Knowledge
Chukka Wellness
India Parker-Smith founded Chukka Wellness – a company dedicated to helping polo players become fitter and stronger athletes. For several years, India worked as a Personal Trainer at one of Chelsea’s premier private members’ clubs and began to train some of the world’s leading sportsmen and women. India trains both international and UK polo professionals focusing not only on functional movements and body maintenance, but also advising clients on fuelling their bodies correctly for mental alertness and physical endurance. In this series Chukka Wellness founder, India will be suggesting specific exercises required to complement each type of shot in polo to give players a more accurate, controlled and powerful swing. India recommends adding in exercises that aim to stabilise the shoulder and hip joints, strengthen the surrounding muscles and improve core control.
The Nearside Backhand The Chukka Wellness polo-fitness series
As the summer season draws to a close, many players will be using the winter to rest their bodies. Although we highly recommend giving the body some TLC, it is also useful to maintain a certain level of fitness and strength during the off-season. Regular stretching and mobility combined with some resistance training would be the ultimate combination to ensure you are polo-fit for the next season. In this series Chukka Wellness founder, India will be suggesting specific exercises required to complement each type of shot in polo to give players a more accurate, controlled and powerful swing ready for when they next jump back into the saddle.
India recommends adding in exercises that aim to stabilise the shoulder and hip joints, strengthen the surrounding muscles and improve core control. This type of shot requires • Balance • Shoulder & Back Stability • Supple Torso • Strong Obliques Recommended Exercises (three sets, 15-20 reps per exercise)
Single Leg Balance Foot Taps (Improves balance) 1. Stand on one leg and keep the planted leg slightly bent 2. Stay tall through the torso and slowly reach down to touch the outside of your foot 3. Rotate your torso and lift one arm up to the sky
Photography by Chukka Wellness
Single Leg Balance Foot Taps
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Polo Times, November 2020
www.polotimes.co.uk
