Shelly Mattson Austin, Texas

Shelly is an all-around competitor and the global director of sales for a cosmetics company. She rides on the weekends and works out with a personal trainer two to three times a week and does as much cardio as possible. She has back and hip issues she manages with daily stretching and regular exercise. Favorite ways to exercise: A combination of weight training, cardio, and HIIT workouts to keep her endurance up—particularly for running in showmanship. She loves doing squats, lunges, and leg presses to strengthen her legs for horsemanship. HIIT helps her build a strong core. Diet: Shelly avoids gluten, sugar, and dairy, incorporating protein and healthy fats with every meal.

“I travel with my all my own snacks and shakes, and I limit eating out, whether at horse shows or for my work travel,” Shelly says. “During our hot summers, I add electrolytes to my water when I’m showing. I try to maintain the same routine, even at horse shows, and the occasional glass of wine—or two—does sneak in.” Fitting it in: Shelly sets working out as an appointment on the calendar and tries to go no matter what else comes up. Fit tip: Just like your horse took time to get in shape and tuned-up, think of your fitness as part of a journey.

“Never underestimate the benefits of weight training, and think of working out not as something you have to do but as something you get to do, ” Shelly says. “Make it a part of your everyday life, and schedule it in each day, just like an important meeting.”