7 Hunting Workouts You Can Do Without a Gym

Hunting workouts are an often overlooked aspect of the off-season. While many people prepare by stocking up on hunting gear and ammo and perfecting their shot, many neglect preparing their bodies for the physical stress of a hunt, especially elk hunting. Staying fit and active is the best way to prevent injuries and fatigue on your next hunting trip, and there are numerous workouts you can do at the gym or at home to get in shape for the upcoming hunting season. If you want to get in elk shape fast, keep reading this guide to learn some of the best hunting workouts you can start doing today.

Why Is Getting in Shape Important for Hunters? 

Before we explore various hunting exercises, it’s critical to discuss why physical fitness is important for hunters. Extreme hot or cold temperatures, grueling hikes with heavy hunting packs, and the thrill of the hunt can all put stress on your heart, and if you’re not physically prepared to handle that, it can put your heart health at serious risk. Thankfully, you can condition yourself, and your heart, to safely handle the stress and excitement of a hunt.

Please consult with your doctor or physician before starting any type of workout plan or fitness program to ensure it fits your needs and health plan. If you experience any pain, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, or other discomfort, stop exercising immediately and seek medical assistance, if needed.

How to Get in Shape for Elk Hunting

Practically any type of hunt requires some physical effort on your end, but elk hunting is infamously the most taxing on the body. You need to be ready to carry heavy loads of hunting gear uphill and haul meat back to base. While geared towards elk hunting, these workouts will help you get fit for any type of hunt. 

Hunting Workouts You Can Do at Home

A gym membership provides an easier path to physical fitness, but it is not always an option for everyone. Luckily, there are several at-home exercises you can do with a few pieces of health and fitness gear that replicate what a gym offers, and they will help you condition for elk and big game hunting.

Hunting Cardio

Cardiovascular exercises are the best way to get in elk hunting shape, and they are some of the most important workouts for heart health. Treadmills and stationary bikes are great machines to use for cardio workouts. If you don’t have access to either, look for nearby trails, steps, or other outdoor areas where you can safely exercise.

The key to finding your fitness groove is to start small. You don’t want to discourage yourself with incredibly demanding workouts right away, and it is better for your health to slowly work your way up to high-intensity workouts. There isn’t a set timetable for when your body is ready for increased physical activity, so follow these guidelines at your own pace and move on to the next challenge when you’re ready. You should perform these cardio workouts for 30-45 minutes, 4-5 days a week for best results.

• Warm up with brisk walking, either on flat land or steps 
• Add light jogging in between your walking
• Increase the amount of jogging and running in between walking time
• HIIT cardio

HIIT stands for High-Intensity Interval Training, and it is one of the most efficient training methods. Basically, HIIT is sprinting for 1-2 minutes and then walking for 1-2 minutes – rinse and repeat. Not only can you shorten your workout times with HIIT training, but it is incredibly effective for getting in hunting shape. 

Weighted Step-Ups

Step-ups are an essential exercise that mimics the experience of walking up and downhill with your gear in tow. You can do this exercise on a plyometric box, bench, or any stable, elevated surface that’s about knee-high. 

Do not attempt these exercises with a lightweight or shaky surface. 

As the name suggests, you simply step up onto the box or surface and then back down, over and over again. Start without your hunting pack on, and eventually work your way up to wearing it during the exercises. You want to treat step-ups like HIIT by performing them for a minute or two and taking a minute break in between sets. When wearing your pack for these, make sure to fill it enough to replicate the weight you’ll carry. You don’t need to actually fill it with your gear. Books and other heavy objects will do the trick.

Other Hunting Workouts to Get in Elk Shape

Cardio and step-ups are the most crucial exercises for getting in elk hunting shape, but you can also squeeze some of these exercises in to mix things up.

• Push-ups
• Sit-ups or crunches
• Planks 
• Lunges
• Squats

Hunting Workout Tips

Here are some more tips on hunting workouts to help you train safely and effectively.

• Stay hydrated.
• Make sure you stretch 2-3 times a week to maintain flexibility
• Don’t overdo it. Ease into your new fitness routine for a safer, more enjoyable experience.
• Mix up your workouts. This will help keep things fresh and condition your body in new ways.

Hunting for the Perfect Workout Plan

Getting in shape for hunting is incredibly important, and there are numerous hunting workouts you can do at home without a gym membership. Make sure to properly stretch beforehand and hydrate throughout, and don’t over-exert yourself while training. Create a hunting fitness routine by rotating days of cardio, step-ups, and other workouts that slowly increase in intensity to quickly and properly get in elk shape. 

We wish you the best of luck on your fitness journey and next hunting adventure. Make sure to check out OpticsPlanet’s hunting store for high-quality hunting apparel, equipment, and gear you’ll love! We also have tons of rifle scopes, gun parts, flashlights, and more to make your next hunting trip as successful as possible!