American polo player Matt Coppola talked with us about his off-horse training and how he is staying fit during the USPA April 2020 hiatus.
What is the core of your off-horse physical training?
When I’m in town, I work out five days a week with Will – personal trainer at Resilient Fitness. I’ve been training with him for almost five years now. With that type of consistency, you can see the difference.
What workouts does your training routine include?
I jump rope. I spend time on the treadmill and using the rowing machine quite a bit. I do a lot of ladder work because that builds up your lungs.
Why did you choose to go with this program?
Will’s program has been very effective for me. Each day is planned carefully. We do a lot of cardio. We use lighter weights and don’t do much heavy lifting. Polo players want to be strong, but not big. We need to be as flexible and as fit as possible to reduce injuries. Polo can be dangerous. It’s the second most dangerous sport behind car racing.
What is the most important thing a rider needs to do to stay in shape?
That’s a great question. I would say being consistent in the gym, eating right, and managing stress. When I’m in town, I always go to Resilient. It’s got a great family vibe and it’s really clean.
About Matt
Matt is widely regarded as one of the top American polo players. A 4-goal player himself, he has spent time in Argentina training with some of the world’s best players. Read more about Matt here.