“it can improve our isolation, correct imbalances, and helps us understand how to engage our core…”

Why riders should include resistance training in their fitness routines

Resistance training can have a negative reputation with riders as some people fear that it is going to make them bulky and more rigid in the saddle, but there are so many positives that come as a result of resistance training.

Resistance training plays an essential role in rider fitness, as does balance work and cardiovascular fitness. People often forget that it can improve our isolation, strengthen/correct imbalances, and helps us to understand how to engage our core.

“learn to isolate body parts and improve mind to muscle connection … ”

So what is resistance training and what are its benefits?

Resistance training is a form of exercise intended to promote muscular strength and endurance. It involves exercise using some form of resistance and this could be anything from barbells and resistance bands, to bodyweight. As long as you are working against gravity, it is resistance training.

There are many health benefits to resistance training such as:

. Increased bone density and improve balance- your bones can benefit from resistance training too. Studies have shown that consistent resistance training can maintain or increase bone mass and density. Additionally resistance training can improve balance and stability.

.Improve mental health- Your physical health is not the only thing that will benefit from regular exercise, but your mental health too. Resistance training is a brilliant stress reliever and has also been found to help with anxiety and depression.

.Build muscle mass- This doesn’t mean that you’ll pick up a weight and end up looking like Arnold Schwarzenegger, it takes dedication and the right nutrition and workout plan for especially women to gain alot of muscle mass. Muscle mass may not be your goal, but it will help up learn to isolate different body parts and improve mind to muscle connection as well as gain that more ‘toned’ look.

.Improve muscle strength and endurance- Again, your goal may not be to be able to run a sub 20 minute 5k but improving your muscle strength and endurance will help you with your general fitness, improve ease of daily tasks and it will also make you able to sit better in the saddle, give clearer aids and feel more prepared for busier days such as shows when maybe you have more than one class or horse to ride.

I won’t go through all the benefits or I will be sat here all day, but I have left the probably most important benefit of resistance training until last…

.Reduce risk of injury- Nobody wants to have time off riding! And us equestrians are stubborn and often ignore any injuries. But what if we could reduce the risk of them? A stronger more athletic body is more able to cope under more stress than an untrained unstable body. I can’t promise that you will be injury free but I can promise that as we improve any muscular imbalances you have and the more you are able to isolate and engage your core, the more stable you are going to become in the saddle. Strong, stable joints will protect you both in and out of the saddle.

I’m not saying that you should only do resistance training, as without any mobility work you could become more rigid in the saddle. A combination of resistance training, mobility and balance work, and cardiovascular training is in my opinion the best way to become a more balanced, supple and even rider.

 Stay riding for longer, become more even and balanced in the saddle, while protecting and stabilising your joints with the help and fun of resistance training.

Give clear, correct aids as you are able to isolate body parts while being able to remain straight and stable in the saddle.

Reduce risk or injury and improve your mental health with fun varied workout plans that you are able to do anywhere, and with minimal equipment.

Contact me about programs to help give you and your horse a more balanced ride!

X Lucy