So I’m finally in the planning phases of my first elk hunt next September. Super super excited. I’ve read about it, studied it, watched videos, listen to podcast, etc for a few years now.
Pretty much everything I can do short of actually going and doing it.
one unturned stone for me though is the fitness aspect. I know damn good and well I’m going to have to be in the best shape of my life for this to be an enjoyable experience and to up my small chance of success to a slightly better chance.
I plan on dedicating the next 11 months to doing everything I can to be the best I can be
I know this topic has been covered many times, but I like hearing from “real people”. I know podcast, YouTubers, instagrammers are technically real people, but y’all catch my drift.
what are your fitness routines like? HIIT training? CrossFit? Circuit training? Powerlifting? Rucking? All of it?
I want y’all to tell me more about what you do to be ready for the mountains in September as far as diet and exercise go!
Here's a solid example routine and random details below:
With your time frame DO NOT burn yourself out by going wide open tomorrow and thinking you can keep that pace. Workout hard and stay consistent, crank it up 12 weeks out and deload/active recovery 2 weeks out. Aim to peak when you get there this is what every stamina and strength based athlete in the world does. Do you really think nothing changes between 11 months and 3 months out of the Olympics/cycling/fight camp/triathlons/etc. The simple goal is to peak when you are there and not beat yourself down.
Crossfit is a great workout plan simply google "girl crossfit wods" these are standard bench mark workouts that are very difficult and used in every gym around the world. Unless you are an absolute animal SCALE THEM initially.
The main ingredient to working out is doing what works for you. If you dont like it chances are you wont be doing it for 10-11 months. If you find you like 5 particular corssfit wods, take them and mix mash them together changing rounds, weights, reps, etc.. the best workout is one you will do and push yourself. Many are not capable of pushing themselves solo this is why gyms are good they introduce competition. Its no fun getting smoked by the hot chick beside you.
Always keep time, you should be improving or changing to improve. Redo a workout down the road and try to beat your times.
Cycling is a great low impact cardio workout.
Rucking is as important as anything this is the "event" when you are out there.
A sample week for me:
Sunday- rest
Monday- Crossfit I like bar work so I do a lot of it-
5 rounds for time
Push ups 10
Pull ups 5
Over head 5 at 95
Bar Row 5 at 95
Overhead kettle bell lunge 30lb (60lbs) bells each hand locked out 10
Tuesday- Cycle stationary spin bike- I would start with a time goal like 15 mins then work up as you go.
Wednesday- ruck- start low work up ex- week 1- 1 mile 30lbs week 2- 2 miles 40lbs week 3- 3 miles 40lbs 4 miles 45lbs- Eventually you'll be doing more weight but longer distance. Rucking gets boring so do some variance on distance and weight. They are also hard on your body so don't do them but once a week for a while.
Thursday rest
Friday Crossfit- Notice I upped the volume and lowered the weight.
8 rounds for time finish a round then repeat.
5 overhead 75lbs so 40 overhead press
7 row 75lbs so 56 rows
10 push up 80 push ups
5 pull up 40 pull ups
3 dip so 24 dips
50 yard sprint so 400 yards
Saturday rest
Variation is what makes crossfit so good it prepares your body for anything. When you get 12 weeks out you would want to stop the cycling and only do crossfit 2 times a week and ruck twice a week. a longer ruck with avg weight and a short heavier ruck.
There are endless variations of workouts a lot of people do heavier weight and cap the time at 15 mins or 20 mins. Soooo many other lifts Just keep it interesting. If you want to take the guessing out of it join a gym or google crossfit wod. They post new ones every day. If you do something you're ahead of alot of the competition even if its not the "perfect" routine.
Everyone misses days it happens the key is getting ahead of the curve so missing a day isn't a big deal because your base level of fitness is already so much higher than others from consistency.
Good luck!