Elk Hunting Fitness Preparation That Actually Works

[@timjohnson2731]

Proud to say, I'm "THAT GUY". Hustling through my neighborhood with my 3rd (emergency) pair of hunting boots, Mystery Ranch pack and YES, even trekking poles. Currently at 90 mins, 3 times per week, with 46lbs in the pack, adding 2.5lbs per week until 3 weeks from the October Elk hunt, then cropping the weight to 40lbs for the last three weeks. Pace is maxing out Zone 2, basically as hard as I can go while nasal breathing only, heart rate of 120 to 145bpm depending on grade. That builds the aerobic base and gets your mitochondria in optimal fat burning shape. Then I work VO2 Max once per week. That's as hard as I can work and last 4 minutes, then 4 minutes rest. I do that 4 times in one session. Doing that 4 x 4 x 4 only once per week, will increase your VO2 Max. Dr. Peter Attia says, "think of Aerobic output like building a pyramid with the most volume possible. The steady state, Zone 2 rucking stuff, widens the base of the pyramid. The VO2 Max 4x4x4 protocol, increases the height of the pyramid." Get your fat asses in shape boys, September/October is coming! It can either suck a little bit now, or REALLY SUCK on the mountain. "Luck is what happens, when preparation meets opportunity." ~ Seneca

[@CliffGray]

👍👍👍

[@mpccenturion]

Due to spine issues - I used a recumbant bike. And row machine. Heart rate monitors on the machines. Got my max HR loaded and in 30 days move from 10 minutes at that rate to 20 then 30 min. 155 was the number. Then I just kept ramping it till I hit 60 min at the hardest level. Lost 70# - 192. The lightest I been since high school. That was 25 yrs ago. Cheers!

[@CliffGray]

awesome!

[@phillipcoiner4232]

Best advice out there. I've lived and elk hunted in Colorado since 97. In my humble opinion you have to train at altitude nothing else really compares but competitive sports are the next best thing. I live @ 4800 feet so it's too low to really help much. I'm old and retired now and work as a farm hand instead of in an office but I still train the same way. I spend my weekends in the spring and summer doing trail maintenance in the National Forest (unfortunately you can't run a chainsaw in a wilderness area but the hand saw will get er done) I start the season walking my mules in and clearing fallen trees with a chainsaw and a hand saw. (I carry an axe and wedges for tree felling/getting lose from a hang up reasons, but axes require too much work for too little reward imo.) I also do a little erosion control as needed with a pick and shovel. Fairly soon I have enough trail opened up to ride a few hours, cut for a few hours and then ride out. This tests all my tack and gear (rain, first aid, etc.), gets my mules in shape and me in shape gets my mules in the right frame of mind and when I do trail maintenance where I'm going to hunt the elk see me ride by and are yeah no big deal it's them again. I can also run trail cams and figure out the, who, what, when, where. The mules love to go because they get to eat the super nutritious grasses and it is always cooler in the high country. If I don't take one it's hurt feelings time. A few years back my business/hunting partner trained for a marathon for the first couple of months instead of our routine. After running the marathon he came out with me on our normal rides and train maintenance. He was in fantastic shape by anyone's metric but he was lagging from his normal self. It speaks to the core strength portion of your talk. I have taken friends hunting that worked their arses off gym training and would brag about being in the best shape of their life and no doubt they were but had no steam at altitude. There is no "real" substitute for doing it at altitude but the competitive sports you mentioned are the best substitute because they give you the core strength along with the cardio and as you say stand a chance of actually doing it.

