Since my accident I’ve been doing a lot of Physical Therapy. A lot. When I first started going, it took me almost two hours to go through the full spectrum of exercises, given how many things I was rehabbing.
I still go to PT and now it takes a mere 90 minutes :). I suspect I’ll be stretching and strengthening for some time but the experience has given me a lot of respect for how much the right exercises can help you gain strength and flexibility.
Given that we’ve had endless rain following up the premature ice and snow, I’ve been spending more time at the gym than riding (I must find an indoor soon). To add some variation to my routine, I’ve found some stretches that are specific to equestrians but will help anyone who wants to become more limber. I tried to find ones that I can do, given that I still have some limitations (the first time I went to a yoga class post-accident, I wondered if I’d be able to get off the floor again).
Thanks to the numerous videos that are available, each of these stretches is clearly illustrated.
I like the variety in the ones in this video. They address your whole body.
The stretches in this article focuses on hip flexors — an area I know I need to stretch more, although if I tried the “Hindu Squat” I’m pretty sure my knees would never recover. The other stretches look quite reasonable. I can feel my hips releasing just looking at the videos. If only it were that easy.
And then there are the après ride stretches from Man Flow Yoga. Some of these are a repeat of others mentioned, but there are some new ones, too.
At least if I have to be at the gym instead of the barn, I can do something that will help me when I’m back in the saddle.
Do you have any favorite stretches/exercises to share?