#FITNESS
Tai Chi Strikes Again
This is an excerpt from Horses in Translation, Essential Lessons in Horse Speak: Learn to “Listen” and “Talk” in Their Language, by Sharon Wilsie. (more…)
Regain Your Training Focus with This Simple Exercise
Moving your body doesn’t always mean smashing out a high-intensity gym session – in fact, learning to unwind and relax is just as important. Try this incredibly soothing yin yoga pose to set yourself up for success in the saddle: (more…)
You Are What You Eat (and You Cannot Out-Exercise a Bad Diet)
“The winter months can be an ideal time to put an emphasis on your body … Also, make the time to think about what you are fueling your body with. Try to find the healthier, real food, items on the outside of grocery store, not in the center isles.” (more…)
Two is Better Than One
“Regardless of the goal, the most important aspect of any exercise program is the result, and results come from consistency… One of the best ways to improve the results of any program is to work with a partner. A partner adds accountability, motivation, plus an extra set of eyes to ensure proper form and safety.” (more…)
3 Ways to Squeeze Fitness into Your Busy Routine
Fitting in a workout in a busy schedule is already hard work — but somehow, that always gets more difficult as fall approaches. Laura Crump Anderson of Hidden Heights Fitness has some great tips to make it easier to start — and stick to — a healthy routine:
The Importance of Continuing Education
For event rider and personal trainer Laura Crump-Anderson of Hidden Heights Fitness, life is one big learning opportunity — and in her column this month, she’s sharing a treasure trove of knowledge from dressage rider JJ Tate, plus a yoga pose that’ll help you unlock tight hips (and sit the trot better than ever!):
Strength Training for Riders: Why Go Slow?
“…the best way for equestrians to train is by slowing things down. Way down. You are an athlete engaging in an incredibly dangerous activity every time you step into the barn or swing a leg over a horse. It should not be your exercise program that injures you and sidelines you from competition.”
How to Use a Mounting Block to Stretch and Strengthen Your Calves
Our calves serve as the heart of the lower body. That’s why you need to make sure you are stretching and strengthening them. Here is a tip from our fitness guru: (more…)
Watch and Learn: A Strong Lower Leg Starts at the Hip and Core
Effective riding comes from an effective position, and an effective position comes from focusing your attention on building the right muscle groups up. Today, Laura Crump Anderson shares her favorite move for creating a solid, stable leg:
One Simple Fitness Exercise to Help You Sit the Trot Like a Grand Prix Rider
Should dressage riders and eventers have different workout regimes? That’s the question on the table today – plus, here’s an exercise to help all riders build strength and stability through the seat:
A Better You This Year: The Four Horseman of Stability
“If you want to succeed, it’s so important to be present and as stable as you can be for your horse, which is why I came up with … four areas of your life that you can focus on to help rein in the wild beast of your routine.”
Barn Aisle Chats: Fitness With Idun
Barn Aisle Chats is a new series where we’ll meet equestrians from all walks of life and disciplines. As a kick off to No Stirrup November, we chat with Idun, founder of Horse Learner Fitness. (more…)
This App Can Help Take the Guesswork Out of Rider Fitness
If there was an industry to invest in pre-pandemic, it was in-home fitness and the concept of app-based programming for working out. For busy riders, The Performance Refinery’s equestrian-specific workouts have been key to keeping fit in and out of the saddle.
SmartPak Monday Morning Feed: Sweat With SmartPak… One More Time
Here’s episode three of the #SweatWithSmartPak series, and it’s everyone’s favorite — core and recovery! (more…)
SmartPak Monday Morning Feed: #SweatWithSmartPak
Worried about holiday weight gain? Or still dealing having gained the COVID 19 (you know, the 19 lbs that accompanies quarantine)? SmartPak is here to help with their new series, #SweatWithSmartPak. (more…)
Best of JN: How to Hydrate Your Way to Better Riding
It’s summer. You know what that means? Yup. It’s hot out. Especially when you’re sitting on a large, heat-emitting beast. That’s why our sister site, Jumper Nation, brings you these great tips on how to stay hydrated and assess your fluid and electrolyte needs.
From the FEI: 4 Stretches Every Equestrian Should Be Doing
As horse owners, we spend a lot of time thinking about our horses’ fitness and well-being, but how much time do we really spend focusing on our own fitness? The answer is likely not enough. Here are four stretches every rider should be doing to improve their riding. (more…)
Product Review: Hylofit for the Holidays
“Ultimately, I was able to push Cole for more speed … as the season went on …”
Lessons Learned: Fitness Training for Training
“If I can’t be inspired to exercise for my own general health, at least riding has finally motivated me. Thanks, eventing!”
Pretty Is As Pretty Does
Life lessons from an Appaloosa/Friesian.
Fat to Fit to First Level: An Invitation
“I realized there are a lot of riders like me. Riders who are not young, but still active. Riders who are not thin, but striving to be more fit.” Introducing “Fat to Fit to First Level,” a new fitness and training column by Esther L. Roberts written for riders like her.
5 Things Long Distance Trail Running Has Taught Me About Riding
Aside from the obvious fitness benefits, there are plenty of other lessons to be drawn from long distance trail running. Biz Stamm draws on her own experience to find the parallels.
The Things I Do For Him
Or, that time “sacrifices” turned into “running the Philly Half Marathon.”
