Wyoming Antelope Fitness

[UnckleBob]

Long story short, I was very fat. Then, I decided to get my crap together and lost 100 pounds, but I still have 40 to go. Based upon last year's weight loss, I have a real shot at hitting my target by the end of 2026 with a Wyoming antelope hunt targeted for 2027.

Current fitness level, if I keep hydrated, I can walk 6+ miles per day in my home state of Texas carrying about 40lbs including my rifle. The main issue for me is that I live in an area which is dead flat for at least 100 miles in any direction.

Combined with family commitments, going on a hike that involves altitude changes is very difficult.

To supplement my neighborhood walks (2-3 miles per day), I want to use the treadmill at my gym to build up my ability to hike up hills.

Never having hiked in Wyoming, I would like some thoughts on suggested treadmill routines.

I am also doing weights to build up overall body sttenght.

 

[Speaks]

Problem with treadmill is you are building the uphill muscles but not the stabilizing down hill muscles.

Might go to your local high school football stadium and do laps up and down the stairs.

Aside from that doing step ups or weighted step ups and squats in the weight room will help.

 

[PredatoronthePrairie]

^ In a pinch you can face the opposite direction on the treadmill and walk backwards uphill.

Hits the same muscle groups as walking downhill at step angles.

Will due this for short spurts in the middle of a tread hike and while not perfect does similulate the real thing.

Edit to add.
Find I due more weighted step ups/downs focusing on controlled movement. Paired with a cheap stairclimber I found on marketplace. That thing although janky freaking burns the muscles when doing intervals.

 

[Hunter26]

I agree with @Speaks. A set of stadium stairs are not much different than a hill other than elevation in Texas and WY and uneven terrain. I wouldn't over think it. The other thing that he mentioned is weighted step up and I would add lunges. Both forward and back but be ready to be sore. Congrats on the health journey, very impressive and good luck with your future goals.

 

[Wyohammer]

Congratulations on your weight loss! All good advice in the posts above. Also if worried about side hilling you can walk ditches to work different muscles as well.

I agree don’t over think it. You will be fine!

 

[180ls1]

You'll be fine. Keep up the good work.

 

[voltage]

Good on you for getting in shape and sticking with it. Don’t stop.

However, in my experience, it doesn’t take much to be ready for an antelope hunt. My one year old kept up pretty well on my wife’s Wyoming antelope hunt this year.

 

[voltage]

Good on you for getting in shape and sticking with it. Don’t stop.

However, in my experience, it doesn’t take much to be ready for an antelope hunt. My one year old kept up pretty well on my wife’s Wyoming antelope hunt this year.

He had a heck of a time.

 

[Soj51hopeful]

Good job on the lifestyle change. Antelope hunting is a blast! Keep doing what you’re doing and enjoy the journey. Typically antelope hunting isn’t strenuous.