Cross training for riding - what do you do?

Janet B · Yearling

Cross training for riding - what do you do?

Barbara F · Grand Prix

I train in karate. It's great for focus and balance and it's really confidence building!

myvanya · Yearling

I also have to do this for my physical therapy but...

I run and swim.

I run when I can- I aim for 3 runs a week and prefer four, but I will admit it is rare I can do that many due to a variety of things.

I try to get a couple swims in a week too but again I often miss the mark especially lately.

I wish I had more time.

I at the very least get a walk in over my lunch hour if I am having a busy/bad week.

piaffe4me · Yearling

I hike in the mountains, and go caving--believe it or not, underground rock climbing is a great full-body workout, and the "weather" underground is always perfect! In the TAG (Tennessee-Alabama-Georgia) area, you will find some of the best caving in the world with all levels of difficulty, and ~60 degrees farenheit, fairly humid climate every day of the year. Perfect!

Barbara F · Grand Prix

piaffe4me wrote:

I hike in the mountains, and go caving--believe it or not, underground rock climbing is a great full-body workout, and the "weather" underground is always perfect! In the TAG (Tennessee-Alabama-Georgia) area, you will find some of the best caving in the world with all levels of difficulty, and ~60 degrees farenheit, fairly humid climate every day of the year. Perfect!

That caving sounds like fun! Do you go with a guide? What kind of training do you need before you go?

Laura F · Well Schooled

I would like to do more swimming. I think it's one of the best things you can do because it's not weight bearing. I do running, which I enjoy.

NaturallyUnbridled · Well Schooled

Yoga for core strength and balance. Soccer for endurance. Meditation for focus.

piaffe4me · Yearling

Barbara F wrote:
piaffe4me wrote:

I hike in the mountains, and go caving--believe it or not, underground rock climbing is a great full-body workout, and the "weather" underground is always perfect! In the TAG (Tennessee-Alabama-Georgia) area, you will find some of the best caving in the world with all levels of difficulty, and ~60 degrees farenheit, fairly humid climate every day of the year. Perfect!

That caving sounds like fun! Do you go with a guide? What kind of training do you need before you go?

Caving is fun! The best way to go is with someone who is very experienced (you should never cave alone, no matter how experienced you are). Safety equipment (just like with horses) is a must--helmet, 3 light sources, protective clothing (rocks are rough!), good, grippy shoes, etc. You can learn about caving from the best source of all, the National Speliological Society. http://www.caves.org click on "find a local caving club". If you are in the TAG area, either the Clocktower Grotto, or the Chattanooga Grotto are very nice and fairly active clubs.

Nikki Salo · Grand Prix

I used to play hockey when I had a horse to show, now I just do basic pilates at home. Once we get moved and I aquire a new mount I'll look into helping with coaching minor hockey if we have a facility close by.

sedonasilver · Advanced

hehe.... I found that my pole dancing fitness classes really helped!

It tones and stengthens your arms, legs AND core - all of which are equally important when it comes to your riding.

dbliron · Advanced

I hadn't considered pole dancing, but maybe I should...then again, a 53 year old body pole dancing might not be such a good thing...

I have a personal training program set up for me by Heather Sansom, who blogs on the Barnmice Community site. She did a terrific job for me, all long distance, with still photos and discussions. Now that she's got access to the UpMyGame site it should be even easier for her to provide personalized service. I found she was particularly helpful with exercises that improve my straightness in the tack, and relived my back pain.

I have a 66 year old client, bringing on her youngster, who swears by karate!

Horse-hearted · Advanced

I am surprised I haven't seen this on here yet, but I just started Yoga classes and can't believe the differences it has amde in my riding already! The physical benefits are of course being more flexible and stronger body, but the main thing I took away from these classes was how to breathe. We don't realize what an unused tool our breathing is- it's astounding.

Horse-hearted · Advanced

Also I just started Zumba classes- Latin dancing meets exercise. SOO MUCH FUN!!!!

MagsNMe · Advanced

At our barn, we actually have a pilates class on Tuesday nights at 7pm. We are at a fairly new facility with rubber bricking in the aisle, and we are down at the tack/lounge end, but we are right in the aisle, with my horse looking on and chuckling. I notice she's the only one that watches, probably saying it serves me right for making HER work so hard!

I'm also going to go back to doing yoga.

Horse-hearted · Advanced

Pilates sounds awesome, I love the idea of a barn exercise class! How clever! Do you find it benefits your riding?

sedonasilver · Advanced

I used to do pilates classes and yes, it definately strengthens your core muscles and balance. Especially with the fitball exercises.

Horse-hearted · Advanced

That sounds really cool. I'm trying to make use of my "horseless winter" by getting in shape for the summer. I definitely want to look into pilates.

Barbara F · Grand Prix

Ooooh...pole dancing does sound intriguing! Where would one learn this? How do you practice at home??!

Horse-hearted · Advanced

Anyone who can dance in heels is an athlete, in my opinion.

Eventing101 · Well Schooled

to keep my body fit i do triatholons all year round