[@CliffGray]

Great comment and info - thanks

[@phillipcoiner4232]

@@CliffGray Your videos are the real deal thanks again for all the info. We generally stay for all of archery season in a wall tent. My experience is you'll go through something similar to the five stages of grief. denial , anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance [:o) Because I'm there for the long haul the most difficult thing is to pace yourself properly especially if you are not seeing a lot in your area and to go out and rest for a couple of days or just stay in camp till the weather breaks, the rut starts or they come back to your area. The younger I was the worse I was about burning myself and my mules out in the first few days/two weeks then I had no steam when the action picked up. I shot one last year by walking up the hill a quarter mile from camp and sitting in a tree stand. A couple of times I could hear them in the distance it took every fiber in my body not to saddle up and go after them. But I knew they would come by this spot in the late afternoon or evening if I could stick to the plan. (like your comments on the stalk.......stick to the plan) (I'm listening to your video Why 5% of Public Land Hunters Kill 95% of The Elk whilst writing this where you say these guys know a specific area very well) Easiest shot I ever made in my life ten yards broad side quartering away from me both feet on the mark. I have a friend that hunts a couple of ridges over from me kills one every year. His grandpa was a guide and he has hunted there since he was a kid. He knows every rock, tree, creek and trail for twenty miles and he knows the spots like I sat in.

[@nmelkhunter1]

Great video. I think altitude is probably the biggest challenge for folks who live below about 4000’. Also, I believe it is highly important to eat correctly. I’m not suggesting eating like an Olympic athlete, or giving up red meat, after all we all love game meat. But, fruits and vegetables are important and sodas are really bad for you.

[@kevinjack5184]

Red meat is truly the only superfood

[@dannyjacobs2280]

When I killed my first bull and was out of shape, when we finished packing out the meat and literally thought I was going to die, I said that I'd never elk hunt again, or I will be in shape the next time if I plan did. No way I'd go back again and out of shape. That was in '14. Since then I've picked up running and working out, even push mowing my yard with my weighted pack strapped on my back. I'm running my 9th marathon, which will be in Missoula in a couple weeks. I am also 45 lbs lighter than when I closed that tailgate with that bull/meat in the truck that day. I have also completely changed my diet to only eating healthy natural food. I tell people all the time who want to get in shape, plan two elk hunts! I promise you'll be in shape before your second hunt! 😁 That '14 hunt absolutely changed my life! Also as always, enjoyed this video!

[@CliffGray]

That’s awesome Danny! Congrats man

[@kwaldo81]

50lb pack, walk 4 miles every other morning. Helped me a ton last year.

[@zappiness]

Essentially all it takes. Get used to load over time, mix in some elevation and you’re way ahead of the curve.

[@Extaordignarly]

I have an extremely physical job that I know helps a TON with core strength, but im 6'4" 350. You wouldn't know it by looking at me, but thats my reality. I am one of those guys that will strap on a pack with 40-50 lbs and go do 3-4-5 miles in my city. We are lucky to have an excess of terain pretty much everywhere in Montana. If you get up at 4:30 to 5:00 in the morning to do this, noone thinks you're wierd. The vast majority of people out and about at this time of the morning are doing the same thing. It may not be for hunting but the fitness community gets it. They see me as a huge guy out there doing it and they get it because they know what it takes to get results. I hunt backcountry elk every year and can generally outhike most people. It really only takes a little effort and dedication. This is great advice.

[@coffeehunter8742]

@@Extaordignarly - Cudos to you, Levon. You nailed it with the 2 words, "effort & dedication ". 👍👊

[@IronSharpensIron127]

I'm a disabled veteran that was blown up by an IED in Iraq. I was well out of shape..... Well I was a round shape😜. I wanted to hunt elk in the White Mountains Arizona. I got on a ketogenic diet and started rucking with my military pack as well as hitting the gym . I lost 75lbs and I can do 12 miles again. I've been at it for two years now and I go on another elk hunt Friday. God has blessed me and you are right, Humping a pack will definitely do it.

[@Coonhound719]

15 to 20 miles at 9000+ ft once a week all year!! And smoke a pack a day!! Works for me! Kill an archer elk every year!!!

[@richardmonson8657]

Whenever I think I am getting close to being ready for my hunt (65 yrs old) I go to the stairs. They will tell you real quick if you are ready and how ready.

[@IntenseAngler]

As always, some great information and advice here brother. 100 percent agree with ya... I've found that doing activities that I enjoy makes me actually do 'em. Side note: Have watched quite a few of your vids lately and I gotta say that you have the best hunting channel on YT that I've seen in all of my years on here. Keep up the awesome work man. And thanks for sharing all that you do.

