We are extremely grateful to Concept2 for their help in preparing the riders for the forthcoming Olympics. Hong Kong will be a particularly physically demanding environment and so we were looking to instigate programs with our riders that were a minimal disruption to their already hectic lives. The rowers have been the ideal solution for some of our riders: the machine is small and portable and really easy to use so they have been put to use at home, in stables or even taken with them on their lorries!

Most importantly, the seated position and technique involved in indoor rowing is biomechanically similar to riding and therefore works some of the specific muscle groups involved. I would recommend a C2 rower to any rider looking to improve their fitness. We have recently taken a closer look at rider fitness and it has become an important part of our preparations.

Riders such as William Fox Pitt, Daisy Dick, Polly Stockton and Ruth Edge have all been benefitting from the C2’s and we hope to build on this success beyond the Olympics towards London 2012.

Written by Jon Pitts Jon Pitts, a Sports Scientist is currently working with Team GB riders from the Show jumping, Eventing and Dressage disciplines as well as the Paralympic riders. His “Fit to Ride” philosophy specifically targets the physical and fundamental requirements for horse riding, focussing on balance, coordination and reaction. For further information on “Fit to Ride” and Jon’s work please visit www.fittoride.co.uk or www.m8group.net.