Ground Hunter's Workout

[ahab78]

I spent some time in the Marines with reconnaissance and infantry units, so I thought I'd put that experience to use and develop a calisthenics workout program to get into shape for the fall hunting season. I still hunt some thick cover and swamps, so the exercises below mainly focus on developing strength and endurance for that kind of slow, methodical hunting -- the kind that requires you to balance in awkward positions and crawl on all fours under heavy cover.

I hope you guys get something out of it. Feel free to adjust the sets and reps as needed for your fitness level. The workout below is for those of us needing to get back into shape. (See youtube for examples of exercises and proper execution.) I work shift work, so I try to complete the workouts in under 20 minutes before work. Add reps as you progress every week. No rest between sets to build endurance.

Monday-Wednesday-Friday
-Stretch
-Jumping Jacks X 25
-8 Count Bodybuilder Ladder 5-1 (5 Reps, Sprint/Walk 25 yards, 4 Reps, Sprint/Walk 25 Yards, 3 Reps, Sprint/Walk 25 yards, 2 Reps, Spring/Walk 25 yards, 1 Rep, Sprint/Walk 25 yards)
-Pull Ups - Max Reps
-Push Ups - Max Reps
-Chin Ups - Max Reps
-Dips - Max Reps
-Pull Ups - Max Reps
-Push Ups - Max Reps
-Chin Ups - Max Reps
-Dips - Max Reps
-Pull Ups - Max Reps
-Push Ups - Max Reps
-Chin Ups - Max Reps
-Dips - Max Reps
-Stretch

Tuesday-Thursday-Saturday
-Stretch
-Jumping Jacks X 25
-Burpee Ladder 5-1 (5 Reps, Sprint/Walk 25 yards, 4 Reps, Sprint/Walk 25 Yards, 3 Reps, Sprint/Walk 25 yards, 2 Reps, Spring/Walk 25 yards, 1 Rep, Sprint/Walk 25 yards)
-Air Squats - 15
-Plank - 30 seconds
-Air Squats - 15
-Plank - 30 seconds
-Air Squats - 15
-Plank - 30 seconds
-Jump Rope - 100 Jumps as fast as possible
-Stretch

Sunday
Rest, as the Lord would have us do.

[Roadkill]

Were you a DI?  Sounds like the daily 7 plus on steroids. Good workout plan

[ahab78]

Hahaha! Basically, it is the daily seven plus on steroids. I was not a DI. Just worked with a lot of force recon and snipers. I left bear crawls out of the workout, but if you really wanted to get jacked you could bear crawl 25 yards in between each of the bodybuilders or burpees instead of sprinting or walking.

[crazynate]

Semper Fi man. What unit? I was with 3/8 kilo

[ahab78]

Semper Fi. I loved 8th Marines. Best regiment in the Corps when I was in. I was in 2nd Recon Battalion, 2nd Marine Division and 1st Marine Division HQ (Ramadi, Iraq) and did some work with a Special Forces Bravo Team (also in Iraq). I was a secret squirrel.

[BOHO]

I got tired after reading the first paragraph. I need a nap.

[South MS Bowhunter]

BOHO  

[FITTER]

Thank you for your service Sir

[shag08]

Dang, Brian! Sounds like a helluva workout. I log for a living in the same rough @#$ country I hunt in. Carrying nothing but a bow feels like carrying a feather after packing around that extra 20 pounds of Stihl chainsaw all week lol.

I use to work out very faithfully.  Today, I walked all the way around the yard twice without my cane.  I think the turkeys will be safe from my arrows this spring.

[forestdweller]

Very good work out routine.

I think a lot of people have trouble sticking to a workout plan because for people like myself, it gets very boring (tedious) very quickly. The only thing I have to comment on is that maxing out (max reps) that often (3X a week) can lead to CNS fatigue/exhaustion very quickly.

[M60gunner]

I congratulate your ambition and determination to not just get in shape for a hunt but starting a life style.

[Michael Arnette]

Good stuff!

[M60gunner]

I forgot (OAS) I saw this tee shirt for old guys:

Pain is weakness leaving the body, except if your served, then it's probably Arthritis. As an old 03 I fall in that second category. Watch those knees and hip joints!

[Yohon]

ahab78.....where you part of the Marines I have been listening to Jocko W. rave about their exploits on his podacast's? Nothing but respect and admiration for anybody that served in that area. THANK YOU!!!!!    

[ahab78]

Yes, I was in the Marines for eight years. Thank you.

[highlow]

BOHO beat me to it.    Of course, being an Army vet, probably wouldn't be allowed to do it anyway.

[ahab78]

Serving with the Army in Iraq changed my mind about you guys. Damn fine MP unit escorted our team through some of the nastiest areas in Baghdad and kept it tight the entire mission. Top notch group of guys.

[tdhartsell]

Hey crazynate, I was in 3/8 India from 2008-2011. What years were you in? Semper Fi dudes! I'm from East TN and it's pretty hilly and thick here. Trekking out with your climber and gear and getting set-up definitely will kick your butt if you aren't in decent shape. Can't even imagine how it would be out west! I know several guys that have actually blown their cover from huffing and puffing. I think being in good physical condition can make you a better hunter in that aspect. Especially for us trad hunters. The posted routine is very practical and you can set your own intensity.

[khperkins]

You left out mountain climbers too, but I guess burpees replace those, pretty much. OOrah! I think you should have left bear crawls in , they're good prep for that kind of hunting.