Best workout machine for hunting?

[Kawabunga]

Hi not sure if this has been covered but i'm in the market for a machine I can use at home to train. Were moving soon and need to get something when we get there, have a treadmill and had an elliptical but selling before we leave.

I'm trying to get away from running but I don't think a treadmill is really hard on the legs so may get another but wondering if there is a better option to simulate hiking, maybe a stepper or something? Didn't really like the elliptical we had but it didn't offer much resistance, maybe there are better models out there.

Just wondering if anyone has any experience with something different, any help would be appreciated,
thanks.

 

[direwolf]

Check out the Stepmill or treadmills with steep incline up to 40%.

 

[Kawabunga]

Thanks for the info, didnt know they had treadmills with that much incline, i'll check it out.

 

[Brightwhite]

The stepmill would probably be my first choice. I just have a treadmill and an 18" box to to step ups, box jumps, etc with. That would be another option.

 

[MuleyFever]

I rode a stationary bike the other day at the fire station with the resistance turned up a bit and wow did my legs get a workout. I have never felt my legs worked so much and its great cardio too. I am really thinking of getting one.

Get a coupe day trial membership at a gym and go try some equipment.

 

[NJDiverDan]

I have a bowflex tread climber. Feels like you are climbing a sand dune. Great mountain workout.

 

[Jason Snyder]

One thing to be aware of with machines. Impact workouts like running, and to a certain extent heavy weight lifting will stress your bones such that your body will increase your bone density. This is a good thing. It will greatly delay the onset and severity of osteoporosis as you age.

I'm not saying don't use machines, but they are not the end all to be all, and while you may think you are saving your legs you actually are not. Good luck.

Edit: You also lose the ability to work all of the smaller stabilizer muscles that you don't get to on machines where you are only working in one single plane of motion.

 

[Kawabunga]

Thanks for the replies, I totally understand what you are saying Jason and have thought about it as I hunt almost every week here in really rough rocky terrain year round. I think growing up in this environment hunting and fishing strengthened my legs and ankles and helped my agility for stalking. Now i'm moving to a concrete jungle, hopefully I can find some trails close to home but just want to be able to do cardio and legs maybe with a pack on. The reason I want to get away from running is more for my knees although i've read that running can also strengthen them, but hear people say the opposite also. Usually get some pain in my left knee when I run on the road, used to play a lot of softball, combined with surfing probably beat it up some.

I like the idea of the stepper but man they cost a lot, I like the step up box, closer to my budget he,he. The Bowflex sounds like a good option too i'll check it out. I'm no beast mode, everyday in the gym guy, just run 2-3 times a week and nothing really long with some hunting on the weekends. I would probably mix in some other type of workout with the machine to help with agility and strength, liked the original P90, its not too long but the X is too much for me plus i'm not the youngest guy anymore.

Thanks again for all the replies.

 

[Ridge Ghost]

Concept 2 rower. It will kick your butt in a hurry.

 

[Jason Snyder]

Try the P90X3 series.

 

[DoubleDown]

Try the P90X3 series.

Better start with T25, Insanity and then step up to P90X3.

 

[jmez]

I'll second the rower. If I could only have one machine that would be the one.

 

[Jason Snyder]

Better start with T25, Insanity and then step up to P90X3.

Why? I've done them all. I didn't really like T25, too dancy.

As for Insanity vs. P90X3, in my opinion they serve completely different approaches. The Insanity is great for high intensity cardio and building endurance, but it won't build the strength that P90X3 does. And vice versa, a cycle of P90X3 will do a great job of building strenght but will definitely leave you lacking in endurance relative to the Insanity series.

He said he liked P90X, but it took too long, hence my recommendation that he do P90X3.

 

[Poser]

I'll second the rower. If I could only have one machine that would be the one.

X3. You are hard pressed to find a better "breathing machine" that is driven predominantly by the lower body.

 

[Kawabunga]

Rower sounds like another great option.

I should clarify, iʻm no where near being able to do any of P90X series, did the original a while ago, havent looked at the X3 though. I think P90 is for single guys, he, he. have a 3 year old now so pretty busy but should have more time as i wont be able to just get outdoors like i do here.

Keep the suggestions coming, thanks.

 

[Nalgene]

Concept 2 rower, you can get the highest quality machine for approx 1K. Also you can Craigslist an airdeyne for about 200$.

 

[Take-a-knee]

Concept 2 rower, you can get the highest quality machine for approx 1K. Also you can Craigslist an airdeyne for about 200$.

This. The most bang for your buck. The rower takes up hardly any space when stood on its end. It is a fairly pure posterior chain workout. The Airdyne is a quad exercise. Concept II rowers turn up on Craigslist but crossfitters scarf them up PDQ.

These two combined with a stepmill cover all the bases but a stepmill costs thousands. Find a gym that has one.

 

[Nalgene]

I bought an Airdyne for 150$ yesterday.

 

[Kawabunga]

Thanks guys i'll definitely look into those.

 

[Arbutusbucks]

VersaClimbers are kind of old school but I think they are the best "machine"