Being in elk shape can be an individual thing as not all are runners & gunners of elk. Some enjoy treestand hunting or ground blinds over water sources. Others may not hunt the roughest/steepest country, some bivy hunt. Some may use horses to get them in deeper & pack out their elk, all these are great! So hunters tailor their workouts according to their hunting style!
How about those who put a high demand on their bodies to perform day in & day out & still able to pack out their elk on their backs miles away from their rig or basecamp.
Do some here workout closer to the seasons opener or do some workout year around & make it a way of life? What works for you & your hunting style? What works for you at your age?
ElkNut1
I have extra motivation from here until next year. My 11 year old just passed hunter safety and will be bow hunting with me if she can draw enough weight by then. If not, she's still going after a taste of backcountry scouting this year. I have no doubt I will be carrying most if not all of the gear for both of us come elk season next year. I'd rather get in better shape and have her carry less so she doesn't get burned out. Those Idaho elk better have a relaxing summer because if she has a tag, they're gonna get it.
I don't train for "next season"....I train for the next 20 seasons!
I'm fortunate because I live at over 6000ft in altitude, so it's not such and issue as those folks that are flatlanders!
Also it's not worth lying off the exercise, then busting your butt several months before the season to get back in shape! Stay in shape year around and it's easier and healthier for you IMO!
Whatever you do, make it a habit, do it often, and you will enjoy your time in the elk woods a lot more!
I do enjoy taking a week or two off from the workouts after returning from a really physical hunt.
I do a combination of running, swimming, lifting and sometimes biking but not much of that recently. More swimming in the wintertime, and more running and hiking in the summer.
midwest, love your last sentence, never thought about it like that, that's inspiring! Thanks!
ElkNut1
At my age, I have to do something to stay in the game. Can't afford to get behind.
I can't run on roads, that flat out hurts my knees.
I do a mix of things all week long, I have the luxury of a gym at work with fitness classes, across 5 days of work I can get in 2 spinning classes (great legs/cardio), weights and HIIT/tabata/circuit workouts. Been doing this steady since January and am down 25 lbs without really changing diet (which isn't bad to start with!)
Personally I need something to motivate me, especially early. Midwest, you mentioned "Spartan Super", my motivation was the Spartan Trifecta my 23 year old son challenged me to. Spartan races are a blast! Sprints are flat out fun, Supers are tough and the Beast, well, it's a beast! If you can hold 15 min/mile in a Spartan race you will be near the top of the leaders! Those things kick your body and mind in every way imaginable! They are AWESOME.
NEVER!
I'm fortunate to have my property back up to national forest so regular hikes are easy even with limited time.
When I'm at work in AK, I've taken up running in the gym out of necessity because it's hard to do anything outside with the wind/dark. I'm not a big fan of running. My roommate cross country skis. Im thinking of trying that this winter.
I can relate to splitting wood. I love it. It saves money, gives me a little time to myself and is also a pretty good workout.
There has been a total of 4 weeks since last December where I have not worked out 3-4 times a week at the gym. I am in considerably better shape than I was a year ago and continue to build on my progress. My plan is to continue to shed weight, increase my cardio ability and add strength. I am shooting for a 20-25% gain in cardio intensity and strength by September.
It never ends and I seem all funky when I miss a day or 2---weather, schedule, sick--ect....
I have 2 elk hunts this month in 2 different states---gotta stay in tip-top shape for sure ( last elk hunt is mid-December in Jackson Hole, Wyo) for the long haul.
I love it!
Good luck, Robb
I'm in the woodcutting category as well, my son & I are just finishing up our stockpiles for this winter, we have 13 cords between us. It's lots of fun & work but don't enjoy being cold! (grin) Great stuff guys, thanks!
Robb, 2 hunts left, wow! Yes sir that can take its toll on a guy, good luck to you!
ElkNut1
So, this year I got a KUIU 1850 and make sure I got each of the 5 animals (antelope, 3 mule deer, 1 whitetail) boned out and carried back the same day. Still got a lot of hunting in which made for a good family hunt. I was pleasantly surprised by the durability of the pack as each load was 60-100 lbs.
I agree with all above (including Backcountry). Much harder to get back into shape than to maintain when you get older.
Also, like Idyll, my pop heats with wood so I head up each summer to help cut, haul, split and load into basement the 3 cords that he needs for a MN winter.
ElkNut1
