Hunting fitness

[Elkman]

As I was hiking along on the treadmill yesterday morning I was taking stock of my current fitness level. When I came back from Idaho after hiking nearly 60 miles in a week at 6,000 feet, I was in the best shape I had been in a couple of years. Well after a week of laying about I went to the Washington coast and still, and stand hunted in the rain forest. After that I have spent the last two weeks eating sweets and relaxing thru the holidays. Well its time for us all to take stock of where we are now, and where we want to be in a few months. I am back on the treadmill now until the weather moderates but have committed to one (mindless) hour a day minimum. Followed up with 20-30 min with the bowflex. The treadmill yesterday was set at 9.5 % elevation and 3.5 miles an hour. I have a tv in the man cave that makes the time go a little faster but its still a long hour but a very necessary one. Even the Outdoor channel has little to offer., except for Julie and Tiffany. I hope that all of you will take heed after the new year and get back to a daily exercise routine.

 

[LD375]

I hear ya!...I suffered a lower back injury in the summer, which stopped me from working out and jogging etc..well I paided the price just last month on a newfoundland, canada moose hunt...My back and legs just couldn't do it anymore :shock: ...I walked up/down hill climbed rocks etc..at one point, I had to use my hands to help my legs walk over stumps etc in the bogs..at the time I said to myself, I should have stayed at home!..On the 3rd day of hunting, the best thing happened to me, I filled 3 tags :shock: ...But the best part was, I could finaly relax at camp and get some rest :grin: ..My back is much better now, and I'm working out again, I well be fit and ready for the fall of 2013 :twisted: ...Lou

 

[Dr. Vette]

I was exercising regularly up until my elk hunt 2 months ago, and did quite well up and down the mountains. I, too, plan on a restart this week and also enjoying my new subscriptions to the Outdoor and Sportsman's Channels. :grin: Much easier to get on the bike and ride if I can watch a hunt.

 

[Vince]

I been kicking back after blowing my knees on a deer hunt.
Now that the holidays are over I'm starting back with exercises and wearing bilateral knee braces. At least my uniform pants fit over the braces this time.

 

[gerry]

I have had a tough time the last couple of years with low energy and sickness, it turns out my body was completely worn out. My regular doctor didn't want to help so I went to a naturopath and she got me on to a plan to bring my body back to a good level and also boost my immunity. Thankfully things are getting much better and can start to work out again properly, my wife and I have started cross country skiing which has been fun. It is going to be nice to be in good shape to hunt the mountains. my plan is to be in good enough shape to goat hunt in February before my permit is done at the end of the month.......

 

[FOTIS]

You're 100% correct. An elliptical is next on my wish list.

I also suffer from chronic back pain so I need something with low impact.

 

[akhunter]

Right now, I'm 155 lbs wet. I'm going to wait until after the new years and then it's back to the stationary bike and weight lifting. Determined to kill a sheep and goat next year.

 

[gerry]

Right now, I'm 155 lbs wet. I'm going to wait until after the new years and then it's back to the stationary bike and weight lifting. Determined to kill a sheep and goat next year.

That's a great weight to be for sheep and goat hunting, no excess weight to lug around Good luck next year.

 

[Elkman]

I am hoping that many more here will be getting started again. Can't wait need to stay fit.

 

[SJB358]

Without a doubt Bill. I know I need to shake off the Holidays and get back at it, for hunting and for work.. The holiday time from Thanksgiving to New Years hammers me every year..

I do notice it takes a little more every year to get back on the top!

 

[wisconsinteacher]

I just set my Road bike up on the trainer. This summer was my first year riding and I made one 20 mile ride. I would like to make it 50 this summer. My road bike is not a race bike but a mountain bike with thin tires. I would also like to drop 15 pounds. It sure helps when hunting and ice fishing.

 

[Elkman]

I do notice it takes a little more every year to get back on the top!

Those of us who are ahead of you "many" years, notice it a lot more. I have lost the "top" I am looking for mid-slope.

 

[Woodycreek]

I do notice it takes a little more every year to get back on the top!

Those of us who are ahead of you "many" years, notice it a lot more. I have lost the "top" I am looking for mid-slope.

I'm with you! It's always to the top with that guy.

 

[sask boy]

Well I started back at the gym today, have not been there since 19th of Dec. as I had tweaked my back and did not want to take any chances on really hurting it.
I lost 65lbs last spring and early summer, but have gained 8 back :evil: which I was told I would so now to stay on track and hope to loose that and maybe 5 more :wink:

Blessings,
Dan

 

[Elkman]

I lost 65lbs last spring and early summer, but have gained 8 back which I was told I would so now to stay on track and hope to loose that and maybe 5 more

Dan, it sounds like you are on the right track, keep it up.!!! Even if weight loss is slowed you are replacing it with muscle, and thats also a very good thing.

 

[Guy Miner]

Congrats on the loss of 65 pounds! That's impressive.

Agree that being in shape helps a lot while hunting. My son was pleased ol' Dad was along to help drag his buck out to the road again this year. I've developed a tendency to put on more weight than I should. Am thinking it has something to do with:

1. Too much sedentary time, including time on the doggone computer.
2. Beat up mid-50's legs that don't like running anymore, which was the basis of my workouts for decades.
3. Eat too much good food. My wife and I like to cook, and eat... Sigh...

So... I do try to stay in decent shape. Every day that I go to work, I hit the gym for 30 - 60 minutes or a little longer. On the 60 minute days I try to split it between cardio and lifting as well as some work on the heavy bag.

On my days off - I try to get out at least once a week for a long day of: hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing or bicycle riding. Later this morning, I'll hit the ski trail! Have been x-c skiing for nearly 40 years and absolutely love it. I think it's important to have a physical activity that I enjoy. If I like it, I do it as often as I can.

Working out typically keeps me in decent shape for a too-heavy guy in his mid 50's. Am in constant competition with a fellow of the same name, about 20 - 30 years younger. He was in pretty good shape back then... :wink:

 

[Guy Miner]

Having fun, while trying to stay in some sort of shape - other than round & soft:

Workouts don't have to be drudgery and don't require a gym. A pair of walking shoes and a place to do some crunches & pushups is plenty enough.

The bicycle and the skis add a lot to the FUN factor though!

 

[Desert Fox]

Back on my Mountain bike Christmas eve for a 20 mile road ride and again New Years day for another 20. I will do 50 mile this weekend, and then start tackling the mountain trail by next week if the weather cooperate.

 

[Elkman]

Guy
For a to heavy "guy" in the 50's you really carry it well. I would trade you in a min.

DF
No trails here now, except "very"at low elevation, (300 feet and below) we have the white stuff as far as one can see above the river. From our back and front doors we can see for about 30 miles and its "all" white. Thats one of the great things about the SW, outdoor activites can be year round.

 

[Guy Miner]

Year round here too - but the bicycle gets used a LOT LESS this time of year... Snowing even now. Snow and ice covering the roads & trails too.

Ski & Snowshoe time for me - next opportunity is Monday morning... :grin:

I did hit the gym for about an hour yesterday morning and this morning. Good workouts.

Guy