Fitness and Preparations

[*******]

I see they have started a training contest on the "back at the tailgate" section of this forum. Training for backcountry "expedition hunts" is a lot different than most peoples training. The people who work at the gym I go to think I am nuts. Doing things no one else does for reasons they don't understand. Apparently walking on a stair master with a 50lb backpack is not normal.

Anyone else got a secret workout plan to make them hunting monsters?

[arrowslinger21]

Heres the strength training program that I am currently doing. Its a great program and the results have been incredible so far. No plateaus yet. Also I run and do core workouts on Tues, Thurs, and Saturday. As far as running goes I try to get about 5 miles in per day.
http://kevinunderwoodbowhunting.blog...ng-update.html

[RUTTIN]

I started doing crossfit sessions every 5x a week, they are kicking my but, I know if I can stick with it I will be shape by the time hunting season gets here, you can find some of the workouts on traintohunt.com

[HuntinMontucky]

Im lucky enough to not only work with my hunting partner but live 3 blocks form him, we definately keep each other motivated, sometimes its a little much but it will pay off in the end!

[*******]

arrowslinger, that looks like a pretty solid work out routine. I might borrow some of that. For myself, I work on cardio an legs a lot. I haven't really done a bicep curl or chest press in a while. Though it might look nice, I have yet to find a hunting situation where big biceps and a superhero like chest have done any good. I leg press twice my body weight and climb a stairmaster for hours. For me, it starts and ends in my legs.

[indianw]

started running the first of February lots of pushups. after I got back from my DIY backpack hunt with my son I set around until the first of Feb. and said I better start now after reading Cameron's Back country bowhunter
Every day they are getting stronger

[jughead]

For those of you with access to a gym, and maybe the coin to seek out a personal trainer, I suggest you look for those trainers who are certifed by either NSCA or ACSM. I worked as a strength and conditioning coach at the division I level and the professional level for quite some time...guys/girls who are certified by either of those two organizations are at the top of their game. Tell them what you want and they can make a good, efficient workout schedule for you. If you can't find one, or don't want to pay the money, Crossfit or P90X are pretty good stuff.

[hoytnut]

Typically run 15-20 per week (weather permitting). Will ramp this up to 30-40 per week with better weather. On non-running days I try to bike and strength train. I also try to run several races in the spring and summer - 5ks, 10ks, and halfs - seems to keep me motivated to train. As mentioned above, hiking hills with a gradually increasing pack load is a great workout!

[T43]

I will continue with the hour a day on the treadmill and 10-20 minutes circuit training 5 to 6 days a week until I can get out in the hills (the new snow isn't helping). Once spring has sprung I will start hiking with a wiggly 35 lb 3 year old in my pack.

[mcseal2]

I find myself getting burned out quickly on treadmills or other indoor activities. My favorite workout is to load up my Eberlestock J34 with 40-50lbs depending on which rifle I have in it that day and head out into the pastures. Right now I'm going 3-5 times per week. The routes I laid out on Google earth are all 3-4 miles by their measurement, and alot more by the actual steps up and down, back and forth I take. I planned my route around the steepest rockiest hills around so my ankles get strengthened up carrying weight on uneven ground. I have weak ankles and have to prepare them for rough country. I have a spot on my route where I top the steepest hill and can shoot rocks back on the previous hill, so I take one shot each trip and really concentrate on making it count. I am pretty winded when I take it also, much like when hunting. My biggest issue is that I live at 1200ft elevation and the hills gain 200-400ft from the bottoms, so it is still much easier than the mountains.