- Feb 28, 2013
- 9
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I always here people say their getting in "elk hunting shape," and decided to see what other people consider good elk hunting shape.
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elk hunting shape?
- Thread starter montanahunter10
- Start date
Colorado Cowboy
Super Moderator
Let me begin by saying I will be 72 this October. I work out in a gym 3 or 4 days a week doing mostly cardio stuff on the treadmill and stairmaster. I also do leg work on the weight machines. My workouts take about 1 1/2 hours. During the spring/summer/fall, I walk 3 to 4 miles over hilly terrain near my place 3 to 4 days a week in the evenings.
The hardest part for most hunters (IMHO) is getting used to the altitude, especially the ones who live at less than around 3000 feet. I live at 6800 feet so I have a distinct advantage in that respect.
At my age and even with a total knee replacement that is 10 years old, I can usually keep at it all day. Each summer I do several high altitude hikes in a local wilderness area to fish. Usually do the 10 or so mile roundtrip in a day and hike to 11,000 to fish.
Just keep at it, and at my age, no looking back as they might be catching up!!!
The hardest part for most hunters (IMHO) is getting used to the altitude, especially the ones who live at less than around 3000 feet. I live at 6800 feet so I have a distinct advantage in that respect.
At my age and even with a total knee replacement that is 10 years old, I can usually keep at it all day. Each summer I do several high altitude hikes in a local wilderness area to fish. Usually do the 10 or so mile roundtrip in a day and hike to 11,000 to fish.
Just keep at it, and at my age, no looking back as they might be catching up!!!
In God We Trust
Very Active Member
I lift weights 5 days a week year round with cardio mixed in. Once the beginning of March comes I start training for a 5K and 10k. This year I am also going to do the Tough Mudder Race in Beaver Creek. By the time June rolls around I can easily run 6+ miles. I also like to back pack during the summer, it is the best way to scout.
Old Hunter
Banned
Depends where you hunt. If you're a flatlander, and are planning on hunting at timberline in Colorado. Those 3 miles will barely get you through the first day.
Bitterroot Bulls
Veteran member
Yeah, an 18 minute 5k is "decent" Hahaha.
There are a lot of individual things that go into it, but I think being in "elk shape" involves being able to go all day hard in the elk woods and being able to do it again the next day, and the next...
Muleys 24/7
Veteran member
just being and working at an altitude above 7000 ft. is enough.
You can take a hike around your house and not be wasted. Right?
I have worked at above 10,000 ft and when hunting season came it was no big deal. I didn't have to go to the gym and I didn't have to do a marathon all summer to train.
It's the oxygen that your body can handle. If you are not out of shape and climatize to the high country your body adjust to the lack of oxygen, Then it's just hunting at that point
You can take a hike around your house and not be wasted. Right?
I have worked at above 10,000 ft and when hunting season came it was no big deal. I didn't have to go to the gym and I didn't have to do a marathon all summer to train.
It's the oxygen that your body can handle. If you are not out of shape and climatize to the high country your body adjust to the lack of oxygen, Then it's just hunting at that point
Muleys 24/7
Veteran member
Walking around your house and climbing up and down mountains are 2 different things, it's always beneficial to be in shape no matter what altitude you live at.
Old Hunter
Banned
I can't agree with that. I live at 8000ft, and if I don't train all year my hunt will stink.
well last year was my first year hunting the back country and i hunted with a guide that was in very good shape. I worked out at a club for a hour a day very high intensity. there was times i could not catch my breath, do to altitude so it would take me a min to slow my breathing. i live at about 1000 feet. hunted 9-11, but when i would say by the end of the week when my body got use to it he was following me up that mountain. but yes with my high intensity work out the soreness went away over time day to day and when i hunted i woke up feeling good ready to hit it again. but then again i'm on 27 haha.
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is this going to be your first year at the tough mudder. I'm thinking of doing one in Wisconsin .
Bitterroot Bulls
Veteran member
460,
I am a runner and cyclist. I like to do some local "fun races" here and there. I don't think running a fast 5k translates well to hunting, though. Hunting requires so many different physical demands, that being fit in a well-rounded sense is the best bet.
However, running is the single best exercise that helps get a person into cardiovascular shape, which is the first building block to being elk-hunting fit, IMO.
Right now I am nursing a PF injury, so I have been spending a lot of time on the bike. While that is still good excercise, it isn't AS good as running!
Good luck this year!
I am a runner and cyclist. I like to do some local "fun races" here and there. I don't think running a fast 5k translates well to hunting, though. Hunting requires so many different physical demands, that being fit in a well-rounded sense is the best bet.
However, running is the single best exercise that helps get a person into cardiovascular shape, which is the first building block to being elk-hunting fit, IMO.
Right now I am nursing a PF injury, so I have been spending a lot of time on the bike. While that is still good excercise, it isn't AS good as running!
Good luck this year!
Old Hunter
Banned
Like I said I work at 10,000 feet. It conditions me just fine. Maybe it wouldn't work for you. 10,000 is in the mountains. And physically working is not walking around in a house.
So, if you condition yourself to 10,000 ft. 7,000 ft. It helps.
I am not hear to debate with you. the OP asked about thoughts on "elk shape" I gave my 2 cents
Old Hunter
Banned
Muleys 24/7
Veteran member
I'm not sure how physically demanding your work is, or even your style of hunting, but glad that works out for you. I wasn't trying to debate with you.............just giving my 2 cents as well. Most will agree on working out to get into "elk shape" or any hunting shape. Like I said, it's always beneficial.JMO
being in shape is one thing. having endurance is an entire different thing. i took this powerlifting buddy hunting with me one year, he can bench 650lb and squat 800lb. he thought it would be a cake walk. we didnt even make it a half mile up a hill before he said he wasnt cut out for it. id say endurance and the heart and will to be out doing what your doing will get you through. the better shape you are in through training for it the better time you will have. making vertical climbs over 2,000 to 3,000+ feet in as little time as possible should be a cake walk for any person atempting a diy in the western mountains.