Question:

Hi Gwen!  I am an older woman in my 50’s. My kids have all grown up with families of their own and my husband is getting ready to retire. I always loved horses since I was a little girl and riding a horse was always one of the items on my bucket list. I’ve started to take lessons (hurrah for me!) but find that I get tired easily and don’t have the endurance that I did as a younger person. I’m finding muscles in my body that I never knew existed!

Do you have any suggestions of what I can do to strengthen my body without causing any damage at my age? Thank you so much for answering this! –Anne, GA

Answer:

Congratulations, Anne, on exploring a lifelong dream! I, too, have always loved horses and was determined to have them in my life! (One of these people who when someone says “You can’t!” I reply, “Watch me!”  *grin*

While 50 is now the ‘new 30′ I’m not so convinced. Neither am I convinced that ’60 is the new 40’ !  *LOL*  There are just some parts of our bodies that scream out, “NO! I’m NOT 30/40 … I”m getting OLDER!”  And that’s so true. We need to be cautious about embarking on any new physical activity. You are very wise to want to find something that will help your body condition to your new ‘sport’.

There are different ways to go about this but this particular website has some good exercises specifically for riding horses. Please take a look. I know you’ll go slowly but if at any time you think that an exercise is beyond your capabilities at this time, take it extra slowly. Always check in with your Doctor about new physical activities and exercises. !!!

I applaud your tenacity with following your dreams. 🙂

http://exercise.about.com/cs/exerciseworkouts/l/blsupersetlower.htm