More out of shape than I thought I was

[thatmoody]

I'm getting ready for a two day show this weekend, and realizing that I'm NOT in the shape I was a couple of months ago, in spite of riding at least 5-6 days a week. I have started going back to the gym, because one problem is that it's too freakin' hot to exercise here right now, but does anyone have any favorite exercise programs to share? I was sitting the trot yesterday and realized the lack of core strength, and discovered that the new nautilus ab machine at the gym is fabulous! I've also started doing a bit of bellydancing (not in a class, just to a tape), and that's really good for core strength! That's mine, what's yours?

[TheHorseProblem]

I don't have a horse to ride at the moment, but sitting the trot and riding without stirrups beat anything else I do (or don't do.) A few years ago, I had a six month period of twice weekly lunge lessons sans stirrups, and my body tightened up like Shrinky Dinks.

[AnotherRound]

At the gym I find the resistance weights, the ones on a pully of some kind, and stand back two fists on one handles, and twist like a baseball swing, feet planted. At about 40 pounds, what ever is hard for you to make 30 reps each side. This whittles my waist in about a week, I can start to see a difference, helps with the lateral, side muscles with the core thing.

Another core thing is sit ups on the balance ball. I think they are the toughest workout, those core exercises on the balance ball.

[Coreene]

If you ever get an opportunity to exercise polo ponies, do so. Even one set a day will start shrinking and tightening everything. Years ago I took six months off work to just ride every day, and did lots and lots of sets. The first day they had to push me off the horse - couldn't even swing my leg over the cantle. Lemme tell ya, posting a nonstop canter for 20 minites? Oh yeah, BRUTAL but fabulous.