[@CliffGray]

thanks! appreciate the support for the channel. Just popped on your channel... oh man tons of good stuff!

[@IntenseAngler]

@@CliffGray My pleasure Cliff! Thanks for the compliment on my channel/content... it's much appreciated!

[@Piratedavessaltylife]

Barbell complexes, weighted pack hikes 3x a week. Get strong, get cardiovascular endurance. Dont be a slob.

[@jefferylorsung8846]

Step 1 start walking mountains. I don’t mean trails... step 2 add a pack and some weight and keep walking mountains. No amount of running gets you ready for steep elevation. You may have great cardio but the lack of stabilizing muscles will have your legs shot in short order.

[@danziegner]

Main thing for me is altitude adjustment. It takes two to three weeks adapting to hunting altitude prior to the hunt. Managing hydration and fatigue are also critical to a successful hunting experience, lack of both will lead to mental, emotional, and physical distress.

[@GruntProof]

Good stuff! This is about the same advice I give for soldiers. You have to prepare for the situation you will be in

[@stevecoad1]

Always great advice Ciff, but there are social aspects to rucking a heavy pack around your neighborhood! You get to meet new people (local police have been called on me several times when I walk at night), reconnect with neighbors (the "welcoming committee" when they think there is someone casing the 'hood and finally truly getting to know a few people who want to start walking with you.

[@michaelwhite8801]

I wish more guys would put in the work and be in shape. I hunt alone most of the time simply because none of my elk hunting friends and family can get far. They will look down a 300 yard clear cut off the road and say shit like " don't even look down there " " shoot one in that shithole you better bring a frying pan and eat it there cuz you ain't getting it out" not a single one of them has ever had to break down an animal and put it on their back, they drag them out whole.

[@williamolliges2622]

Dealing with altitude has to be the biggest challenge of mtn hunting. Twenty + years ago, I was preparing for a school, which meant I was running five miles at a time several times per week. The prep work was all done at 2,000 feet, and the school was at 4,800 ft. Doesn’t sound like much, but i exceeded the expected standard at home, and merely met it at school. Fast forward 20 years and age caught up with me, so it’s off to the gym. I started swimming as a low impact way to get back in the swing of things, and never really stopped. I also neglected to get up stairs to the weight room. Last November I went along on a buddy’s Elk hunt. More time under load prior to the hunt would’ve made me more effective at carrying heavier packs than the avg 50 lbs I carried over two hills for 3 round trips. Cardio? Cardio was badass. Did I get winded? Sure. We were working at elevation in the upper 7,000 ft range. I’d stop walking to rest, and the heart / breathing rate would come down noticeably quick. I’m blaming swimming. I swim four strokes between breaths, holding or breathing out in the middle. This is not scientific, just guessing my body got used to working without O2. Join a gym with a pool. 30 minutes without stopping 2x a week, holding your breath as much as possible, in addition to whatever else you are doing will compensate a bit for the altitude.

[@CliffGray]

Appreciate the info on swimming as a potential preparation method. I'm sure it works well. Like you say, also fairly low impact

[@brushwolf]

