Starting slow and correct
The most important thing about getting back into shape or getting into better shape is remembering to start slow and correct. If you are ready to get back into shape, you might think to yourself that you will run 10 miles today; however, that is not the best idea if you have not run 10 miles combined in the last month. What will most likely happen if you can complete the 10 miles is that you will be too sore from running for the next three or four days or dismiss the goal of getting in shape since you are not as young as you used to be. Instead, you would be encouraged to make a goal calendar that is obtainable every day. For example, for week one, your goal might be to run one mile every day, then week two to run two miles every day and so on. Starting slow will be better for your routine and your body. The second part of starting is doing your workouts correctly. The main point that I want to make about this is to make sure you stick to the general guidelines. This means you should do pre-workout stretches and warm-ups, use proper form lifting weights in the gym and then cool down your body and stretch again. These are things that I didn’t use to have to do, but now they are becoming necessities if I want to continue working out day after day. Start slow and correct and you will have a better chance to stick it out and reduce your chances of getting hurt along the way.
Hunt harder
It is a proven fact that those hunters who take the time and put in the work in the offseason can out hunt other hunters. They can go in deeper or higher if they have to and do it in less time. I have often hiked past another slower hunter on the trail to the mountain. This allowed me to decide where I wanted to go, not based upon where the other hunter was not. A person who is in excellent physical shape will see elk, deer or other game a few miles away and have the confidence that they can get there and get back. A hunter in lesser shape will not be so sure and may leave those elk or deer until the next day when the animals might be long gone or another hunter might be there.
Hunt consistently
Another great reason to get into better shape before hunting season is to physically be able to hunt consistently. Every year, I hunt elk for somewhere between seven to 10 days during archery season. I feel as though I am pretty blessed to have that much time to chase elk and I try to hunt as hard as possible. I can feel it when I am getting to the mountains during years when I push my body to the limits during the offseason and am in top physical shape. Those are the years where I hunt hard every day, all day long. The years where I am in good shape, but not great shape end up being years where I need a recovery day or two along the way. Hunting consistently hard every day can make a difference in your success, so be in shape so you physically can do this.
Hunt enjoyment
By far, the most important reason to get in excellent physical shape before your hunting trip is to enjoy the hunt. Nothing can make your hunt more difficult than huffing and puffing every day and being in physical pain each step of the way. Trust me, I have been there. Pushing your body hard in the offseason can reduce that pain level by enough that you can bear it enough to enjoy the hunt. Each hunt is brutal whether you are in shape or not; however, it is less challenging and more enjoyable if you are in shape.
