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Re: [RC] exercises for riders//Posting - Beverley H. Kane, MDMerits of cross-training (mostly cardiovascular) aside, the best way to build muscle for an activity is to do the activity. The personalized PT idea is very good too. When I was learning to post (and days when I don't ride) I used this technique I got from a PT-riding instructor : - Kneel on the rug +/- a cushion for your knees - Lower legs are behind you, ankles almost touching - sit on your heels - hold your arms and hands as if holding reins - mind your posture--upright but not swaybacked, chest nice and open - slowly bring yourself up to church kneeling position by imagining yourself being drawn up and forward by your solar plexus.***Look at the picture in Sally Swift's Centered Riding I of posting as if you're being pulled by your belt buckle, at a 45° angle, w/ a sky hook. That is a fantastic image, and absolutely the correct motion.*** Remember, posting is more a forward and back movement than an up and down movement. - slowly lower yourself down to your heels ***without sticking your butt out** The challenge is to stay aligned from ear to hip. - repeat times your age (you will have to build up to this) You can also practice in saddle on a saddle rack, but that doesn't tend to build your core as well, since the lower legs and feet come into play. My hat's off to anyone who can stick to a gym or fitne$$ ctr or pilates. Heck, my office was right *in* the (Apple) fitness ctr for 10 yrs and it was a major effort to get wit th' machines. Beverley On 6/16/06 9:28 AM, "Jennifer Adam" <jatatahoe1@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote: Can anyone recommend a good exercise program for riders? I've seen pilates and yoga tapes for riders and wonder whether they're any good. I am in fairly good shape - just want something to help with core strength and maintaining flexibility. I had major abdominal surgery a couple of years ago and lost some muscle tissue - having trouble building back strength in that area. When I post for very long I get sore - instructor assures me my posture and technique are fine, says I've just ridden Western too long! Sit ups are not recommended for the type of surgery I had, so I'm looking for something different. Been doing ballet work outs since I was 4 - can anyone suggest something better? Thanks - Jen _________________________________________________________________ Express yourself instantly with MSN Messenger! Download today - it's FREE! http://messenger.msn.click-url.com/go/onm00200471ave/direct/01/ =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net. Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp Ride Long and Ride Safe!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net. Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp Ride Long and Ride Safe!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
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