This video is invaluable to anyone contemplating hunting out west! I've always maintained excellent fitness as a necessity for my job (LEO), and as a former personal trainer, even as I've entered into my 40s, its a daily routine. But when I started mountain hunting in 2016 I began to modify my workouts. I did "ok" hunting unit 77 in 2016 and unit 74 in 2017..... but got my ass kicked in 74 the following year when I didn't stick to the routine I developed for my mountain hunts. This year, a week after being back from hunting northwest Colorado for 2nd rifle, I was right back to the grind. The earlier you start, the better, as you have ample time to develop routine and ample time "to jump back on the horse, if you fell off". Preparation for mountain hunting should be a year long mindset. I'm a south Texas flat-lander and live at 30ft above sea level, so I had to find a way to compensate for the difference in terrain. Be creative!!! There is an Arroyo with steep banks which runs right by my home on the outskirts of town. It's really the only undulation of the land in the entire county. I would say the bank from top to bottom runs at a 30 degree angle for slightly over 100 yards before flattening out at the crest. With that in mind, here is my workout for hunting the mountains. It has worked very well for me and is a template I wish I had 6 years ago. With whatever workout you do, start slow to develop your tolerances. Day 1; With a 40lb pack and a gas mask I will do 10-100 yard sprints and a max time limit of 15 minutes up the embankment. Once I develop a tolerance to the workout (getting it done in around 14 minutes, takes a few weeks when I step away from it for long), I complete the workout, cool off at the top of the hill for about 10 minutes, then run 2 miles with the pack, but minus the gas mask. Day2; 3 mile walk with 60lbs in the pack, no mask and no time limit. Day3; 3 mile run with a 40lb pack, no mask. Day4; 5 mile run, with no pack, no mask. Day 5; 40lb pack, gas mask, two 35lb sandbags in each hand (kettlebell sub). 10-100 yard sprints in my driveway. 15 minute time limit. Day 6; no workout Then start over at the arroyo and the 10 sprints, pack and gas mask. If time constraints are an issue on any given day, I substitute the day 1 or 5 workout, as they are short but intense. The best thing about this workout is, there is no need for a partner for this template. Disclaimer; There is no science that correlates gas mask training with low oxygen. Oxygen percentage at 30ft above sea level is a constant ( or anywhere), gas mask or not. BUT, it does however exercise your lungs, strengthen your respiratory muscles and can improve VO2 max and power output. I absolutely stand by it, as the only hunt I didn't prepare with a gas mask was in 2018 and felt it everyday of the trip. Also as Cliff says, WHO CARES what you look like running with a pack on your back through your neighborhood?! Its you're money, you're hunt, you're time, not your neighbors.

[@CliffGray]

Awesome additional tips and insights! Thanks 👍

[@alexandergutierrez2546]

What part of Texas are you from? I’m from the valley around Edinburg/San Manuel area

[@brushwolf]

@@alexandergutierrez2546 Hey Alex, Harlingen/San Benito area. I'm actually up in Colorado right now for 2nd Rifle which opens up in a few days

[@alexandergutierrez2546]

@@brushwolfthat’s awesome bro! Do you think we could chat sometime? I want to start Elk hunting hopefully next year and would greatly appreciate some pointers!

[@brushwolf]

@@alexandergutierrez2546 Absolutely! When I get back I will reach out to you. I'm related to the Vela/Gutierrez/Muniz clan from Hidalgo and Cameron. Your not related to the Vela judges by any chance?

[@IronSharpensIron127]

Why would you give two squats about what others think 🤔. That's absurd if you don't live the life God has given you, because someone might think you're weird. Get out there and train specific for what you love, those people that look down on you don't really care about you nor the fact that you are trying to feed your family. You were created by God to move

[@richardkramer1094]

Great video @Cliff. At 61, 2 heart attacks and PAD, I have never slowed down on hard physical labor. Hard physical labor and the mental fortitude to stay with the job until it is done create both mental and physical stamina and it is that mental and physical stamina that is required for mountain hunting. My business may be gun engraving and custom gun work, but, I do other things that require hard physical labor to fill the gaps.

[@CliffGray]

Thanks Richard - I like it. I think this encompasses a lot of my thoughts on it also. I’m really trying to make my videos more concise but was going to mention that a lot of construction guys, roofers, etc… are very well prepared even when they are a little overweight - it’s the dynamic you mention

[@richardkramer1094]

@@CliffGray just thought I’d help out a little.

[@drivenbyarchery8676]

Great video. Thanks. I do what i call my mountain training. I use treadmill and do a 4 min warm up at 3.7 mph raising incline every min. Then at 5 mins i run at 6 mph for 1 min, slide off do 40 pushups repeat the repeat the process until i reach a 15 incline. (Walk at 3.7 mph for 1 min, run or jog at 6 mph for 1 min, then do 40 pushups and repeat) i alternate my 40 pushups with 10 pull ups each round. Once iv reached 15 incline i continue the same process in reverse only after each 1 min of walking at 3.7 i dont run instead i just slide off and do my pushups. Continue until i reach a 5 incline and then jog it out dropping incline each min till i reach zero. The key is no hands. If u hang on u waste allot of good training hours. In my little head this would be as if im climbing a hill. See the game im after and need to run to get in position. Plus training my heart rate to be able to raise and recover quickly letting me be able to settle for a shot. The pushups and pull ups is for core as well as my thinking is if im using the muscles my body wont let me burn any muscle for energy. Me and my son did 12 miles yesterday after black bear and we had the best time ever. No bear tho. Lol. Oh and i figured out the best bow for spot and stalk black bear… is a rifle.

