Diets in Review Blog » muscle pain

Top 5 Upper Body Exercises to Prepare for Horseback Riding

Matt — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 06:00:10 +0000

Horseback riding is an amazing hobby and I wish that I could find the time to do more of it. I’ve been discussing workouts that help riders develop the strength needed. We’ve discussed the lower body exercises to help prepare your body for the jolts and shock of horseback riding, as well as the core strength needed to help you maintain proper posture.

Although your upper body is less of a factor, you still need to train it properly to prevent possible injury, soreness, and to help maintain good posture.

Below are a few of my top upper body exercises that mainly focus on the large muscle groups, which consist of the latissimus dorsi, rhomboids, pecs, biceps, triceps. Good luck and I recommend performing two or three sets of 15 to 20 repetitions.

Top 5 Upper Body Exercises To Prepare For Horseback Riding

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Top 5 Upper Body Exercises to Prepare for Horseback Riding

7 Tips for Eliminating Muscle Soreness

Matt — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 13:00:00 +0000

Muscle soreness is very common among those of us that workout, especially if you are just beginning the workout process. When you workout, the muscles fibers are being broken down, and this may cause occasional soreness. Thus, the importance of protein, which helps build and repair the broken muscle fibers.

Muscle soreness is caused from either over doing it or never doing it. When the muscles in the body are not used to a certain exercise they may become sore due to the break down of the muscles. If you constantly do the same type of exercise at the same speed or weight, the body is going to adapt to this exercise and the only way to become stronger, faster, or leaner is to change the exercise, and this will more than likely cause muscle soreness. Overdoing the exercise works the same way and if this does happen be sure to note it and back off a little next time.

Tips To Help Overcome Muscle Soreness

1. Properly stretch before and after exercising

2. Eat a proper balanced diet

3. Make sure you’re getting enough protein (helps build and repair muscle)

4. Get enough sleep

5. Continue to stay active

6. Listen to your body (enough is enough, don’t push too hard)

7. Hit the hot tub

Below are some stretches you can perform to help with the soreness:

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7 Tips for Eliminating Muscle Soreness

Simple Ways to Alleviate Neck Pain at Home

Matt — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 13:00:33 +0000

Neck pain is common for people of all ages and can be acute or chronic. Acute meaning that it only lasts for a short period of time while chronic can last for several weeks or longer. There are several factors that can cause neck pain and most of which are not serious. A couple of these factors could be poor posture, stress, or even a poor sleeping position. But some factors can be serious such as spinal issues, motor vehicle accidents, or injuries from contact sports and may require surgery. Remember, while at work, try to refrain from hunching over into your computer. This is one of the leading causes of neck pain.

Treatment for neck pain is somewhat simple and can be done by yourself. A few options are: rest, medication, therapeutic massage, alternating between a heating pad and ice, gentle stretching, and neck exercises. If neck pain persists, contact a physician for more treatment options.

Here are a few assisted stretches you can do to help hinder the pain. I also added a cable shrug to strengthen the neck region (traps).

See Matt’s series on simple ways to alleviate common muscular pain and fitness injuries.

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Simple Ways to Alleviate Neck Pain at Home