getting in elk hunting shape

[the_bowhunter]

Being young helps. I workout everyday usually 2-3 times a day. Lots of legs, back, shoulders. Running and swimming. I spend my summers up in Colorado so I get my altitude training in then. Currently 210 and looking to be at 215 by May. Weighted backpack hikes, mountain runs, and walks with heavy objects do it for me in Colorado.

 

[sharpshooter269]

I heard an interesting Pod cast the other day where for the first time, John D trained using a mountain bike more than anything else because of an upper body injury. He said he did better in the mountains than ever before. The bike built his quads, calves and lungs like no other and he never realized it until getting in the mountains. I found that interesting. I have never trained on a bike but it got me thinking...

I did the same thing last year. Spent more time on the bike than ever before and squats/lunges plus some T25's rather than running to save my knees. Best I'd ever felt in the mountains. Loaded up the pack and hiked at night too.

 

[Takeem406]

This was my workout one day last week. 85# in the Tenzing CF13 for 5.75 miles...
Glad it's only March, got a lot of work to do!

 

[Bar]

That's why the hikes need to be done year around. I find it much easier than trying to make up for being lazy in the winter.

 

[njdoxie]

That's why the hikes need to be done year around. I find it much easier than trying to make up for being lazy in the winter.

Agreed, think I would cry if I ever went back to a deconditioned state, I'm too old (52), took too long and far too much pain to get where I am.....it flat sucks starting from ground zero, will never go back there again. Hell, it's dam hard to stay where I'm at, much less eke out a little more fitness.

 

[Bar]

Agreed, think I would cry if I ever went back to a deconditioned state, took too long and too much pain to get where I am.....it flat sucks starting from ground zero

Yup, and as you get older it sucks even more.

 

[mike.adams.467]

I'm closing in on 56 years old so I have to keep it up year round so I know I can make it in September. I try to hit the gym 6 days a week until spring. Two lifting days focusing on legs, 2 HIIT/upper body days, and 2 cardio days.

 

[ianpadron]

As a hunter from Washington state who also has a degree in Exercise Science, I feel I can give you a pretty good idea of what an ideal training regimen might look like.

First thing, get strong. A lot of hunters shy away from lifting weights and I have no idea why. Emphasize heavy compound movements like squats, deadlifts, pull ups, and presses and you will put yourself on the fast track to building some seriously practical strength for hunting. There is a sweet spot for hunters where both strength and endurance are at a maximum, leading to improvements in cardiovascular activities as well. Find that spot, it's unique to everyone.

Second thing, train your energy systems, not just your muscles/heart/lungs. Your body utilizes a variety of fuel sources (fat vs. carbs) and energy systems (Phosphocreatine system, glycolitic pathway, etc.) depending on the kind of activity you will be participating in. Walking, running, sprinting, and lifting each use very distinct energy systems, all of which must be targeted in an effort to improve systemic efficiency. In my opinion, variety is key here; run, hike with a pack, and bike a few times a week. Go fast on short hikes, slow things down for long runs. MIX IT UP! Gradually, you will increase your work capacity to the point where you can increase the volume, frequency, or intensity of your training to continuously force adaptations in your body.

I am a fan of the mindset that practice/training should not just simulate the real thing, but be much more demanding, so that when the time comes to hit the mountains and fill your freezer, the last thing on your mind is your body.

Hope that helps and thank you for your service boss!