[@CliffGray]

Great info. Thanks

[@Kluaneking]

I live in the Yukon and hunt sheep every year. I’m in decent shape but it always takes me about 2 days in the mountains to shed a few pounds and get my mountain legs under me.

[@terryhemmes6210]

Truth gotta like working out. And those ladies walking the little dogs do look sideways at a big man carrying a full pack lol

[@stalker7892]

People who Elk hunt need to make physical activity a lifestyle. That means you do it whether you hunt or not. Controlled pain is your friend.

[@wayneparker9331]

Great video with excellent advice. The following is my two cents’ worth as a 55 year old man. I live in Truckee, CA (altitude 6,000 feet) with mountains rising to just under 8,500 feet within a 10 mile radius of my home. That said, I’ve relearned what I learned in the Corps thirty years ago: you only get used to hiking with heavy loads and carrying a rifle at speed by actually doing it. HIIT workouts with barbells, kettlebells or gymnastics/ calisthenics about 3-4 times per week do help a lot. But in the end, you MUST hike with heavy loads over rough terrain at stiff paces. Hence, I started a ruck program this spring specifically for the purpose of being ready for elk hunting this fall. I currently hike 1-2 times per week on the local high school track. My standard carry load is 55 lbs in the pack and and a fifteen pound macebell. I currently cover 3 miles over level terrain in 52 minutes and want to get that down 48 minutes before extending the distance. This is the Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation System standard I learned three decades ago. It’s the only standard I have experience with and it is time tested and combat proven. So, it’s what I use. Rucking at a fast pace not only improves your VO2 max but also toughens up your feet. Blisters and hotspots suck and they can destroy an expensive and much anticipated elk hunt. Constant rucking teaches one how to prep and harden your feet for those long hikes on very uneven terrain when your feet will slip inside even the best fitting boots. With time, we all learn solutions that allow us to save our feet from the most debilitating damage so we can enjoy those backcountry hunts. By the end of August, I plan to hike the local trails and gain as much as 2,000 feet in elevation in three miles, as well as increasing hike lengths to 15 miles (🤞). Good luck, Craig and the rest of you in your elk hunting endeavors!!!

[@CliffGray]

Great tips. Thanks

[@sixfourlonley]

Thank you for your service sir. This is great advice. I have a very physically demanding job but I feel like I could do more to train for the mountains. Doing a ruck like you said will be great. Thank you

[@theamericansavage]

60lb weight vest ×10 miles a day...

[@markhatfield5621]

I live at sea level and tried to prepare for hunting at 9,800 feet, the altitude was a serious problem. One time a doctor gave me Diamax(?) to help but it made me unable to urinate until it wore off.

[@CliffGray]

Probably diamox. It does help some folks.

[@mr.tactician_7551]

I think elevation training is more important. I live at 3000 feet elevation. My family members that hunt with me live at lower elevations. I gas them out every season. They have a hard time keeping up.

[@CliffGray]

For sure. I notice a big difference personally if I get out of the mountains for 3-4 weeks then go back… nocks me pretty hard until I reacclimate.

[@Meh-hr7gq]

You can’t be fit enough. Full stop.

[@zekeshow3769]

Gonna try push mowing my 3 acres this summer with a weighted frame pack... and only 1/2 acre is flat.

