Using an Exercise Ball for Rider Fitness

Using an exercise ball to get fit to ride

The exercise ball is the one key fits all route to getting fit to ride.

Fancy treadmills and gym equipment are good additions but you really need something you can build into your everyday life.

Fit to Ride

Here’s a small selection of exercise ball routines that will help you increase your fitness level and improve your suppleness and joint strength.

Remember to take it slowly, not to do too much and get qualified medical advice if you have any specific illnesses, disorders or disabiliites.

SEATED CIRCLES CHEST PRESS REVERSE TWIST NORMAL SIT-UPS
SEATED CIRCLES - using an exercise ball CHEST PRESS - using an exercise ball REVERSE TWIST - using an exercise ball NORMAL SIT-UPS - using an exercise ball
15 Deep Circles in each direction 2 Sets of 12 – 15 lifts each side – with 20 seconds rest. 2 Sets of 10 – 15 turns each side with 20 seconds between sets. 3 Sets of 10 slow lifts. Hold for 3 – 5 seconds in upward phase.
HIP ROLLS BRIDGING NORMAL PLANK NORMAL OBLIQUE
HIP ROLLS - using an exercise ball BRIDGING - using an exercise ball NORMAL PLANK - using an exercise ball NORMAL OBLIQUE - using an exercise ball
12 Slow rolls each side for 2 sets – 20 seconds rest between sets. 2 Sets of 12 – 15 lifts with 20 seconds rest between sets. 2 Sets of 45 seconds lift with 20 seconds rest between sets. 2 Sets of 15 slow lifts with 20 seconds rest between sets.
REVERSE BACK EXTENSION SUPERMAN SCISSOR LEG / REVERSE CURL LIFT AND TWIST
REVERSE BACK EXTENSION - fit to ride SUPERMAN - fit to ride SCISSOR LEG / REVERSE CURL - fit to ride LIFT AND TWIST - fit to ride
15 Slow lifts aim for 3 – 5 seconds per exercise. 2 Sets of 12 – 15 lifts each hand, with 20 seconds rest between sets. Perform 12 slow lifts each leg, holding in upward phase for 3 seconds. Perform 10 – 15 slow lifts each side, holding in upward twist phase for 3 seconds.

Table 7.EX.3i Simple Exercise Ball Routines

All horse riders should do something physical other than riding.

Horseball - an equestrian sport were you have to be fit to ride

You, the rider, are the single biggest factor that affects your horse’s way of going.

A regular swimming session, for example, is a great supplemental activity that will improve your riding fitness.

Most riders never consider it, but warming your own muscles up before you get into the saddle will help you more than you think.

You may be focused on tacking your horse up, getting your boots on and planning what you’re going to do to warm your horse up.

But stretching and warming up yourself, before you mount up, will help improve your riding and settle your horse more quickly.