I’ve been having various conversations this week about how different things affect our bodies and consequently how we ride.
These have included how Fascia and Scar tissue from previous injuries may not just be affecting the original area but also other parts of the body.
Then how our brain and mindset can also affect our body, how it moves and reacts.
Without wanting to over complicate matters (where my other over thinkers at……) this means there a few different factors to consider when working on our bodies off horse to improve our performance on horse.
If you have suffered previous surgeries, serious injuries, or Chronic pain we need to address the potential restrictions that may have created in your body.
If you spend a lot of your day in a fixed position-I train a few Dentists…….or that could be standing up stationary, sitting at a desk etc it all creates restrictions in your body that could be held even when you’re not in that position any more.
Then there’s your brain! How’s your day been? Is your head still at work? Are you anxious, angry at someone, sad or excited? Our emotions can affect how our body feels and moves. If your sad you may physically move quite heavily, if you’re anxious you may feel quite tense or jittery.
Our emotions can also have a physical energy that can be felt by our horse, which in turn can affect the way they react to us.
Our brain and body are not two separate entities, our body is a constant link of muscles, bones, tendons, nerve endings all co-operating together and with the brain. If there is a blockage in the body or a mismatch from the brain it can potentially affect the whole chain.
Therefore we need to consider both the body as a whole and the brain when we look at our off-horse training.
Consider whether your chosen form of exercise addresses what your body has been doing for the rest of the day. Does it put you in opposite postures than those you’ve been in all day? Does it make your body feel more relaxed?
How does your brain feel afterwards? Does it calm you down or hype you up? Depending on your individual needs either of those might be the right strategy for you.
How do you then use this information to prepare yourself to ride? Do you need to relax your body and create calm in your mind or switch it and get your focused brain on?
Have a think about these different elements of your body and brain and think of ways to implement it into your off-horse work and your pre ride warm up.
If you have any questions or want a little help let me know.
PS: If you want a done for you programme using Kettlebells to help you get stronger and fitter for riding, my Kettlebells for Equestrians Programme is just what you need!