[@CliffGray]

That’ll work! 👍

[@jameshinrichs9066]

MTNTOUGH’s kettlebell program

[@tyb3938]

Love the advise, time for some tennis. 2020 my 14 year old daughter barely made it up a 40 degree slope with bulls go crazy at the top, she got it done and harvest a nice 6x5. After that hunt we added a 530 wakeup call and dumbbell aerobic workout to her routine. Next year, open day archery giant bull beds in same spot, drop 500 and start up same slope, she passed me and mom like we were standing still, literally ran up the hill laughing at us. I got home added same workout to my routine, time to take some of my own medicine, but playing tennis sounds like a lot more fun. Oh and I got within 20 yards of the giant before he busted. They get big for a reason, bedded thick cover looking into the breeze, should have taken my boots off

[@BadWolfMMANashville]

Great information. Totally spot. Also using a sport for your fitness will improve your mobility, flexibility, coordination, and most importantly develop your mental aptitude. Thank you for the upload.

[@CliffGray]

👍

[@ethanleblanc1731]

I live right in the heart of the Rockies, I love putting 50,40 pounds in my pack and hiking looking for sheds, I’m only 117 pounds, and 50 pounds in my pack feels like nothing up a mountain now!!

[@CliffGray]

50lbs on 117lbs - that's impressive! you will be ready to rock this next fall

[@nativewarrior5052]

I need to get to this level. I'm 6'1" and 127lbs. I am on the southern end of the Rockies in northern NM. I just got my first elk tag and need to get out with my pack and rifle to get in shape.

[@tonyanderson191]

if you have weak ankles or strength imbalance in your legs. I found that doing one legged get ups does an incredible job to combat this! ( it's basically sitting down and you get up using one leg) do it for 6 times per each leg the first week 10 times each leg the second week (do this exercise once a week) and basically do one set of 10 per leg once a week and trust me,it works wonders!

[@SasquatchComposites]

I actually did load up a pack and walk around my neighborhood every morning when I was preparing for my first backpacking trip. It was great training, especially since my neighborhood had some hills. I did have one guy pull over in his car to talk to me, thinking I was some hobo scouting the neighborhood for opportunities to burglarize. But once I explained I was training for a trip he seemed a little less worried. I 100% agree with you, though. Whenever I've been in great shape in my life, it's been when I was actively engaged in a physical activity I loved doing. It just so happened that at that time I was super excited about backpacking and enjoyed carrying a pack on my daily walks.

[@CliffGray]

hahahaha! I love the story of the guy concerned. Thanks

[@stephenferguson6363]

Being physically fit is the way to roll I learned the hard way on my first solo sheep trip, I'm going on a leh mountain goat in 2 more days going in for 12-14 days

[@stephenland9361]

Decades ago when I was going on unguided mountain hunts, particularly for sheep, I was told that the way to get fit enough was to go on a mountain sheep hunt. Okay, the idea was that you're very unlikely to work out at the intensity and durations needed to actually be ready for this kind of hunting. So, pretend that you are doing just that. On weekends, go mountain backpacking. Do that somewhere you have lots of elevation to cover. If you have access to a tall office building or apartment building, put on a heavy pack and climb the stairs, say twenty stories TEN TIMES. That represents about two thousand feet of elevation. Wear your mountain boots. Do it at least four times a week for several months. At first you'll think you're going to die but if you can't do it, you will fail at mountain hunting. Level ground miles are easy miles. It's the elevation changes, both up and down that you need to prepare for. Until I did my first mountain sheep hunt, I had no real idea just how much slogging up and down was involved.

[@billt9687]

Playing league hockey has absolutley kept me active. Good cardio and fun, Great "hack"

[@kellywalker8407]

I've always lived above 7000 feet. If you have to drive UP to Denver you're already behind the curve for smacking an elk. Not saying you can't getter done, but altitude is a bitch for low landers. I have done physical labor at 12000 feet, holy moly you talk about running out gas.

[@minervandusen324]

Another Great Video Cliff. Brutally honest. You have to love exercising. ❤️

[@dirtbiker4376]

I hate sports! I'll stick to running around my neighborhood with a backpack on getting weird looks 😂😂😂😂

[@jimbobhavens8634]

Another good one cliff. I put on a 30 lb pack and mow the yard with a push mower , works wonders lol

[@CliffGray]

Love this idea! Haha

[@joesebia6138]

Slam ball 6 count burpees x 150. 10 sets of 15. Pickup slam ball, push over your head and slam it to ground. Squat down, push legs back to push up position, do 1 push up. Pull legs back to squat position, pick up slam ball, stand up pushing ball overhead. Repeat. Work your way up to 10 sets of 15. Rest in between set enough so that your heartbeat and breathing pattern return to normal. You don't want to keep HR elevated. You want to train your heart to recover quickly. You do that by sufficiently resting in between sets. About 2- 3 minutes or more depending on your fitness level. This is high intensity full body workout which I continue to do 3-4 days a week at 63. Have no problems with mountain hunts.

