Dune to nad knees and shoulders, I find the machines and bands much better than walking outside and every bit as effective. I am 71 and can still handle a rough hike as long as it is not above 3,500-4,000 feet.
Oh, I supplent that with a of fishing-great workout on the arms.
The defining feature of age, though, more than any other, IMO, is loss of muscle mass. Luckily, it's reversible.
Do what you like, but as you get older, I recommend increasing resistance training as a percentage of your exercise. Nature abhors "stable" ... you will get weaker if you don't resist it.
I remember at 30 years old reading Fred Bear stories where he went on many of his trips in his 50's and 60's and thinking that was incredible! Silly me:)
Good Luck to everybody trying to stay in shape!
Dan
Mark
My lifelong hunting buddy went to a "boot camp" for older guys and returned as a kettle bell aficionado too.
This morning with 10-12 in of new snow on the ground I cranked up the snow blower. I did mine and three of my senior neighbors driveways also. Five hours later I was home in the hot shower. Boy, did that feel good.
Keeping active is so important but so is the MENTAL aspect of keeping fit and also to continue to bow hunt.
Mentally, YOU HAVE GOT TO WANT IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
my best, Paul PS, will be 76 next month.
Alot, well, in my life anyway, can be done by simply not doing everything possible to avoid extra work. Use the stairs ya lazy bugger...
Carry those bags of groceries across the parking lot instead of loading in the cart... In fact just go park in the corner of the lot and not spend 10 minutes circling it like a vulture for a parking spot.... Walk the golf course and carry your clubs... carts are for sissies.... Wash you own damn car....
I know folks that hire a yard guy to mow the lawn and dig up the garden, then go to the gym and walk on a treadmill for the next hour..... Guys in our club take two trucks, park one at the bottom of the mountain, (think chukar hunt) drive to the top and hunt down to the lower truck. Why not just use one truck? Or better yet, park low and walk up? The birds don't run as much, don't wild flush as much and when they do flush give you a better shot. Win win.
Wish I had more time to actually even "work out". But it is what it is. You can do a lot just during the course of everyday life.
The Novice Effect is noticed when a person who is sedentary decides to "do something". A "do something" he does. He picks this, that, or the other of current "exercises" and he quickly notices improvement.
Improvement (in any measure you pick -- strength, distance, time, flexibility) comes quickly with ANY exercise that a sedentary person does. IMPROVEMENT is created by asking your body to do something beyond what it usually does and forces the body to ADAPT.
But ... ADAPT is exactly what the body does. And soon, a larger stress is needed to stimulate ADAPTATION.
This effect occurs with any "exercise" for a while, but "exercise", as most of us use the term, is not for adaptation, but maintenance. It's the SAME stress over and over -- the usual prescription "30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise 4x a week". To continue to make improvements, you need to continue to add stress.
In other words, if you're thinking that running 3 miles 3x a week will result in continued weight loss, you'll be disappointed. Your body ADAPTS to that stress long before your goal of weight loss is met.
This is usually where I would make the distinction between "training" and "exercise". Training involves increasing the stress in a measured way to continue the process of adaptation. Exercise is just ... pointless calorie burning. (I shouldn't say "pointless" as there are other reasons to exercise, like the good feeling you get, or better sleep, etc.)
So pick what you like ... yoga, kettle bells, jogging ... but realize the Novice Effect will soon give you a body that has adapted to that stress, and there will be no more improvement -- just a long plateau.
If you like your level of fitness, then exercise is great. But if you have a goal, exercise won't get you there; training will.
One word: spinning
you push as hard (or not) as your body can handle that day. A good spinning workout will leave your cardio pushed hard and your legs burning.
Not sure what the qualifiers are? :)
I say it's anyone over 30. LOL. I'm 55, on HP pill, borderline diabetic, overweight, along with a couple of other things. I've been trying to correct it on my own for a couple of years without much success. last December the motor on my treadmill burned up. it actually smoked. Jan 1st, I joined a gym that helped me set up an exercise routine instead of replacing that treadmill. so far it's been the best thing I've done. the trainer at the gym slowed me down, I was going to do too much too fast and strain some muscles. that would have set me back instead of making progress. I did that last summer, pushed myself, got muscle strain then gained the weight back during the recovery.
