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Discussion on Training for the Rider
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New Member:
elzedor
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Posted on Wednesday, Jan 30, 2008 - 12:55 pm:
Hi,
I live in Quebec,Canada and riding during the winter here, is pretty rare. Here it is full winter (I mean too much snow to ride) November through april included. I am anxious to start riding again, but each year the first ride is painful. This year I decided to put my body back in shape just like any other sport.
I found a few exercise that I could do, but it doesn't seem like quite enough. I found a few books, but they all seem to be related to english riding and I ride Western.
Any recommendation?
Don't worry, I planned to lunge my horses and bring them up to shape too. I also planned to include some flexion in the stall, awaiting for the eternal snow to go away. If you have good ideas here too, it would be appreciate.
Thank you
Lyne
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Member:
canter
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Posted on Wednesday, Jan 30, 2008 - 2:52 pm:
Lyne,
Many people recommend yoga and/or pilates for strengthening your core and improving breathing and balance, which is key to all riding, regardless of western or english.
Other than that, I would try to do some sort of aerobic excercise a few times a week, whether it's a brisk walk, playing a sport or shovelling snow, I don't think it matters
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Member:
lhenning
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Posted on Thursday, Jan 31, 2008 - 2:52 pm:
I totally recommend one of those exercise balls. They are inexpensive; I bought mine at WallyWorld for $16. You can do a total body workout with great benefit to core/ab muscles and inner thigh and leg muscles. I learned exercises on the internet at webpages such as this: https://www.criticalbench.com/exercises/stability-ball-exercises.htm
My best exercise for maintaining riding muscles is to sit on the ball with legs at side (like you are "riding" the ball) hands on hips, and then push up as in a posting trot then lightly touch back on the ball and repeat. I do them to music which improves my cadence too, and I try to keep going for the length of the song to build endurance. I do all exercises in sets of 3 with a 1 - 2 minute rest in between each set. So for example, when I do the "bounce" exercise, I do 150 reps three times for a total of 450 reps. That keeps my inner thighs and legs in great shape all winter long.
Good luck,
Linda
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Member:
canter
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Posted on Thursday, Jan 31, 2008 - 4:21 pm:
Linda, I just bought one of the balls, but didn't recommend it as I hadn't used it yet. I love the idea of your bounce excercise (my thighs could use a bit of help and my legs are a weak point in my riding...) and can't wait to try it.
I'll check out your link...my ball didn't come w/ too many examples so I've made up a few of my own, but could use some added ideas.
Thanks!
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Member:
erika
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Posted on Thursday, Jan 31, 2008 - 8:15 pm:
Lyne, I recommend you move to Miami .
I spend all summer getting into superb shape, only to spend all winter getting out of it!
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Member:
elzedor
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Posted on Tuesday, Feb 5, 2008 - 1:41 pm:
Fran, Thanks for the advice on Pilates and Yoga, I'll check it out, but I do not have access to many resources here in my region on that, I'll try to dig it up a little. As for the aerobic... I've been shoveling snow...lol. No but seriously, I do take walks and I have at home a Lateral Thigh Trainer which I try to use a few times a week.
Linda, I really enjoyed the web site you recommended and I will buy an exercise ball to try them... I'll give you some news afterwards
Finally Erika, You have the best plan, but unfortunately it doesn't fit with my budget... Liked the idea anyway just thinking about it made me feel good...
Winter's really too long
Lyne
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