[@liftheavyhunthard09]

100% couple years ago I missed an opportunity to harvest a buck because I wasn't in good enough shape. Haven't let that happen since. This year is my most prepped I have been been hiking 2 miles gaining 500+ feet of elevation 3 times a week carrying a 80+ pound pack. And general lifting 2 times a week. 3 weeks to go and im only getting better.

[@LooonTooons]

I believe the fitness advice you gave is going to really help me, Cliff. Thank you for sharing so much of your wisdom based on your years of experiences. Cheers!

[@CliffGray]

Of course man, good luck!

[@stephenferguson6363]

Heck I live with mountains close by and I still strap on a 50 -60 pound bag and go for a hike you do what ya gotta do if people don't like it they can pull their lip over there faces and swallow. I love hunting mountain goats and sheep so use it as my fuel to smash and gitter done

[@kevinjack5184]

I do kneesovertoesguy workout routines, yoga, weighted walks... Hopefully it helps... No time this year to find out

[@geoffader]

Word of advice to everyone: Beware of your Apple Watch LYING TO YOU! It may falsely claim you have low Cardio Fitness or low VO2 Max if you train with a weighted pack. I’ve been training like this and my watch thinks I’m struggling to walk up a mountain, but it doesn’t realize I have a 55lb pack on me, and that’s what’s making me struggle, not a lack of cardio fitness. The same hike without a pack yields very different results. They don’t currently have a “Rucking” workout so you just have to deal with it for now.

[@theycallmekevin03]

Cliff, honestly golf is great for this prep also. If you walk a round of golf you are carrying a 25-35 bag and a typical round of golf is 5 miles of walking. So you are using muscles to hit the ball then walking with a 30ish lb bag for 5 miles.

[@SP6X6]

Im lucky I live in NW MT and have a 30 yr old son I run with.Im going to start skiing again.WAS top end racer when young.I bear hunt and horn hunt off season.I hit weights and am still doing pull-ups .I still go into the wilderness areas I did when I was 25.Just takes me all day now.Dont loss the drive.Also love high country mules were the big heavy horn gray ghost live.In my 60's but I hopefully have a few more years in me

[@natty4life387]

I definitely agree with all of this. A big one is definitely diet and reducing your alcohol intake. Your diet and alcohol consumption will be different in the bush. I would say, starting now and give yourself a 100 days to make it.

[@Cbryer101]

62 years old. Bought a Goruck 4.0 along with a 20# plate. Went 3m to 6m up and down for a month. Went to 30# and on the same process but will work for 2 months and then go to 40# for 3 months etc. At my age I need to build slowly. It takes mental grit but I do love training and always have.

[@teenelomz9402]

Solid advice thank you! One question for you, when getting close to a hunt, often would you hike with a weighted pack? I'm currently doing this every other day

[@greghertzberg6220]

Skiing/ hiking up help each other. Additionally, foot eye coordination is assisted by skiing.

[@montereyshenanigansstuff]

highly encourage the cross-fit or calisthenics work out outs. a benefit i have had from dedicating time to these workout routines is increased joint mobility and stability. i was loosing hunt time due to knee pain. and after several months of focused work to strengthen and correct muscle imbalances my knee pain completely disappeared now i can hike a 14 mile day with weight with no issues.

[@mclcr4053]

Great advice! I have a MIR weight vest I can load up to 140lbs in. I typically only load 60-80lbs considering that’s about the weight of 1 Elk quarter. Strap that on and go for a fast paced walk, walk up and down stairs, do squats, grab some dumbbell’s and do farmers carry’s with the best on. It helps that I live at altitude but anyone could adjust to this by maybe wearing a face mask. Makes all the difference in the world when you’re packing meat out! I’ve unfortunately had buddies come to Colorado completely out of shape and weren’t able to get into the game because they couldn’t keep up.

