I designed my program to help equestrians become stronger by working out at home or in the gym! I create all of my client's programs individually- I do not send out general plans. Individual programs are essential to achieve each client's needs and goals.
I primarily focus on a mix of strength, balance, and flexibility training with my clients. These three components are crucial for riders, regardless of their discipline. Almost all of my clients work out from home with minimal equipment- usually 5, 10, and 15-pound weights, a yoga mat, a yoga ball, a foam roller, a balance pad, resistance bands, and a step.
Strength training includes both equipment and no equipment options and exercises. I focus on creating strength endurance with my clients, which is the type of strength equestrians need! We don't need to be able to squat 100 pounds; we need the endurance to ride for an hour or longer. I also focus on functional-type movements that mimic daily movement patterns such as lunges, step-ups, etc.
Balance training also includes both equipment and no equipment exercises. An unbalanced rider will have little body control over their body and their horse. I usually begin balance training with a simple exercise and build upon it with different variations and equipment to challenge the client. One of my strengths as a trainer is taking a simple exercise and making it EXTREMELY challenging. If you think balance training is easy, come work out with me ;)
Flexibility training focuses mainly on mobility within our joints and muscles to correct muscle imbalances- creating a soft and supple rider. There will always be warm-up and cool-down exercises in EVERY one of my workouts to work on flexibility, avoid muscle soreness, and avoid injuries. Most of my clients also foam roll to prevent and correct muscle imbalances and body compensations, such as forward head and shoulders, arched back, etc.
I do not focus on weight loss or play a huge role in my client's nutrition. My program is not about looking your best in a bikini; it's about creating a healthy lifestyle while becoming a stronger rider. Most of my clients do not see weight loss, but most see a change in their body composition. Strength training promotes muscle gain, and muscle weighs more than fat. As my clients lose fat, they also put on muscle- achieving a body composition change without much of a scale change. Most of my clients also notice a difference in how their clothes fit, how they look in the mirror, etc. I would rather focus my time and energy on making you the best rider that I can, and for most, that does not include weight loss!! I promote a healthy, sustainable lifestyle that does NOT ever include dieting or restricting yourself from food.
