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I am new to the net, hello! I am also an avid athlete, I just wanted
to add my 2 cents worth.
I have found that of all of the sports I do, swimming is by far the most
complementary to horseback riding. On the Monday after a weekend
ride, I am sore and the swimming helps me to stretch out my arms, back,
chest, legs, butt, calves...basically my entire body. Swimming also
is so much better on my knees than running, although I run a few times
a week anyway. I would encourage anyone
who wants to start an exercise program to try swimming!
Thanks,
Layne & Newt
* * * * Original message from "Suzanne J. Griffin" * * * *
> Howdy everyone,
> I got a lot of response from my tidbit on sore knees (back, hips, =
> ankles...) so I thought I'd add on. I have since been stretching =
> (hamstrings, adductors, hip flexors, low back) A LOT (or actually a lot =
> more) and been doing squats regularly (this is a big thing for me =
> because I HATED squats...aahh what doesn't kill us makes us =
> stronger....HOOO YAH) with just my body weight, focusing on my technique =
> (being a personal trainer I'm BIG on technique!). I've been going on =
> longer bike rides to try to strengthen my VMO (inner quad muscle) and =
> listening to how I move about/stand/or just be in my body. Caught =
> myself 'listing' to my left A LOT thus unintentionally strengthening my =
> left side and 'babying' my right. =20
>
> The moral of this story? Take a moment and pay attention to how you =
> 'are' in your body. We are not symmetrical creatures. We have 'sides' =
> of our body which are stronger or weaker than the other side, be it =
> front/back or lateral/medial. This creates an imbalance which affects =
> how we are/move in any activity/position ...ie riding! And we all know =
> that our imbalance affects the riding relationship with our horse (s) =
> and thus their balance. (Try carrying an unevenly loaded backpack and =
> notice how your body compensates...)
>
> Here's some suggestions to help the awareness process start: notice how =
> you stand (evenly?); notice what side (always) reaches out (to pick =
> something up, open the door/cupboard...); what side (always) =
> carries/holds things; work out? Work out at a gym? Get a =
> trainer/friend/whomever to critique your form; stretch!; get a massage! =
> (I know of a good massage therapist in the Seattle area :) ); ride =
> bareback...and listen to what your body and balance tells you without =
> the aid of a saddle and stirrups!
>
> Ok that's enough for now. Have fun!
>
> Susie & James (Hey, I want a massage!)
> Redmond, Wa
>
>
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