For myself I do several different types of exercise for different reasons.
I do balance work, Tai Chi, for that reason, balance and inner core strength.
I do yoga for stretching the muscels, building strength and for well being.
Pilatis on a weekly basis builds true strength, the plank really works.
I do ball work for balance and endurance.
I walk on a regular basis to keep my cardio in shape.
I do upper body strenghtening to keep my shoulders strong.
I have been doing these exercises since I was 14 years old.
That is a long time ago now.
I mix up the routine for variety and to trick the body.
I do one or more of them on a daily basis and find as I get older, if I miss a day my body can tell.
There is a breathing exercise called Australian breathing, it is very refreshing and gives unbelievable energy.
Sitting in a crossed legged position and hands resting on the knees one takes a very deep diaphramic breath, hold it as long as possible with the chin tucked in and let it out slowly through the mouth. Do this as many times as you can comfortably.
It helps to revive your energy before and after exercise.

I try to do stretching exercises as much as possible.
Also, Pilates is almost made for riders. :)

Pilates is fantastic! I have done it for the last few years since i had my first baby...to TRY to get back my nice tummy Ha! i have found it invaluable in helping my core strength and balance. I also started walking with a friend early last year and when my TB was still alive i could not believe how much more balance i had when riding because my legs were also stronger. One thing i will say as a positive for Pat Parelli is that he advises horse people to be as fit as they can be for their benefit and the horses benefit. That is not to say that unfit people can't ride but from experience as someone who has been terribly unfit in the past and am now on my way to being fit it really does help to have that bit of an edge!

Ronda as an Aussie i am so going to try that breathing...sounds great! And well done to you for keeping yourself as active as you do :-) I wish i could say i am that diligent :-( ..you are an encouragement for me to be fully fit before i get on my little Buster!

Cheers!

Janelle

Thank you Janelle,
I am 58 years old now and I do not spring back like I use to.
I have been in a wheelchair several times in my life and it is always a struggle to get my body back.
That is why I have such a rigid schedule. I am just recouping again
This morning my deltoids and back extensors are very tender, I worked a little too hard last night.
Keep it up everyone, we'll be safer.
Ronda
PS: for anyone who has a sore back try this.
Kneel on your hands and knees. Keep hands directly under your shoulders, back straight, head and neck in line with your spine. DO NOT drop your head, DO NOT look up and DO NOT lean.
Slowly lift your right arm and your left leg, in line with your back, fingers and toes pointing straight out.
Squeeze your butt and back muscles together.
Repeat on the other side.
This will make your glutes and back extensors stronger and thereby have better balance.
STOP if it hurts, continue if it does not. Do 8-12 lifts.
Do 1 to 3 sets.
Pause to breath between lifts.
Have at least one day of rest between workouts.

Hi Ronda,
Wow! you are doing marvelously to keep getting up and at em after multiple times in a wheelchair!
The exercise you suggest is one of many i had to do a couple of years ago after a back injury saw me with terrible pins and needles and pain in my back. I had to do many exercises three times a day and eventually that was one of them...it is great! I have been very lax with my exercise of late but thinking now it is time to re-start and maybe do some of my old back ones. As my Physio said to me, horse riding is very hard on the back so to ride comfortably we really need to look after this precious part of our body. He also said that having a strong bum is vital for a strong back lol!!
Janelle :-)