Physical prep for season

[nn76858]

I think eating clean and staying in shape has to be a lifestyle. As an Easterner, I don't think you draw an elk tag then decide to get in shape.

Agree with this. You need some extra help if u don't live in the mts. But train all year for you......I live in the east and do crossfit or run 4 to 6 days a week(when its not full blown hunting season). I've had 3 elk tags and have been pleasantly surprised at how well I've been prepared also just real happy with how I feel at 39. I hope to hunt elk or be on an elk hunt every year and will try and apply but either way its addictive once you start feeling good about your fitness and eating......I worked what I would have considered a physical job mating on charter boats 14 15 hour days on ur feet heavy lifting etc but I was 30 lbs overweight and not getting the cardio I needed(mental grr cannot be taught and will get u a long way but being fit u will never regret)......my humble 2 cents

 

[insanelupus]

After nearly 50 years, I've learned it is far easier to stay in shape than get into shape. I love hunting elk. And I ceartainly want to be ready to pack one out.

I try to be in shape too pack one out year round. I periodize my training for the year to try and peak training before season, but those programs all concentrate on building strength, endurance, agility, and speed. They are all important, but I prioritize them through the year according to what I think is important at the time.

When snow, ice, and mud are less of a threat, I'll do weekend trips to hike with a pack a few times a month.

And when it is time to pack an elk, I do my very best to pack it well, but taking the time I need to do it safely. If that means an extra trip, so be it. I hunt in areas where I'm conscious of time constraints to prevent meat spoilage best I can if packing solo, with a list to call for help to pack if needed.

Gone are the days where I train and then don't train for the season. I'm either training or I'm hunting.

Both are done with an eye to prevent injury best I can, with an eye toward longevity and sustainability, with enjoyment.

Elk hunting and fitness, like many other endeavors, has become a lifelong commitment, not a season by season decision.

 

[dirtshooter]

55lb bag of salt in the pack was what I did last year, actually killed an elk so now I guess I gotta add one more bag to make the weight realistic haha

 

[Marble]

55lb bag of salt in the pack was what I did last year, actually killed an elk so now I guess I gotta add one more bag to make the weight realistic haha

55lbs is a lot to train with. I've had friends that have added more than that and suffered injuries. So just be careful.

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[Westensee]

I am trying to be better at keeping my diet in line and letting that do what it needs to. Need to get myself smaller, which is harder to do after 40... Started Mtn Tough a couple months back and that has been really great. Had a discount code to help with cost. Best workout plan I have done in almost 10 years and would highly recommend.

 

[dirtshooter]

55lbs is a lot to train with. I've had friends that have added more than that and suffered injuries. So just be careful.

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Would you suggest just to keep it at 55 and just get used to that until it feels light?

 

[Marble]

Would you suggest just to keep it at 55 and just get used to that until it feels light?

It's kind of a subjective thing. If you think about it more like weight training, you train well below what your max weight is. The point is a blend of strength and endurance.

So 55 isn't crazy, but i would vary the weight up and down. I would also concentrate on downhill tracks. For me, most pack outs are downhill.

My legs tend to last longer than my core and back.

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[D_wit22]

We live in a culture that screams at us that there is a supplement for that, the right gear for that, and the correct exercise program for that. Makes you wonder how we hunted Elk 50 years ago???. I still say just to keep it simple. If I wanna get better at hitting a baseball, I will spend more time in the batting cages hitting baseballs. If I want to get better and stronger at hiking in the mountains with a pack on my back, I will spend more time in the mountains with a pack on my back. Plus, spending time in the mountains increases your hunting skills as well.

 

[mad_angler]

You might want to limit your bag of salt to 40lbs. You can add more miles, more speed, and more hills to increase intensity. But too much weight can lead to injuries...