Thread: Hunting fitness

Man, that's huge you are confronting this. Well done. We each have different builds, metabolisms, life pressures. Some of us find this much easier to do/maintain than others. A couple of my mates are bigger guys (taller, big frames) and it's a struggle for them to keep the weight gains off. If you can build good, consistent little habits, combined with a good (does not have to be perfect) diet, and regular training, your on the way. Much easier to do the work and stay fit. If you can find the type of training you enjoy (gym, biking, walking, garage...) then it makes it more enjoyable, and if you need it, accountability.

Here's a couple of things I've learnt being over 50. The training programmes in our magazines may look great on the surface (if you are under 35), but are often too demanding in terms of time/recovery. The heavy pack training thing is okay in moderation, it works, but you do risk overdoing it/injury/end up with prolonged recoveries. I injured myself slipping heavy pack training prior to a big trip a couple of years ago. So perhaps train a few months out prior to a big walk in, and keep the weight realistic, not at the top end. Walk more. The VO2 max building happens here at a good pace. Take the car less, use the bike. Obey the dog and take him for a walk every day, up hills, without fail. Some resistance training is good also to firm up your body, and definitely a leg work session (body weight squats, step ups, lunges...) in the garage pays off. I had an epic roar hunt this last year - every day was big climbs, steep hunting, and big walk in/outs. The thing that set me up was hunting fitness, and to be honest, a lot of bush hunting prior

Oh, and quite drinking. Sugar is the enemy.