Stay in Shape
Published by GHC • Nov 2nd, 2008 • Category: Junior Blogger Archives, Riding Adviceby Pony Princess, age 14
Sometimes you can’t go to riding lessons. It might be stormy, maybe you got sick, who knows? Then you get back and you are so out of shape! How can you stay in shape for riding lessons? I have a few tips to offer you:
DO STRETCHES AND EXERCISES. You don’t need to do anything fancy. Try touching your toes, jumping jacks, or jogging in place. Also, try Syd’s riding exercises (see the blog, How To Get In Shape For Riding) I have found these very helpful. But, remember, don’t do more than you can handle. I stretch every morning and do the riding exercises every other morning.
PRACTICE THE MOVEMENTS. “How do you do that,” you may ask, “if I don’t have a horse?” If you are learning to post (I ride English) walk around the room and every time your outside leg is forward say “up” then when it’s back say “down.” Practice saying that over and over to get in the rhythm. Try practicing the 2-point position while you ride your bike. You can also try posting on your bike when the kickstand is down.
For those who don’t ride English, imagine what you do at riding lessons and recreate that to your situation. For example, say you barrel race. Set up rocks, sticks, your brothers (joke!) and run or bike around them. The possibilities are endless!
BE ACTIVE. Playing with your dog or taking a walk feels way better than sitting on the couch. Try it and see!
I hope you find something to help you in this blog. Also, ask your riding instructor to see what they recommend. Have fun and stay in shape!
Great blog!!!!
This is just what the world needs to hear! you know with all this over weight bisness going on:(
I LOVE running ‘specialy if its the horse do’n the run’n:)
Any way I have a tip if you’ll stand to hear it, when you feel as if your coming down with a cold try taking a long walk as long as its not windy(Not windy in South Dakota,ya right!) or cold out.
Love the topic!~Salina
Very Good! I need to get in shape! This will definatly help me out! thanks!
You have saved me on days when I can’t go riding, thank you so much! You gave me other things to look forward to doing when I can’t go to my lessons. Currently I’m trying your “Practice the Movements” method, but in my version I’m cantering around the room like it’s an arena on all fours. Trust me, it takes the breath out of you after one or two laps. Fabulous job on your blog, PonyPrincess :D Keep up the excellent work!
This is a great topic! Many people need to try this! We have gym everyday at my middle school and we do all sorts of stetches and exercises. We also play fun games. I think stretching and doing small activities is a great way to get in shape!
Brilliant blog! I’m trying some of your ideas. I walk to and back from school, too. Has anyone ever done the 12 minute cooper run?? That’s good, too.
Great blog. I am so happy you wrote this blog, Pony Princess.
I can’t wait to hear more from you.
-MM
Thanks guys! So glad to know you guys are using it! I love the picture, very cute!!
Thanks for the suggestions pony! Ever since we’ve moved I haven’t been able to ride- and I am afraid I have gotten out of shape. *Blushes guiltily*.
thanx for the great ideas..now i work out every other day after school so i can be ready for my lesson..which is every week and sometime every other :)
for the ones that need to get in shape:
-work out by that i mean do 10 sit ups, few push ups etc. every day for 15 minutes of every other day :) soon you will be in really good shape
My work out is one done over time. I too, do sit-ups and push-ups.
What you do: the 1st day do as many of them as you can, don’t think you’ll do very many the 1st time, believe me!
And then rest for a day (to heal that sprained ham-string!) Then do it again! Oh, joy!!!
Eventualy you’ll be able to go up to 100! I’ve only goten that far with my sit-ups. I’ve got weak arms!!! Although the 5 gallon water bucket has seemed lighter!!I hope its not my imagination! *Blushes*
Cheers!