4-2-21 Digital PSN - Hi Res

A PRO APPROACH Hard work, determination, grit and the usual arsenal of machismo roughstock competition requires can only go so far. That’s where former ProRodeo bareback rider Doug Champion found his niche, starting a rodeo-focused online personal training program, Champion Living Fitness. “He (Landingham) called me about six months ago and was like, ‘This is my last shot and I want you to help me,’” said Champion, the older brother to bareback rider Richmond Champion, a six-time NFR qualifier (2014, 2016-20). “We took it slow, and he says he hasn’t felt this good in years and it shows in his riding. …He made PowWow Nights look like a hopper, but he’s anything but a hopper, he really bucks. That was the major test for him.” It also proved to Landingham that he was back. “When I first started, I couldn’t lift 10 pounds, but my left shoulder is almost as strong as my right shoulder now,” Landingham said. “I don’t feel sore at all. I got on eight head in two years and the first few had the normal bareback riding muscles sore, but I bounced back.” Champion had a similar experience about 10 years ago while on his permit and competing with SamHouston State’s rodeo team. “My horse flipped over, and I herniated my L4, L5 and S1,” Champion said. “That is what opened my eyes to what fitness and being strong can do for someone who has been injured or gone through anything in life like that. “I was living with a lot of pain in

Jamie Howlett, Orin Larsen, Jake Vold, stock contractor John Franzen and breakaway roper Jordan Fabrizio. “The main reason I do it is to be as strong as I can when competing against the best bareback riders,” Bennett said. “My overall body composition has changed a bunch. I’m lighter than I’ve ever been, and I ride more square and correctly. I dang sure notice it on soreness, I don’t get nearly as sore as I used to.” Champion began his online personal training business shortly before COVID-19 struck, which fit perfectly for the homebound during the pandemic. Even with gyms reopening across the country, demand is growing. He recently teamed with bareback rider Logan Corbett, and more personal trainers are expected to join. Corbett left his previous job as a college rodeo coach to pursue ProRodeo full time shortly before COVID-19 shut down his plans, so he became a certified personal trainer during the pandemic. “I didn’t realize how big of an impact physical preparedness is for rodeo,” Corbett said. “If I can help others move forward, then the mistakes I made can end with me – and the best part is I’m still coaching rodeo.” Bennett’s also looking into becoming a personal trainer and nutritionist. “It’s opened my eyes to something I’m passionate about besides riding bucking horses,” Bennett said.

my back, and at 22 years old the surgeons weren’t sure about being able to fix me, so they advised getting stronger.” Champion hit the gym and had a spine fusion in 2013. He’s using that experience to help others. “Rodeo is in a place now that I feel like it’s very, very close to being on the scale and level that it recognizes these cowboys and cowgirls as athletes,” Champion said. “There is that stigma of cowboys smoking and drinking and then getting on, and that’s just not it anymore. The best in the world watch their nutrition and are in the gym four or five days a week and doing mobility work when on the road. It’s not a hobby, it’s a job. They’re pro athletes and not just cowboys having fun anymore.” There’s limited access to gym equipment when on the ProRodeo road, so Champion creates personalized workouts that use what’s available while considering limitations set by past injuries. “The cool part is he can help with all my injuries from the past with my neck and shoulder,” Landingham said. “I had dreams of winning the gold buckle and accomplishing the stuff I haven’t accomplished yet in my career due to injuries and setbacks, but with Doug helping I feel like I can get to that level.” Landingham’s traveling partners Clayton Biglow and CashWilson train with Champion, as do Sage Kimzey, Caleb Bennett, Winn Ratliff, CATERING TO RODEO ATHLETES

Photo courtesy Caleb Bennett Caleb Bennett shared his progress after six weeks of working with Doug Champion. The change has also helped his form in bareback riding.

ProRodeo Sports News 4/2/2021

ProRodeo.com

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