though and, much as I love yoga, probably more pilates based. Have a look at Equimech and Pilates at Blue House.

 

[Dust Bunny]

I’m 1 year into Rider Pilates and it has worked wonders on me! I also had a ‘duck bum’ this has really helped with that.

Personally, i love the online facility, it means i can do it whenever i have a spare 30 minutes, whether that is 6 AM or PM

Oops! Wrong box!

 

[Dust Bunny]

I’m 1 year into Rider Pilates and it has worked wonders on me! I also had a ‘duck bum’ this has really helped with that.

Personally, i love the online facility, it means i can do it whenever i have a spare 30 minutes, whether that is 6 AM or PM

No, it wasn't the wrong box! Thanks for the link I've just signed up.

 

[little_critter]

In the end I signed up for a functional flexibility class
“Incorporating yoga, strength and conditioning, core focus and inspiration from animal flow, qi gong and pilates.”
First class was on Thursday and was good. I think we flexed every inch of my body, it was hard work and highlighted my lack of flexibility in certain areas. We didn’t stop moving for the whole hour, no “have a breather” moments.
I think I only ended up facing entirely the wrong way once or twice!

 

[quiteniceforacob]

I’m 1 year into Rider Pilates and it has worked wonders on me! I also had a ‘duck bum’ this has really helped with that.

Personally, i love the online facility, it means i can do it whenever i have a spare 30 minutes, whether that is 6 AM or PM

With this "duck bum" reference I'm wondering if we have the same instructor (list one judge)? But I agree, mine is going too!!

 

[little_critter]

With this "duck bum" reference I'm wondering if we have the same instructor (list one judge)? But I agree, mine is going too!!

ooh - I've had a trainer (list 1 judge) refer to it as duck bum too. Are you in the SW?

 

[Identityincrisis]

With this "duck bum" reference I'm wondering if we have the same instructor (list one judge)? But I agree, mine is going too!!

Lol no, I think it’s quite a common term

 

[quiteniceforacob]

ooh - I've had a trainer (list 1 judge) refer to it as duck bum too. Are you in the SW?

I'm not, looks like they all use it haha

 

[fredflop]

If possible start off with some classes in person

 

[little_critter]

If possible start off with some classes in person

I did. Class 1 was good, sadly I had to miss class 2 due to needing to work late. Fingers crossed for this week.