by Grace Lambert
We've been hearing a lot about fitness from Mary for good reason. She encourages riders to be fit because she has experienced changes in her own body as she becomes more fit, felt the difference in her riding, and has observed how it positively impacts the horses she rides. She's also noticed the changes in her students who are becoming more fit, and she notices changes in the lesson horses these students ride. I'm writing this article in support of all Mary says, but I am coming at it from a slightly different angle - and that is to describe (and show you images of) what can happen when we don't stay fit (or even get fit in the first place). These issues are not theoretical; they are based on facts gathered over decades about how inactivity can cause a host of problems.
I'm currently enrolled in a NASM course to become a Corrective Exercise Specialist. The course describes various disorders and syndromes for which billions of dollars are spent (annually) to treat, medicate and rehabilitate people. Unfortunately people who feel they don't have time to exercise often end up suffering from one or more of these problems. Sadly, they then discover that they have plenty of time to deal with the effects of their injuries and physical limitations because they no longer have a choice in the matter. Sometimes it becomes, quite literally, a matter of life and death.
Leaving aside the fairly well-known issues of high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes, the following physical issues have been identified as now fairly common but fully preventable by participating a regular exercise program:
- poor posture (rounded shoulders and forward head carriage)
- pronation distortion (flat feet and knock-knees)
- low back arching (an overly-arched lower back)
All of these issues arise from weakened, "underactive" muscles that have been stretched too far for too long and "overactive" muscles that have become too tight from being held in a shortened positioned for too long. They cause altered movement patterns and almost always lead to pain, limitations to joint range of motion, injury, and temporary - and sometimes even permanent - disability. All of this can easily be avoided! (And fortunately, most of these problems can also be treated after they manifest, with proper physical therapy and dedication to a sound exercise program.)
We sometimes realize only after illness or injury that the investment we make to our health is an investment that quickly surpasses all of our monetary investments. Invest in your future - and discover for yourself how good it feels to be fit!
Rider Fitness Boot Camp
Dedicated riders come for a morning work out at 7 a.m. on Saturdays at Anytime Fitness, in Sequim (gym membership not required).
The camp coach is Exercise Physiologist and Personal Trainer, Kenny Hall. The routines he developed for the circuit focus on core stability, balance, and strength training specific to riders. Workouts last approximately 50 minutes, and whether you are a beginner or advanced rider, this program will help you achieve your riding goal.
Contact Mary if you are interested in joining us.
(360) 457-4897 freedomf@olypen.com
freedom-farm.net
