Getting a Workout In
not easy with an equestrian lifestyle
It’s always going to be difficult to prioritize fitting in a workout for equestrians as time seems to disappear when you’re around horses.
For most people, getting to the gym and working out is hard. Days are packed with things to do and horses to ride. Working out is usually left to the end of the day or push until the next day. There’s always something else that needs to get done instead of getting a workout in. The priority of a horseback rider is usually the horse and that’s not considering all of the basic everyday work like cooking, groceries, kids, husband and your job. There’s only so many hours in a day, so how do you get a workout in with an equestrian lifestyle?
Prioritize your physical fitness
Top equestrian athletes make time for fitness and you can see the results in the arena. Most professional riders are extremely busy with tons of horses to ride and train, traveling to clinics and going to weekend horse shows.
Making time to get your workout in is a part of being an athlete and you need to make a weekly routine of working out. Steffen Peters comes back from a clinic or show typically on a Sunday and he’s at the gym Monday morning. His dedication to his physical fitness and his horses has allowed Steffen to continue to be on top for years.
It’s always going to be difficult to prioritize fitting in a workout. Things don’t get easier because you’ve made the commitment to working out. The discipline is the hard part but if you go in knowing this right away, you will enjoy the journey much more. Fitness isn’t easy and when it gets hard, it’s the discipline that pushes you to do it. Knowing that you have to go in Monday morning, even after a long weekend showing will keep you on track and on schedule. One act of discipline leads to another and this is how athletes keep going. We as riders can’t think that riding is enough.
Stop Stressing
Here’s my top tips getting in a workout at least every other day!
Workout early before riding horses at least once a week! This way you prioritize fitness at least one day a week over riding. You will be surprised at how your body, that hasn’t been worn down, feels in a workout before you ride.
Take one day a week and workout first thing!
Waiting until after lunch to workout might lead to skipping the session altogether. At least one day a week, let your body use the glycogen stores for muscular development. That means coming into a workout not depleted. One this day, I recommend to do more isolated exercises like bicep curls, walking lunges, shoulder press, calf raises.
Stop stressing about getting to the gym, you can still get a workout in at home. A day when you’re short on time, focus on mobility or flexibility training instead of an intense workout. 45 minutes is the recommended time to be working out but sometimes it’s not an option, so choose to stretch instead. It’s better than doing nothing.
Workout with Friends
Sign up for a spin, or yoga, or pilates or a barre class and take a friend with you! You’re more likely to stick to a fitness regimen if you have a workout partner! Working out with someone, that you like to be around, can be very motivating, fun and competitive.
We are here to guide riders to a healthier lifestyle for themselves and the horses. Our collegiate program gives students, team captains and coaches weekly workouts to use on zooms or group sessions at a discounted rate. All other memberships supply athletes a full training plan for the week with reading and fitness objectives. Our Platinum creates custom workouts in individuals training plans for athletes. You can view more by clicking the button below.
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Anna
December 8, 2020 @ 12:29 am
Super helpful tips!! Thank you!