You guy's just need to find a girl friend that's 20 years younger than you. :) \ Xcrossfit for me each year starting in April. I do it 2 days a week and then hike a ski resort a few miles from my house twice to 3 times a week. Many of times with a head light on my head. With work sometimes I can't get there till 8pm. I'm not a little guy, not tall but stocky. I seem to loose 25 lbs by elk season. I hope that's fat. :) I'm also pretty sure I put some muscle on too.
Last year I didn't do my traditional 2 week elk hunt. but did pronghorn instead, which was a little easier. :)
I seem to be the old guy on the elk hunts and get ask by the young one's to slow down. I hope that keeps happening. :)
Ed
With a few exceptions, an experienced mountain hunter in his 60s and beyond is happy to maintain a high-level plateau unless training for something especially grueling, like a sheep hunt, for instance.
But a Midwest whitetail hunter who maintains a general fitness plateau suitable for his outdoor activities would need "training" to prepare for an elk hunt in the mountains.
I've been to the gym with Paul. Don't let him fool you, he goes for the girls. "Hi Paul! Paul's here! There's Paul!" I noticed his treadmill is always behind a couple bunnies for some reason...
I'm in the 60+ but refuse to go down without a fight! (grin) With a year around fitness routine it's much easier to stay in reasonable shape. I like mixing things up every couple of months to keep things interesting & exciting for myself & my muscle groups. Just started the Wave training on bench presses & I really like the injection of this, feels great!
Weights, cardio & core are the three main focuses for me, it's a complete body workout & has served me well through many a hunting seasons. Can't stress enough a 20 minute stretching routine in the mornings 7 days a week as well. I'll do whatever it takes to stay in elk shape! It helps to be retired to have the time too! (grin)
ElkNut1
I have enough trouble maintaining the wife I have, I don't need any more problems. LOL
Haven't looked at the cost of an individual plan, but our joint plan, which is a mid-level with high deductible and high copays, costs $1,600 a month. That's a heck of a jolt to a fixed retirement income, especially with minimal investment gains in the market and having to draw money out when it's dropping.
Don't think I could afford one 17 years younger. That's a luxury for rock stars and movie stars...
ElkNut1
Staying in shape
Stretching and maintaining flexibility
I mix in high intensity longer workouts- which are what really make the difference if you want to hunt in the mtns
And I like the low impact Cycling and hiking hills for cardio
Whaaaa?????
I agree on the processed food and sugar. I have cut way back on any kind of bread or pasta....even whole grain. Think Paleo. It's working out very well for me BUT I will always have a cheat meal or two per week. Moderation is key!
Lou, why ruin a good thing with marriage? ;-)
Would like to here more on the Tai Chi, I could use the flexibility. I too have an older hunting buddy that is in amazing shape. He gives me both hope and inspiration to continue my obsession with elk hunting.
My best news in a while is that my heart rhythm has finally been corrected with an "Ablation Procedure" Getting rid of the A-fib or A-flutter will go a long way toward making this hunter more effective. peace-of-mind for my Lady and the family too. They have been worried too often as I refuse to pass up a September in elk country. Two more weeks of Whitetail season and I too will start my workout program. Will be looking for more on this subject. Great thread! LaGriz
Also some of the keys I have learned to weight loss and stabilization are:
1. Keep the exercise program scrambled to lose body 2. Reframe from carbs after 2 PM
Always remember what Dirty Harry said, "A man has got to know his limitations."
My best, Paul
The beer thing kills me - and I do cheat occasionally - but I don't drink 5% of what I used to. If it is a staple of a Sumo wrestler's diet, it isn't a staple of mine. :)
I thought I was in really good shape with the free weights and band resistance until I started with them. Then I discovered I wasn't in as good of shape as I believed. I still do free weights and resistance, but now add-in several swings and lifts to my routine.
True, a few of the kettlebell exercises like shoulder presses and lunges can be done with free weights, but you can't do most of the kettlebell exercises with dumbbells because they are too bulky and don't have a handle to work with.
