Physical Training For Bowhunters

[Roger Norris]

I have always struggled keeping off my gut....it seems I have never been able to have the right mindset to combine good eating habits with exercise. This always results in either I'm thinner, but my strength suffers, or I am strong enough, but I am carrying too much weight and my stamina/wind suffers.

I recently started Crossfit. I am only a few weeks into it, but I think this might be the perfect bowhunters workout. It's different every  time, so I am never bored. It works every muscle possible, and it is aerobic at the same time. I am only a few weeks into it, and I feel it in my bowshooting muscles, big time.

I will be 52 soon, and I have a lot to do yet.....this just might ward off the "old mans" syndrome and keep me dragging deer and climbing trees for awhile    

[tracker1]

Ha Roger tell us more about your program.  I'm 43 and i need to start hitting it again.  Thanks.

Burton

[Kyle Lancaster]

Roger,
  You and I are the same age. I've been doing Crossfit for about 18 mos. Love it. Like you said, the variety of the WOD changing everyday prevents stagnation. It's challenging to say the least. As you've probably already learned, follow the certified instructors instruction on form and strive to do the movements correctly and don't emphasize the weights but proper form. Another piece of advice (you asked didn't you    ) is to strive for small gains over a long time vs. large gains too fast. It's fun. I can more than keep up with my 20 something kids and their friends. Plus, it allows me to eat all the BBQ I want on the weekend.    

Take care,
Kyle

[Roger Norris]

Thats great to hear Kyle! I agree...form is everything.

tracker1.....research "Crossfit" online a bit. It is basically a combination of calisthenics and weights, and you never (hardly ever) stop. It is in a class environment, and (for me) part of the motivation comes from the other people in class. Getting bested by a 20 year old girl doing pushups makes you work a little harder    

[ron w]

I'm 62, I do 40-45 minutes of cardio five days a week. 2-3 days I do some light weights. I just retired from teaching a kids class in Martial arts and then there is the other stuff I do.....Kayak, yard work, 3/D shoots and such. I think it is important to do something, no matter what it is to keep things working well. No matter what...... stay active...!!!!!

[Kevin Dill]

I'm having trouble understanding Roger...do you go somewhere to a facility for CF class & workouts? Seems obvious, but then I'm a bit of a dope at times.

[Ray Lyon]

Roger, I'm there with you buddy.  I've been increasing the mountain biking (single track is a hoot) as well as open trails. Did a 2.5 hour ride last Sunday and I feel it in my abs and arms as well as the legs. You'll definitely see a thinner version of me at camp in a couple of months.  

I think one of the big bowhunting side affects for me on this will be easier setting of treestands.  Even with my harness/linemans belt, the last two years have been a workout for me in setting my Lone Wolf sticks and stand.  Being in better shape will reduce the time and sweat it takes to put that up and will also make it safer.  

My wife and I love your crossfit slogan-'you can out work bad eating habits'.  I didn't used to think that way, but now I've come to realize that's true, especially approaching my mid fifties.  

Looking forward to seeing 'less' of you at camp.        

[Duckbutt]

Roger...you have found yourself a great program.  Lots of boxes and certified trainers around now but I started following it when everything was online.  Even though I thought I was in shape from running and weightlifting at one time, the high back country proved to me that I was no mountain goat.  TRUE cross training helped me take my game to the next level.  I'm a do it yourselfer (shocker, huh?) so I don't go to Crossfit gym but would recommend it if you can and will.  One of my hunting buddies turned 40 out of shape about 5 years ago.  He went to CF gym and just opened his own about a month ago.  It can be a life changer with no downsides.  Good luck!

[Kyle Lancaster]

Kevin,
   You don't have to go to a gym (or a "box" as Crossfitter call it). Crossfit and most boxes post a WOD (Workout of the day) that you can do anywhere. There are also links to exercise forms and explanation on Crossfit and You tube. Personally, I like the box environment and getting one on one instruction. This link will tell you alot as well as check the "affliates" page and see if you have a box in your area. Being in OH, I bet you do.

 www.crossfit.com

Thanks
Kyle

[T Folts]

I like to hike the trails and bishop if you ever want to hit it.

[BrownA5]

This looks interesting.  My wife and I have been looking at joining a gym, but this will definitely be a first stop!  Thanks Roger/everyone for the information!

Have a good holiday weekend!

[TexasTrad]

I am a big fan of the Crossfit style workouts.  The constant change up in the workout plans keeps your body guessing and never allows you to become too efficient.   I belong to a gym named EnduraLab which is basically CrossFit training for endurance athletes.  

I am also in my early 50s -- I have been doing this for about 18 months.  So far, I have lost about 30 pounds and have run 3 marathons. I want to extend the time that I can hang stands and climb mountains as long as possible!

[HuronArcher]

Crossfit Brighton?

Rudy

[Al Kidner]

Yep...well done roger, good for you mate. I've been doing Crossfit now for the last two years and am a trainer at our local Crossfit box part time when I'm in my regular job that takes me out of town for 7 days at a time.

I can't speak highly enough for what the whole Crossfit movement and methodogly does for everyday life. If you want to be super fit and make it the the 2015 Crossfit games or you just want to regain your fitness... Then the coaches/trainers at any Crossfit gym will hit those goals for you...Period.

Roger look into starting on the Paleo diet mate. I jumped into that style of eating at the same time as I started training and noticed improvements within weeks. And when I don't follow that eating plan I notice a drastic lack of energy during WODs.

Also for anyone wanting to start Crossfit or any training for that matter my best tip is to scale everything and start off low/light. It'll be an ego check when you see some 25 year old girl lifting twice what you can so ease into it.

[todd smith]

Excellent Roger!  I have been very meh lately with the workouts so this might just get me back on track!  Keep us posted.      

   

[LA Trapper]

Excellent Roger.  One word of caution.  I did cross fit also and was packing on the muscle, not losing weight.  Working hard at it for several months. My wife was in the class also.  She ended up with a stress fracture in her leg and had to drop out.  My schedule changed shortly after and I had to drop out.  I was talking to an Ortho surgeon on another matter and he said he sees a lot of 40 plus year olds as a result of cross fit.  

Like you were advised above, take it slow and make slow steady progress.  If you injure a  joint at your age (i am older) it will take a while to heal if ever.  

Good luck and stay with it.

Billy

[muddyIA]

4.5 years ago I started a program that involves cardiovascular kickboxing 3 days a week and strength training with resistance bands the other 3 days of the week.  It totally changed my life and I've kept off 35+ pounds now for 4 years.  It's a pretty popular program in some parts of the nation, especially the Midwest.  Love it so much I got certified and now instruct as well.  The KB and bands are great but the kicker is (as with any exercise program) is the meal plans and nutritional aspects.   You can't out exercise your mouth.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Buy a farm house with a wood stove, garden, and raise your own beef.... Between fence repair, getting the garden in, putting up hay, & cutting and stacking 10 cords of firewood it's time to go hunting.... the only problems you'll have is calluses on your hands.

After 30 years of this activity you don't need an exercise program... trust me

   

[Roger Norris]

Originally posted by HuronArcher:
Crossfit Brighton?

Rudy

Dexter...same folks    

[Roger Norris]

Lots of folks mentioning possible injuries, and that is a well advised caution. Just like shooting our bows, form is everything. I am NOT embarrassed to use a light weight while I learn the correct form for an exercise. Just like shooting a bow...too heavy too early will cause problems.