Another day that was colder than it was supposed to be, but at least the sun came out. The sun shining does a lot to improve my mood, and hopefully it will start to really melt that ice out there. This gets me thinking about conditioning myself to begin spring conditioning and riding.
Horse riding, especially long distances at moderate speed, requires excellent core strength. This includes back and stomach strength, as well as lower body and upper body strength and balance. A rider must have strong muscles, combined with a supple and flexible spine. The best way to increase core strength is to stretch and exercise. Balancing on an exercise ball while working is an easy way to begin to increase core strength, as long as the ball is stable. An easy way to increase stability is to place a rolled up towel under/around the base of the ball to prevent excess rolling.
Another good exercise is laying on your stomach over an exercise ball, and then raise your torso off of it while preventing the ball from rolling. Again make sure that you are strong enough to control the movements without falling off! Then follow this exercise up with the mermaid stretch. To do this stretch, stand with your feet shoulder width apart in a relaxed frame. Then slowly lift your hands above your head and stretch. Finish the stretch by leaning first left then right, and then slowly lowering your hands.
Spring may actually be coming, so it may be time for me to jump start my fitness program!!
Horse riding, especially long distances at moderate speed, requires excellent core strength. This includes back and stomach strength, as well as lower body and upper body strength and balance. A rider must have strong muscles, combined with a supple and flexible spine. The best way to increase core strength is to stretch and exercise. Balancing on an exercise ball while working is an easy way to begin to increase core strength, as long as the ball is stable. An easy way to increase stability is to place a rolled up towel under/around the base of the ball to prevent excess rolling.
Another good exercise is laying on your stomach over an exercise ball, and then raise your torso off of it while preventing the ball from rolling. Again make sure that you are strong enough to control the movements without falling off! Then follow this exercise up with the mermaid stretch. To do this stretch, stand with your feet shoulder width apart in a relaxed frame. Then slowly lift your hands above your head and stretch. Finish the stretch by leaning first left then right, and then slowly lowering your hands.
Spring may actually be coming, so it may be time for me to jump start my fitness program!!
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