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| 10.11.2006 |
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Heike Kemmer (professional rider dressage) - Olympic winner 2004 | European Champion 2006 |
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Since I was introduced to the SNAIX fitness bike by Eckart Meyners (remark: he is well known in Germany for his balance training strategies for riders), besides all my other preparations for riding, I can do essentially more to achieve “autonomous” sitting on the saddle.
The first training tours turned out to be somewhat difficult. It was not possible to just start riding with the SNAIX, the bike strictly moved into the direction I did not intend to go.
The body acted somewhat different, from what the brain wanted. That is why I started to walk with my feet on the ground. Like with a walking-bike. Then more and more I was able to use the pedals. But when I was about to loose my balance again, I put my feet on the ground and simply walked along. After a few minutes of extreme concentration I felt like having the trainer quite under control. Soon after I could make the first little turns and even drive “eights”. After all my brain had understood the SNAIX system. My employees also had a lot of fun during their first training rounds with this bike.
Of course, the SNAIX does not only have a high fun factor, but it also causes many effects. Especially with my riding competence.
Since it has to be steered with a kind of contra lateral movement of the upper part of the body, I am obtaining a very hand-autonomous sitting on the saddle if I have trained with the SNAIX before. The mobility of the pelvis is improved so that the initiation of curved lines or change of sides is made easier. One tends to remember more again helping with weight or shifting of weight, senses of balance and coordination seem to be effortless – they are simply trained.
All these effects together assist for a much better and deeper sitting on the saddle. The rider controls the horse with less reins and more with “seat”.
I can strongly recommend the SNAIX as a general training device.
It enhances the body sensation (coenaesthesia), it is a perfect coordination coach and causes a lot of fun on top.
(sent to Snike Sport GmbH november 10 th 2006)
Homepage: www.heike-kemmer.de
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