Riding is a great way to develop strong leg and core muscles without having to do the typical gym routine on a daily basis. Most people do not own a horse of their own, and if they do they may have to drive out to the country to be able to ride it.
This can be difficult, especially since most programs say you should be active for at least an hour every day of the week. Horseback riding is unique in the sense that it combines three target workout sessions; namely cardiovascular, core strength training, and leg strength training.
This fact combined with the sometimes inconvenient nature of the activity, means that people need a way to do it only a few times a week. Many suggest going horseback riding for 30 minutes to an hour, 3 days a week.
This is an adequate amount of time to dedicate to strengthening muscles and spending time with your steed without being an inconvenience on your day-to-day activities. Since you will be taking off four days of the week, you should supplement with other forms of fitness.
Making sure that you stay in shape and get in exercise when you are not on your horse will make riding a more enjoyable and beneficial experience for both you and the animal you are riding. The better you are able to hold yourself up on the steed because of strong leg and core muscles, the easier it will be for the steed to keep going.
In addition, the more you use your own muscles to hold yourself up, the more calories you will burn and the stronger you will get. Weak riders are sloppy on the saddle making it difficult and painful for both themselves and the steed.
Poor posture, muscle imbalances, and general lack of fitness can make riding less enjoyable, and may lead to less time in the saddle. Not being able to use certain muscles properly will also make cuing and controlling your horse more difficult.
You can also affect your steed’s way of going and the soundness of his back by being unfit and unbalanced. If you only get out to ride occasionally or do major barn cleaning on weekends, staying fit can help you avoid the weekend warrior syndrome-aches and pains from using muscles not accustomed to the job you suddenly ask them to do.
Remember to start slow when beginning any exercise, including riding. If you have any health concerns or injuries in the past, you should consult your doctor before starting any type of new physical activity.
When you are not on your horse, you can get in a good cardio vascular routine on the trail, treadmill, or the streets. You just need to be doing activities that increase your pulse and strengthen your heart muscle.
Jumping rope is another great way to get a cardio workout even if you cannot get to the gym. The constant jumping may also remind you of the bouncing that happens in the saddle.
Stretching is an integral part of physical fitness that should never be skipped. This is a good way to warm up the muscles and prevent any strains or cramping.
For people with lower back pain, or any other type of muscular strain, stretching can help loosen you up and make you more flexible. Lower back pain affects quite a few individuals and a supple back is essential for cuing your horse and staying with the motion.
Exercise balls can also help you develop a stronger sense of balance; which is necessary for horseback riding. These are relatively inexpensive and can be purchased at any fitness store or even some physical therapy offices.
Other great activities that you can participate in to help you with strength training, flexibility, and balance include Pilates, yoga, tai chi, and martial arts. Pilates is a great way to stretch out and strengthen your muscles for different movement that you may or may not be familiar with.
Yoga can be as strenuous or gentle as your body will allow it to be. Tai Chi benefits the body in terms of strength, but also trains the mind to focus with moving meditation.