What shape are you?

Round mostly, thanks for asking.  It never fails, we have the right intentions but lack the tenancity I suppose.  I am talking about about the physical shape our bodies are in.  What kind of shape do we wish to be in for hunting season….now is the time to work on it if you have not already started.

There are many factors that can be considered when attempting to sculpt our bodies into super hunting machines.  There also lots of good books, video’s, trainers, and gym’s a person can consult.  I would prefer to use the beer and twinkie diet plan but round is not the shape I want unless rolling down the hill is a better method of finding wild game.   That is not a good mehtod where I hunt so I maybe I need to find a new super secret spot!

Training and being in decent shape is much different than being an ironman contender.  Consider the area you hunt, your goals, your lifestyle, and your mirrors opinion as starters.  Bottomline, what do you want to become?  If getting started is a mind blowing experience and the thought of consulting a consultant is worse than going to the tooth doctor I will give you few pointers to shake your head over. 

1. Set a goal- If your height and waist line are equal to each other you have become a donut.  Whether you want to be an ironman, a sheep hunter, or an underwear model you have to have a place to get to and getting to that place is the problem.  Set a goal that is realistic but not easily obtained.  If sheeping hunting was easy would you do it? 

2. Take some pictures- and measurements.  Nothing is uglier than the truth and a tape measure.  The cool thing about stuff that is recorded like measurements and photo’s is that they don’t change, they tell the story the same way everytime they are looked at…….screaming get off the couch you fat…….

3. Develop a plan- Another easy task for the cerberally challenged.  Yup, what am I going to do today regarding gettin sum exercise and fueling my 400 lb round shape.  Fuel? you say.  Yes, don’t be pooring regular gas into your diesel truck or bad stuff is gunna happen.  Don’t be putting bad food into your tank or bad stuff is going to happen.

4. Execute the plan- Oh, this is the truth in its birthday suit.  You can talk the talk, but can you back it up.  In late September at 8000 feet the herd bull is screaming at you from an aspen stand above an alpine meadow.  He is taking his girls for a stroll to the bedding area and is not coming back for you period.  What you gunna do?  A. Charge on to get on a equal playing field with king kong and start a fight? B. Look for another bull?  C. Wait until he comes back?  D. Take a nap and enjoy the experience?  B and D are good choices because Cory happened to be a 1/4 mile away and was listening to the vocal debate.  He had already began his all out assault and is now drawing back is bow and settling his 20 yard pin behind the kong’s shoulder. 

5. Never give up.  I admit it is easier to come up with excuses than it is to get to the gym etc.  I hate shopping for non-hunting clothes therefore my goal is to wear out my pants vs having to up size.  If I do have to shop I don’t want to have to try them on to see if the size indicated is in fact the size indicated and not some sadistic trick.  Tricks are for people who have control of their hostile button.

The best thing you can do for yourself and your loved ones is to consult an expert and make sure you take care of yourself.  If you have not been excercising regularly or have medical conditions consult with a doctor.  Life experiences are the experiences of life and I know I want them to be great. 

Brent Martell is an Outdoors International Pro Staff Member and regular contributor to our blog and newsletter. A rabid archery elk hunter, he resides in Meridian, Idaho.