Dianna Robin DennisThe Rider's Fitness Program: 74 Exercises & 18 Workouts Specifically Designed for the Equestrian

I would love to have someone to follow me around a gym and set up the equipment for me, but I have no idea how to do that. Some programs I can do at home except for 2 or 3 that require gym equipment. This is very frustrating to me. How many of the warm ups do I need to do before I start exercising? How many stretches afterward? Why are the warms mixed up with the stretches? Is there a video I can use for each of the programs so I don't have to study the book on every exercise day? I understand the benefit of not doing the same thing every day, to confuse the muscles and keep them guessing, but what about my brain? A gym day? Not a gym day? Why doesn't the book lay flat? Let me know when you come up with a new, improved version of this book.I put the exercises into a spread sheet, for each week, and where I would be doing the exercises. There were a few days that I needed to drop in to the local recreation center for only $4 each time. At age 73, I can do most of the exercises without modification. I will add resistance as I get stronger. My trainer noticed big improvements in my posture every week, and I am feeling more confident. My horse is moving better too. It was worth the effort to arrange the book so that I could manage it all without wasting time between exercises.

I started a riding program almost a year ago and discovered fairly quickly that gym work was going to be essential to achieving my personal goals. I spent a few months attempting to do programs of exercises that others had recommended and, finally, decided to buy this book since it was a complete program. It has made all the difference. Balance issues are going away quickly as my balance, strength, and flexibility grow. My trainer has been amazed at my progress. The instructions are clear and the program is balanced so that no one area gets overworked for any session. Most importantly, the program builds the muscles needed to do the the more difficult exercises. My only wish is that the thing came in a 3-ring binder or similar so I can remove the pages I want without having to take the whole thing to the gym. Thus, today, I am disassembling my book to do just that.

What I like:This is a really cool book with some well-designed workouts for the equine enthusiast. The authors correlate the exercises with how they will benefit you as a rider, which makes it more meaningful then just randomly exercising. The authors also take great care to provide the reader/rider with a progressively challenging routine that will address all of the muscle groups in a certain way to provide the best overall strengthening routine.What I don't like:This would be a totally fabulous book for all equestrians to fit-up for the riding season, except that many of these exercises require gym equipment or a gym membership. I don't want to spend thousands of dollars on gym equipment. Nor do I want to spend hundreds of dollars for a gym membership. If I had a gym membership and access to a personal trainer, I wouldn't need this book!That being said, the book is still useful in that it can help you plan a routine that will build core and peripheral strength, even if you skip or adjust the exercises that call for the gym equipment. Some is better than none, after all, right? Good luck!

Since putting the exercises in this book into action, my riding has noticeably improved. Can't wait to see how much better my posture and position are when I'm done with the program!

Working at a university, I have free access to a gym with equipment and this book is perfect. I recently moved and don't get to ride as much as I'd like so in order to stay fit and riding ready I decided to give this book a try. I am through the first week and can say it definitely works your muscles! I am happy so far with the program and enjoy having various daily routines to go through which change each day and therefore aren't boring! The book is well written and easy to understand and perfect for someone who doesn't necessarily understand all the gym equipment or have a whole lot of knowledge about working out. I must note that gym equipment is pretty much necessary for the exercises - some things can't be replaced with free weights and bands. I'm excited to see how the fitness plan translates into my riding once I finish the program!

This is well thought out. The instructions are clear. The exercises are tailored for riding - so some of them were new to me, and some I was already familiar with as I've used weight machines at a gym in the past. There are also at home alternatives for those without access to a gym (eg using a stretch band).I've noticed a difference in my riding even after a small time.Allow plenty of time for the warm ups - but three times a week, with rest days - is very achievable / easy to work around a busy life (with a bit of organisatino).

I found this book had lots of exercises I could happily carry out but not having the gym equipment and not having a gym close by I had to chose what was practical for me to do. By purchasing some of the basic equipment I increased the range of exercises that I could do. The exercises I could carry out were very useful for my physical development - strength, balance and flexibility - and I'm older than most beginner riders having only started riding at age 65! I'm getting more fit & I'm sure it will be of value in my old age! The exercises would be good even if I wasn't riding. I liked the way the exercises were related to the needs of the horse rider.

I took this to the gym and worked on it every day along with my yoga practice. I really saw a difference.Easy to read and use. I didn’t go section by section as recommended. I looked it over at the gym and decided what I thought needed work but I have used the whole book. Just not in order.

Excellent exercise plans

Me llegó en muy buen estado. Si necesitas muchas cosas de gimnasio pero esta muy completo para todo tipo de disciplina ecuestre.

This book is great to get you started on a fitness routine that will help with your riding. I went through the program twice and have kept up the gym routine ever since. It's not going to solve all of your problems but it will help. I am an eventer and found it very beneficial and made me more aware of where my weaknesses lie.

Indispensable para mejorar las habilidades físicas y emocionales como jinete.

Very nice book for someone who wants to start exercising and loves horses