Weight

Why Healthy ‘Practice’ Works Better Than ‘Exercise and Diet’

How’s your health ‘practice’? This summer I was away at a spiritual retreat on a lake in the woods. It’s good to get away from your regular routine from time to time. Stepping outside your ‘regular self’ helps you gain perspective, and be open to new ideas. I was invited to attend as an assistant […]

August 24, 2016October 15, 2023 hsansom Active lifesyle, Health promotion, Healthy Living, Motivation, Weight

Detox: Healthy Weight Loss or Not? 3 Rules of Thumb for Evaluating Diet Programs

Although we still have some snow where I live, spring is basically here: robins and Canadian geese have returned. It’s the time of year when we switch up the front hall closet from bulky winter wear to spring gear..and we start thinking about whether we still fit our spring/summer wardrobe. And, we want some quick […]

April 10, 2016October 15, 2023 hsansom Healthy Living, Weight

Feel like You’re Losing the Battle? Being Aware is Your Best Weapon

Looking to lose weight? I found an interesting free online resource for calorie counting recently. I am not a fan of calorie counting, and it’s not a primary strategy I use when helping people to reach a healthier weight (contact me about online coaching if you are looking for help: my wellness coaching info , […]

March 10, 2016October 15, 2023 hsansom Healthy Living, Motivation, Weight

Download Rider Fitness eBooks

More Free fitness training and health tips:

Signup for the Equifitt rider fitness and training newsletter.

Or 'like' the Facebook pages: Equifitt Facbook: equestrian fitness and training

Heather Sansom Coach: Tips on health, wellness, better living and reaching your goals and dreams.

New: Core Workout Plan for Runners book

Click the book cover for more info or to purchase.

Or run a search on Dressage Today for free rider fitness articles by Heather Sansom.

Client Quotes

"I find my balance and upper body strength is alot better. I really feel a difference in the abdominal area too. I feel motivated to keep up with exercise during the week because the classes with Heather have made a difference. I'm feeling really good!" Melanie, Canada

My program is achievable, even though it challenges me. Being accountable really helps with achieving results. In six weeks I lost 4kg, an inch off my waist, 2.5 inches off my thighs and improved my Body Mass Index by over 3%. I'm having fun, and feeling great! "
Lorna, Client Living with MS

"I was hitting a plateau in my routine and not getting the toned feeling I wanted. I'm enjoying training in a more private environment and one on one, because my alignment is carefully monitored allowing me to get the full benefit of my workout in a safe and compassionate way. And, I'm liking the results! In eight weeks, I've lost 2 inches off my waist." Gwen, Yoga Teacher

Client Quotes

"With your help, I went from non runner to finishing the Boston marathon!" Anne, USA

"Heather has a wonderfully positive attitude and it is contagious- even through online training." Laura, USA

Being accountable really helps with achieving results. In six weeks I lost 4kg, an inch off my waist, 2.5 inches off my thighs and improved my Body Mass Index by over 3%. I'm having fun, and feeling great! "
Lorna, Client Living with MS

Equestrian Client Quotes

"Heather Sansom did a wonderful job at our first Annual Equine Symposium at Kemptville Campus. Most serious riders are pretty educated about conditioning their horse properly for the job they need to do. Heather brought home the importance of how much a toned, balanced rider contributes to the success of the horse in competition." Elaine, University of Guelph Lecturer

"Heather provided me with valuable feedback during my on-horse evaluation and off-horse group exercises. She helped me to identify a rider weakness that ultimately led to a breakthrough in addressing a crookedness issue I was having with turning my horse to the left." Kylie, dressage rider

"In just a few sessions, I have already noticed a big improvement with riding my horse. I need fewer breaks and am able to use my aids more effectively with less effort." Kristina, rider with asthma

"My training with EQUIFITT is helping my self-confidence, which is improving my confidence on the horse. Specific exercises directly related to riding help me achieve my goals, both with my personal fitness and my riding. It's a great feeling to have a plan, along with a knowledgeable expert to help me achieve it!" Laura, Western rider

Inspiring Quotes about Rider Fitness

"How many times have you blamed your horse for being disobedient, when, in fact, the problem stems from a lack of control of your own body or because you're sitting crookedly when you give an aid. If you give your aids from an unsteady, crooked, or uncentered position, those signals can't be as clear and effective as aids that are given from a fit body and a stable seat. It might not be glamorous to work on your position or your fitness, but the rewards are well worth it. Your horse will thank you!" Jane Savoie

"As in most athletic endeavors, the rider must develop the seemingly contradictory qualities of relaxation and strength." "If you can't discipline your own body, you cannot discipline your horse." Charles de Kunffy

"A good piece of advice to all who want to ride well, and who wish to acquire a good position, would be to do gymnastic exercises, which give suppleness, ease and sureness in riding...Only the rider who is free from any contraction will have a horse equally free from contraction."
Nuno Oliveira, Reflections On Equestrian Art

"Everyone who rides should incorporate a cross-training program and proper nutrition in their regimen to stay fit and healthy and prevent injury." "Riding alone does not provide the fitness required for performance, especially if you only ride occasionally. Like any other sport, riding requires that other athletic activities be added to the mix."
Mary D. Midkiff Fitness, Performance and the Female Equestrian