Fitness/Exercise
 

I am curious to see what you all do (if anything) to stay in shape, and whether you think it helps your hunting.

I am in college and do a lot of running and lifting weights, so I consider myself a pretty physically fit person. Being young, strong, and flexible helps me with bowhunting. The overall being in shape is nice when I want to hike way back up a ridge a few miles, shoot a monster (havent yet, but will oneday), and drag the big boy back out. I shot a doe last season a few miles out, let me tell you, she must have weighed 400 pounds by the time I got home. Yes, I do feel being physically fit helps the overall hunting experience.

RE: Fitness/Exercise
 

Fitness is important regardless of the hunting thing.

I lift, walk with the little woman, hike with the dog and all around work outside thingy. I hate running. I also take/teach Kung Fu for the mind and body.

RE: Fitness/Exercise
 

I also dont like to run but I do walk alot in the offseason, and I find that the time I spend scouting and putting up stands ,cameras,cutting lanes etc. before season really helps out when it comes time to drag out that monster. (havnt yet either but will someday too.)

RE: Fitness/Exercise
 

I usually do some jogging and some light lifting before my mule deer/elk trip each year.

RE: Fitness/Exercise
 

I am a personel Trainer

I also do kickboxing andlift 4 nights a week. Yes it helps:)

RE: Fitness/Exercise
 

For bow shooting purposes and just everyday fitness, I do pushups and curls regularly. And let me tell you, for anyone who wants to increase your bow pulling strength, DO PUSHUPS. trust me, they help tremendously.

RE: Fitness/Exercise
 

im lucky i pour cconcrete for aliving so i get a work out all summer long. no im not uniun so i do actually work for a living

RE: Fitness/Exercise
 

I like the responses. GERM, I'm very impressed.

I still lift 3-4 days a week, and a couple months before the season get on the stationary bike. I hate to run. At 48 it makes my shins hurt.

I also study Kenpo. It's great for the flexibility and stamina,and if I can't shoot a buck, I can roundhouse kick him.

RE: Fitness/Exercise
 

You should stay in shape for your health..........benefits to hunting are a bonus.

One thing I add into the gym routine around this time of year (and then again at the end of summer) is grabbing the universal cable and setting it so you can simulate drawing your bow (holding at full draw)..........it really helps strengthen the shoulder girdle up for the abuse it will take all year shooting and at the end of the year towards hunting season it will help you hold longer if need be and be more steady............plus keeping your shoulders in good shape is never a bad idea if you want to shoot and bowhunt for many years to come.

RE: Fitness/Exercise
 

I shoe horses all day long so im not in the mood to lift weights but i stretch and do 150 to 200 stomach crunches a night. I also bike 4 nights a week plus use the bike for scouting trips. I blew up a knee so running isnt high on my list either.

Bill