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Of all athletic
events, bull riding is one that requires significant balance and
core strength. The body’s core is the area around the trunk
and pelvis. The reason it is so important to bull riders, is
that it is where the body’s center of gravity is located.
During the eight seconds on the back of a bull, the rider must
instantaneously anticipate and react to the bull’s vicious
movements and shift his center of gravity to maintain his position
on the bull.
If the bull is a
spinner, the rider does not have to shift his center of gravity as
often as when he’s on a bull that changes directions.
Regardless, a successful rider will have strong muscles in his
pelvis, low back, hips and abdomen. He will learn to use these
muscles in harmony in order to quickly respond to his bull.
During many
weight-training routines, athletes lift weights to strengthen their
legs and arms. However, the core muscles need to be
strengthened as well so the athlete will have a stable base of
support to work from, making his movements more efficient. A
strong core creates stabilization, and what more does a bull rider
need than the keen ability to adjust and stabilize against the
random jerking movements of the 1800-pound animal on which he is
enthroned?
First the athlete
must learn to identify and activate the core muscles. Next, he
should practice the technique during some basic exercises.
Finally, the contraction of the core muscles can be implemented into
the dynamic movements of bull riding.
To activate one of
the key abdominal muscles, cough, and notice the muscle that
contracts deep in the abdomen. Next, try to contract this
muscle by pulling your bellybutton toward your spine. Learn to
maintain this contraction for extended periods of time while you
breathe freely. Now, incorporate this muscle contraction in a
few simple core muscle-strengthening exercises. See Figure 1
and 2.
To learn a more
comprehensive core-strengthening program, visit your local physical
therapist. |
