Most experts agree that being a good, competitive rider requires focus, determination, desire, and some amount of athleticism. Now, you don’t have to be a track star, but being successful and enjoying yourself while riding does require mental and physical training. A complete fitness program can develop your athletic potential and help take your riding abilities to a greater level. By maximizing your flexibility, strength, power and coordination, you can improve the precision of your cuing and increase your reaction times.
Being fit does not only benefit you in the saddle, but if you were injured somehow, say from a fall, kick, being pulled along by horse you’ve been “lunging”, etc. Your recovery time as a fit individual is likely to be much faster than that of an unfit individual.
Finding the right person to help you on your journey to becoming a stronger, fitter individual can seem overwhelming to someone who may not know what to look for. Here are some tips I’ve rounded up from the web to help you in your search.
What to Look for In a Personal Trainer*
- Education: A personal trainer should be certified through a reputable fitness organization such as ACSM, ACE or NSCA). An exercise science or other related college degree isn’t necessary, but the more education your trainer has, the better your workouts will be.
- CPR: your trainer should have an updated certification in CPR and/or first aid.
- Experience: Make sure your trainer has several years of experience, especially in relation to your goals. For example, if you’re a bodybuilder, you want someone knowledgeable in that area.
- Specifics: If you have a specific medical problem, injury or condition (such as being pregnant, heart problems, diabetes, etc.) make sure your trainer has education in these areas and will work with your doctor.
- A good listener: A good trainer will listen closely to what you say and make sure he understands your goals.
- Attention: A good trainer will be focused only on you during your sessions.
- Tracking progress: A good trainer will regularly assess your progress and change things if necessary.
Personality is important too since you’ll be working very closely with this person. Make sure you get along with your trainer and feel comfortable asking questions.
*Tips taken from about.com, to view entire article, click here.
