Squats vs Walking Lunges

[tuffcrk14]

I train year round so I can chase elk every September. When I first took weight lifting serious, I would do bench, squat, deadlift with the arm/shoulder auxiliary lifts. Pretty stereotypical weightlifting plan really. When I got stronger and bigger, I slowed down a lot because more muscle requires more oxygen. My friends would out hike me most times. I switched my plan up over time to do more cardio/endurance and functional strength training with some cardio and haven’t looked back instead of doing the core barbell lifts. When I use weights, I’m using dumbbells and kettlebells most of the time. I think lunges are most beneficial because you’re increasing your balance with a weighted load, working your core stabilizer muscles, and building individual leg/foot strength for stepping up on that log, rock, or next level as you ascend the mountain. This is where lunges have proved most beneficial to me. Squats can help with overall strength/power, but lunges apply more to hunting in my opinion. I started using the Mtn Tough training programs and they focus a lot on circuit training with lunges, step ups, cardio, and some upper body. Their workouts suck most times, but they’re worth it.

I have no strong opinions about how to go about strength and conditioning. I’m just going off of my own experiences and what I’ve learned over the years. If you’re in the gym to make yourself a better hunter, you’re going about it the right way I think. No matter how that looks.

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