For the past few years I have struggled a bit to keep myself in what I would consider “hunt ready” shape. In 2016 I dropped 50 pounds in preparation for a western hunt. I did this mostly just so I would not be miserable, not because I anticipated a lot of exertion on my part. After the hunt I did not resume exercise and likewise stopped watching my diet. Before I knew it Spring had arrived and I had put over 30 pounds of that weight back on. By the time I got off my can and started jogging and watching what I ate I was back at 238 pounds and not at all happy with myself.
By September I had reduced my weight back to a reasonable 207 pounds and vowed I would not let that happen again. Though I have not exercised a lot, I have been active this fall hunting whenever possible. Also while not perfect I have managed to somewhat control my diet better. The two combined have resulted in only adding about 8 pounds since early September. Still, with a back country Mule Deer (possibly Cow Elk) hunt coming this fall I know I have work to do.
Now, before I get started there are a few things I should state up front. Most importantly – I am NOT a fitness expert by any means so do not take the information I am going to share as anything other than my journey. I do spend a lot of time researching and studying what others have done. My approach to getting into Backcountry Shape will be based on that research. I plan to share along the way my experiences and results. Keep in mind as you follow along that I am just an everyday guy, over the age of 50. My goal is to get into the best shape I can. My intent is to accomplish this using, for the most part, equipment most people will either already own or can be purchased at little cost. I do not own a gym membership but there is nothing wrong with one. I just have very little free time and I need to be able to fit in my workouts whenever I can, not wasting time driving to/from a gym. Next, even thought I am not in horrible shape, I will begin my workout regime somewhat slowly and low intensity and will build on this as I go. My main goal is to get into solid shape, my second goal is to not injure myself along the way. The last thing I want to to be injured and have to cancel a hunt because I did something dumb. Lastly, the normal advice that before you begin any exercise or workout regiment it is advisable to consult your physician.
My intentions for this series of posts will not be to provide or even advise on proper form or technique. I do not feel I am an authoritative source for this information. Instead any activity or exercise I perform will be hyper-linked to a source I feel provides useful information. I will use this series to share my current routine, my progress and plans for the next stage. My hope is that this will prove to be motivational for others and at the same time help keep me motivated as well. Where it makes sense I will share specific products I use or intend to use. I am not sponsored by or receiving any money or free product from anyone though. This will allow me to be honest about what I feel has worked and what has not worked for me.
The first real post, coming hopefully later this week, will kick off the series be establishing a starting point. I will cover my current stats, current exercise schedule and any tools I am using or intend to use along the way.
As we go I would love to hear form others through comments here, through various social media outlets or by email. Comments, suggestions and personal experiences are all welcome!
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