In July I had the amazing opportunity to travel to the Netherlands to attend the Train Your Seat Trainers Forum. I have to say it was simply magical. But what made this trip even more special was being able to share it with my wonderful friend and colleague, Trish Tweddell. We had a wonderful time together, and I can't wait to tell you about our adventures.
Before diving into the forum, Trish and I decided to spend a day in Amsterdam, and what a day it was! We visited the Bodyworks exhibition, and I must admit, I didn't expect it to leave such a profound impression on me. Walking among the exhibits, I found myself fascinated by the intricacies of the human body, and it made me reflect on how it all connects to what we do as riders.
There is something about seeing the body in such a detailed way that makes you appreciate how everything is connected: how our internal organs, muscles and bones work together in harmony. It was the perfect introduction for the forum, where we would delve deeper into these concepts. Also, exploring the canals and streets of Amsterdam with Trish was the best. We laughed, took way too many pictures, and soaked up the energy of the city. It was the perfect start to our trip.
When we arrived at the forum, I was ready to learn, and I was not disappointed. One of the sessions that resonated most with me was on the integration of our internal organs: how the heart, liver, lungs and intestines play a crucial role in how we move as riders.
I have always had a great passion for the concept of embodiment or body experience; but this talk took it to a whole new level. It made me realize that we can't just focus on what happens externally-our posture, our alignment-but that also, when we understand how our organs move, connect and interact, it's an excellent tool for improving our balance. It's like the missing piece in the puzzle of rider biomechanics, and I'm excited to bring this new perspective to my teaching.
One of the nicest things about the forum was meeting so many amazing people from all over the world. There is something so comforting about being surrounded by people who share your passion and understand both the challenges and joys of what we do. We spent hours chatting with other coaches, exchanging ideas and learning from each other's experiences. It was like finding a second family, and it reminded me why I love this job so much.
As I think back on this trip, I can't help but feel incredibly grateful. The Train Your Seat Trainers Forum was not only an educational experience, but a journey that deepened my connection to my work and to the community of trainers that I am fortunate to be a part of. I am excited to bring this new knowledge about embodiment and rider biomechanics to my teaching, helping my students become more aware of their bodies and how they move.
And, of course, I will always treasure the memories of this trip: the laughter, the learning, and that feeling of being inspired in every sense of the word.
Ale.
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