timekiller13
Old Mossy Horns
Elk season is about 4 months out. Although I prep year round for my out of state hunts, it's really time to kick it into high gear. Gyms/YMCAs and park walking trails may be closed or limited, but that doesn't mean you still can't work out. I hate going to a gym anyways, haven't been to one in over 10 years. I tailor my workouts to my busy schedule and try to combine multiple activities.
Today's workout. I loaded my pack up with a 40lb bag of play sand and a couple other items to get my pack weight to 50lbs. I donned my pack, grabbed my bow and headed to the back yard. I need to make sure I am comfortable shooting my bow with a heavy pack on my back, but also need to incorporate some leg workouts. I start off at 20 yds and with my pack on, I shoot 5 arrows. After shooting, with my pack still on, I do lunges all the way down and back to the target. I repeat this at 30, 40, 50 and 60 yds. By the end, my legs are jello. This workout combines archery practice, pack weight simulation and leg strength training. It also helps me get used to shooting when my legs are burned out and shaking, simulating a long climb/difficult climb up the mountain and then having that trophy bull (or cow) step out and give you a shot. It's all fine and dandy that you can drill the 12 ring in comfortable shooting position in your back yard, but can you do it when you are dog tired, legs are weak, shoulders aching from your heavy pack? Will you even be able to draw your bow at the moment of truth? There is no way to know unless you try and simulate it as close as possible at home.
If you haven't been doing some weight training with your pack, I recommend starting off this workout without any weight. Just doing lunges down and back with just your body weight is a good start. Then, every week, you can add weight. Work you way up to heavier weights. You could potentially injure yourself by starting off too heavy.
Feel free to add any of your at home workouts. They don't have to be geared towards western hunting. Just anything to help prevent us from gaining the "Quarantine 15!" I will post some more of mine throughout the next coming days.
Today's workout. I loaded my pack up with a 40lb bag of play sand and a couple other items to get my pack weight to 50lbs. I donned my pack, grabbed my bow and headed to the back yard. I need to make sure I am comfortable shooting my bow with a heavy pack on my back, but also need to incorporate some leg workouts. I start off at 20 yds and with my pack on, I shoot 5 arrows. After shooting, with my pack still on, I do lunges all the way down and back to the target. I repeat this at 30, 40, 50 and 60 yds. By the end, my legs are jello. This workout combines archery practice, pack weight simulation and leg strength training. It also helps me get used to shooting when my legs are burned out and shaking, simulating a long climb/difficult climb up the mountain and then having that trophy bull (or cow) step out and give you a shot. It's all fine and dandy that you can drill the 12 ring in comfortable shooting position in your back yard, but can you do it when you are dog tired, legs are weak, shoulders aching from your heavy pack? Will you even be able to draw your bow at the moment of truth? There is no way to know unless you try and simulate it as close as possible at home.
If you haven't been doing some weight training with your pack, I recommend starting off this workout without any weight. Just doing lunges down and back with just your body weight is a good start. Then, every week, you can add weight. Work you way up to heavier weights. You could potentially injure yourself by starting off too heavy.
Feel free to add any of your at home workouts. They don't have to be geared towards western hunting. Just anything to help prevent us from gaining the "Quarantine 15!" I will post some more of mine throughout the next coming days.