I’m doing a lot of work on my core and back/arm strength, and I have also been doing quite a bit of cardio. What are your go to exercises? I realized in my lesson yesterday, I’m totally off balance. Are there good balance exercises out there? I have access to rollers and exercise balls… What else do you find helps your riding?
If you’re on Facebook, I recommend you follow “The Athletic Rider” - they offer great tips and video tutorials! Good luck!
Rider twists and collapses can be caused by asymmetries in strength and flexibility (ask me how I know!). Try lying on your back on the stability ball, with your knees at a 90 degree angle and the ball between your shoulders. Put your hands on the ball. Now raise one heel, put it back, raise the other (like marching in place). IF that is easy, try the next version - lift one foot OFF the ground, hold it for a second, put it down, lift the other foot. Do this 15 times. Was it easier on one side than the other? This to me is the real test of lat. strength and symmetry.
I do barre workouts- all about balance and building core strength! It has helped my posture on a horse TONS, and I think the classes are fun (this from someone who has always watched the clock and been bored with group fitness/yoga classes). I go to Pure Barre classes and do the DVDs when money is tight. I also run for cardio.
[QUOTE=3chestnuts;8064501]
If you’re on Facebook, I recommend you follow “The Athletic Rider” - they offer great tips and video tutorials! Good luck![/QUOTE]
I second this! 
I work as a BM so there’s all the farm work. Beside that I am running normally 5K-8Km 4-5 days a week. Really have noticed a difference in my core.
Also do a boot camp aka group circuit training session once a week. This time around will be a Tough Mudder type training.
P.
I do a core conditioning class and a yoga/pilates class to stay fit for riding. Lots of walking and hikes with the dogs too.
[QUOTE=faybe;8064534]
I do barre workouts- all about balance and building core strength! It has helped my posture on a horse TONS, and I think the classes are fun (this from someone who has always watched the clock and been bored with group fitness/yoga classes). I go to Pure Barre classes and do the DVDs when money is tight. I also run for cardio.[/QUOTE]
Yup. Ballet! I also use a bosu ball and trail run.
Paula
Crossfit :encouragement:
I’m in physical therapy for back problems, and my PT was 100% thrilled about me starting riding because it’s helping strengthen my core and improve my balance and flexibility.
An exercise she gave me was to stand in front of a mirror with your hands parallel to the floor, touching your hips. Like this: -oo- Lift one leg so your knee is at a 90 degree angle, straight in front of your hip. Now look in the mirror. Are your hands (and thus your hips) still at the same level? If not, drop your hip until they are. You can tell how good your core strength and balance are by how difficult it is to keep the position with your hips level. I could barely do it at all when I started.
