OK guys, I haven't been on here in a while. I was really sick last year through hunting season and am glad to say I am recovered.  However I really need to get back into shape.  I am interested in getting prepared for a good backcountry hunt of about a week or more.  I want some imput from my bowhunting brethren on what you guys do to get in shape throughout the year.  Thanks for all your help.

Matt  

www.crossfit.com

I mostly just get in the woods a lot with a pack but as I get older it is just not enough anymore. I agree crossfit is awesome if you are dedicated to the program.

While my son was in Iraq I told him I was going to start the crossfit program with our SWAT team guys. He laughed and said that would probably get him home a chance to come home early...........................for the funeral.

mountain athlete website

Stairs.  Lots and lots of stairs.

Stretching, walking and jogging hills, bike riding (also hills), some weights, leg exercise with weights. Mix it up to vary routine.

Treadmill work until it starts to get warm then begin outside walking program. You want to lose fat but gain cardiovascular fitness. Figure out your maximum heart rate (220-your age) and try to walk/run/bike/swim at about 60-70% of your maximum heart rate. So if you are my age (39), you'd want the bulk of your work to be in the heart target zone of 120-130 or so. Your body ebgins to use fat during this type of exercise as a fuel source after about 30 minutes instead of carbs/sugars. It works. Builds an aerobic base so that when you are climbing those mountains you got something left in the tank. I started doing triathlons 2 years ago and I still use this concept for 90% of my training. It also helps a ton in elk/mule deer country! Good Luck pal!

Hills, hills, and more hills. I add some upper body weights as well, but hiking or biking hills will pay off. If you are a flatlander, stadium stairs or Stairmaster will get your ticker going.

P90X  

Brett

Any activity is good, walking, swimming, hiking, you have to get your heart rate up for a lenght of time. Start short 15 min. then add on 20, 30 40 mins. But you have to do it regular. everyday is good but at least 4 times a week. Throw in some light wieghts and add to them slowly. Won't be long and you'll feel like a new man......I go to the gym every day and I hate it...but I do it.

Indurance exercise , Like swimming laps , long walks 2 miles plus to build up indurance...good luck...marco

Don't get in shape, stay in shape.  Do something you know you will do the rest of your life.  Since I usually hunt out west every other year, I used to get in shape one year and then get out of shape for a year and then repeat.  Finally, I decided it was much easier to avoid the swings.  

Moderate diet, lots of cardio, as much weight training as you like and pack work on hills.  

Train for your game.  If you are packing 50# over mountains, use that pack to prepare.  Personally, I keep it fresh.  I do 3 week rotations of cardio, weight training, dieting, and taking it easy.  Overall, as long as I do something all the time, keep my weight reasonably low, and hike some trails every once in a while, I feel pretty good.  I'm 42 now and in the best shape of my life.

Somebody asked me today what my overall end goal was for working out.  I told her it was "To live healthy until I was 75 or 80 and then die in the woods,"  I wish I would have added "dragging my grandkid's deer out."     If I do, I hope they leave me there.

The statement that John S. made about die'n in the woods, I asked a old hunting friend one time about being afraid of die'n in the woods and his come back was that he was afraid he might not die in the woods.

I'm so busy with young kids I have not the time to work out as much as I'd like.  The main thing I do is pack a 50 lbs frame pack up steep trails in the summer and mountain bike up the steep trails outside town. About 1 hour is all I can manage 2-3 times per week. I'm 38 and kick my 29 yr old Elk hunting partners butts. So far.

I've been a part of sports and training at all levels (little league to the NFL) and have seen all sorts of new and improved training methods.  Ya know what, they can all work and so can the "old school" routines, which are timeless and seem to make a reappearance every few years.  One of the most important elements of any program has already been mentioned by one of you earlier.  That is, do something you like and you will be more likely to continue it.  Also, you will be more likely to make it a part of you everyday life which means you will not be looking to get "back" into shape because you will already be there!  Pick an activity, walking, hiking, biking, boxing, swimming, weights, racquetball, or any other activity in combination you like.  They are all time proven and only need you to adopt them.  Hope this helps.
Bill

QuoteOriginally posted by John Scifres:
Don't get in shape, stay in shape.  

THAT is the most important thing if you are over 40. By the time you are 50 stopping your routine just a few weeks will set you back months of hard work.

With endurance you also want some Plyometrics. Nothing wrong with a little snap to your step ya know...

I don't know if you skate but ice hockey is about as demanding a sport in regards to conditioning as any out there. Play that a couple times a week.

Joshua

Pretty good advise across the board from everyone........

WALKING!!!!!!!!!!    You DON'T want to break a leg in the Backcountry!!!!!  

Really appreciate all the feedback guys. Looks like I better get after it.

[/qb][/QUOTE]
I don't know if you skate but ice hockey is about as demanding a sport in regards to conditioning as any out there. Play that a couple times a week.

Joshua [/QB][/QUOTE]

Ha, he's in Texas!     I bet he skates about as well as this former NC boy does.