Book Review

I received all three books Tuesday and I LOVE THEM!!!

Note: links should take you the amazon descriptions.

 Equine Fitness book is very simple. It has pull out cards so that you can keep them at the barn. I might photo copy them so I can glue them to index cards and have one set for Bre/Romeo and another set for the Dickster.

The two human books are: Pilates for Riders by Lisa Wilcox-Reid and The Rider's Fitness Program 

The Pilate's book gives a wonderful overview of Pilate's from the point of view of a dressage rider who kept plateauing just before reaching upper levels. The first half is a lovely overview of how Pilate's will help your riding and anatomy. It isn't too wordy-it is just right and you can read it in short bursts. The second half goes through a variety of moves. Each move lists level of difficulty and how it will help your riding. The end gives some sample workout routines for different difficulty levels.

The Rider's fitness program is all strength exercises. It is set up fairly similar. The first portion is an overview. The second half runs through each exercise with a simple description and photos. The end gives you a six week program. Some of the exercises look like you need a gym. All but a few would be very easy to modify for use without equipment. I did get an exercise band ($10), already have a physioball, and have small weights. If you don't have hand held weights go to a thrift store!!

I love that they are both super simple and given you options to mix and match routines. It isn't that I have soon most of these exercises before but it helps to have it all in one place. I might even be crazy and make flash cards like with the horses....

Here's my plan (we shall see if I follow through).....
I wrote reminder notes in my phone that go off each day so I can check them off. They each run for a week and are calling "week one" "week two" etc..... (so far I just have two). In the note I wrote out the plan for that week. I also took a photo on my phone of each exercise to remind myself of what I am doing that week. I am all over the place so I won't always have the book w me. Some of the stuff I can even do at the barn when I am having cuddle time with Bre. Since she has been at Dickie's place she has needed lots of time with me just standing in her stall (yes, she is totally high maintenance) so I might as well make it a work out.

That's my plan, not sure if I am sticking to it though. It's too soon to tell.