What skills do Jockeys need and how do they train?
Contributed By Dave "Daily Double" WildermuthPosted on 5/29/15 8:30 AM
Jockeys have to be in EXCELLENT shape. There are actually racing schools where jockeys can see if they have what it takes to ride a half ton horse around the track. All jockeys run through the simulator fitness assessment which runs through several skill-sets on the nicest courses.
The top two traits a jockey must possess is balance and physical fitness. The jockey is put through many different types of tests such as a mechanical horse, balancing on an exercise ball, and balancing on a surf board trainer. As you could imagine, jockeys must train keys muscle groups to be at the top of his/her game. The legs, lower body and core are the three major areas of the body which the jockeys focus in training sessions. Upper body strength is also pivotal when it comes to controlling the horse while traveling at speeds in excess of 40 MPH.
For those of you who have never seen a jockey up close, they are very lean. Most train six days a week to maintain a figure consisting of skin and muscle. There is not much fat on these athletes. Jockeys focus on both aerobic and strength training. Many jockeys gear towards more of an aerobic workout out during the season and hit the gym with a personal trainer in the off season to build lean muscle. Its interesting to note that many exercises such as bleep tests, squats (at the wall and standing on wobble cushions), timed sit-ups, push and pull band exercises and the dreaded plank replicated the crouched racing stance otherwise known as the "Martini Glass." One of the toughest sacrifices jockeys deal with is weight. Many of them only eat 1 meal a day to stay physically fit.
Jockeys are some of the best in shape athletes in the world! And if you don't believe it, run through the simulator fitness assessment and you will find out for yourself!
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