Jaquomo's Link
You have to get smarter about everything. Progressive overload is one thing (with careful self-monitoring on reaction, recovery rates, etc.). Plunking on a really heavy pack at altitude in uneven terrain is just plain stupid. Nothing has to be a big (almost always unpleasant)surprise if you keep at it and work into it.
Walking is something that god willing most of us will be able to do well for a long time. Hiking hills at speed, particularly carrying weight, will keep you honest about your fitness and recovery, and slots directly into hunting activity.
Stretching is something that keeps the downtime down. I stretch daily and it really helps to keep the muscles limber.
Smart core exercises are key to keeping your back ok and make you a heck of lot more stable on uneven terrain.
Weight, diet, booze, all factor into what you can or can't do. You're not 10 feet tall and bulletproof anymore. Set your priorities and act accordingly.
I also 'live'! I enjoy a cocktail or beer after work. And I work hard and play hard.
Three years from today is my retirement date.
As I've learned, maintaining fitness for a hard-core mountain hunter over 60 is a different process than a DVD provides, since everybody is different and nobody is "Tony". Tony isn't a mountain bowhunter in his 7th decade with 60 years of wear and tear on the body.
But if it works for you, that's great! Check in with us in 10 or 15 years and let us know how you're doing.
Thank you Bowsite. For motivating me to exercise.
things like P90X and Insanity (I've done that one) are good and do work, BUT as you get tired (and older) form is key. I forgot this last week doing an insanity workout and my back has been making me pay since. Lots of squats and jumps and you have to have good form or it hurts.
Doing the same workout in a class with a good instructor has peer pressure PLUS they watch your form.
Bottom line: any of this is better than sitting on the couch.
We all have to start somewhere & hopefully grow from there as we see benefits in our endurance & that just feel better attitude! Lots of benefits there.
Doesn't matter if we're new & start with short walks & a few jumping jacks, let's do anything to start the motor, no need to put the pedal to the floor right off the bat, ease into a workout & add things to keep it fresh, or as you feel the need to challenge yourself further. It's all about conditioning your mind & body, seeing & feeling positive results will motivate us to continue to press on.
ArrowOne, the P90X program is a great start, perform to your level & advance as your body craves more. You can always up your intensity or move on to other forms of work outs, nothing written in stone here! Sites like this can help fuel our motivation & desire to push on when we hit those "I'm tired" barriers. Good luck, you will do well!
ElkNut1
12yds... if your arms aren't long enough you probably don't have much to worry about. :)
It a nice diversion from other routine exercises, you can watch TV doing it. I've had mine for at least 15 years and it's still going strong. Good for keeping those large back muscles strong and in shooting shape, too.
I'm lucky...my lower leg is mostly titanium and stainless steel now from a skiing accident and I can't run anymore or bike......but where I live there are pools everywhere. It don't do much to help you get ready for the mountains though.....
I just did 3500 yards in 47 minutes on my lunch break...plus there was good looking chicks at the pool today!
Haha...I have the same affliction....if I'm not totally gassed, I feel like I wasted my time!
Swimming is tough and one heck of a great workout. The last time I did a swimming workout, we had to leave the pool to make room for the water aerobics class. Unfortunately, the scenery wasn't quite as good as what yours was....mostly large blue hairs. :-(
Another kettlebell fan here. I do a kb class once or twice a week at the gym. About 40-45 minutes in a HIIT format.
If I miss a class I'll do a half of a Viking Warrior workout, 40 rounds / 20 minutes (full workout is 80 rounds / 40 minutes) Each round is 15 second on, 15 second off of snatches. Warm up and cool down with a couple of TABATA rounds of swings. Big plus for me is it's super efficient time wise. I'll also mention I'm doing this after doing some personal training with a certified KB trainer to learn proper form.
My only discomfort comes if I'm doing too much hiking and not enough work on the quads, etc, which leads to "runner's knee" syndrome. But getting back on the bikes and doing some specific exercises for that will imbalance send it away pretty quickly.
step 2: alter the program to alleviate step 1!
Me, main issue was/is knees. Ortho pretty much told me "you shouldn't run anymore". So I pretty much don't. I do bike, do HIIT classes, you can "low impact" many things to reduce stress on the joints.
step 1 is key cause if it's something structural, you want it fixed.
