This will be my last hunting season before I turn 50, and that fact has been making itself clear to me lately. I briefly had a gym membership at Planet Fitness, but they kicked me out because I was grunting and making other noises while I was lifting weights. They pride themselves on being a place where people who aren’t muscle jocks can go and work out without feeling like they’re being judged. If you grunt and groan while you’re exercising, they call you out for it and sound the “Lunk Alarm.” I tried to explain to them I wasn’t being a meathead – I make those noises when I tie my shoes – but they kicked me out anyway.
That’s fine, though. A couple of years ago, I found a workout on the Kuiu website that was developed by a Crossfit instructor, and it’s tailored specifically for hunters to prepare for the season. And the best thing is that you can do it in the comfort and privacy of your own home – where there’s much less danger of setting off the Lunk Alarm.
I’ve modified that workout slightly, though. It’s a rotating workout that gets harder each day of the week, then starts off mild again the next week. But I added in some inner core stuff, because I’ve been doing a lot of precision shooting with my son, and it’s amazing how much a strong inner core helps you with your accuracy. I combined a Daily Burn core workout with that Kuiu routine, and I’m trying to get some cardio in, as well. I’m not as young as I once was, so I’m easing into it. The beauty of both the workout plans I’m using is that you can go as light or as hard as you feel like, and as you get in better shape, you can increase the intensity. I should be able to get back in shape in a couple of months. In a few years, though, I’ll probably have to start earlier – or just never quit. We’ll see how it works out this year, and maybe next year I’ll adjust my starting time.