[@ltstaffel5323]

Masks have recently been disproven with regard to altitude training. All they do is starve your oxygen intake, which has nothing to do with oxygen density. The only good way to practice for altitude is to practice at altitude or train beyond your target goals at sea level

[@mclcr4053]

@@ltstaffel5323 I don’t doubt that.

[@alexandercluster3003]

Alpine tredmill with 30 degree incline a pack with a 45lb plate and the speed at 2mph and boots. You will get you into shape. Do it 5 days a week every week all year . Get in a calorie deficit and loose 10lbs. You will be ready for anything. It’s not hard. Who would spend all the money for a elk hunt and not be in shape? Between all the lottery cost, tags and my lord if you get an outfitter! That’s insane. I get it happens all the time but that’s pure lazy and plain stupid.

[@robertmoorefield5408]

go to gym 6 days a week, I'm 65 and solo backpack at 9 to 10 thousand feet in Colorado. do high intensity cycling 4 days a week at gym lift weights and do stair climber in high intensity intervals. Nocked off 4 hours to Basecamp in last 3 years. As I say the mountains don't care what shape your in but they will sure l let you know.

[@Somerandomtileguy]

I tell you what's difficult, its winter when everything is a frozen wasteland

[@nathanleiser9967]

Spot on, workout routine needs to be that of high intensity. Another critical element is let your lungs acclimate to the altitude before go time. I consider myself in great shape but last fall I failed to acclimate and was brought out via helicopter (@10,700’) because of HAPE (high altitude pulmonary edema). I was baffled that this would happen to me because I am in great shape all around. After 2 days in ER the doctors kept telling it wasn’t my conditioning and that I’m in excellent shape, it was my lungs that were not acclimated. I went from sea level to 11,000’ in < 24 hrs, including a strenuous 10 mile hike. Left work at sea level 3pm, arrived at 9,000’ and slept in truck that night, woke up at 4 am start hiking, reached 11k by 11 am, hiked many many more miles. Was perfectly fine until the next day. Spent 2 days crying in pain on the mountain. We had no sat phone so after several miserable and concerning days my partner left me and hiked out to get help. It wasn’t a cheap helicopter ride, ambulance ride, ER visit. Spend a day or two at increased elevation before go time. 3 lessons: acclimate, have a sat phone (duh 🙄), and only hunt the backcountry with an amazing/reliable partner!

[@CliffGray]

Thanks for sharing the story Nathan- a great one for folks to read!

[@bradbelec2647]

Mountain biking should work! Carrying a pack with a tool kit, first aid, and water

[@bigskyab]

I just start hiking the tobacco roots with equipment load about a month prior to September 14....seems to me that replication of the activity yer gonna do is the best workout....my biggest issue is not the cardio or strength to do it but getting my feet conditioned to the load carrying....

[@Abutado]

Dude, my hip flexors kill me when hiking. I have no butt and chunky love handles so even with a belt, my pants start sagging and act like tension bands around my hip flexors. Went to suspenders and instantly improved my hiking capacity.

[@NHBackcountryGuide]

This is fantastic advice. I restarted my jiu jitsu training which has high intensity intervals built in. I believe a training partner pushes me to work harder than I would alone. I also cleaned up the diet and have been consistent hiking with a pack to build some of the hiking specific muscles that I only feel when working with pack weight. I have an archery mule deer hunt in the zones north of Steamboat Springs this year. This is my first western hunt. I'm binge watching your videos because I'm petrified of failing or quitting.

[@CliffGray]

👍👊👋 jiu jitsu! Good luck on your hunt man!!!

[@philbow6374]

I do weights every other day, and the elliptical for an hour each day, I wonder if that is enough? I’m pushing 60 , I have been doing that for about 10 years. Let’s be real, that is about I can do.

[@jero1918]

Yup I use Jiu Jitsu for this exact purpose! :D

[@CliffGray]

yeah, me too :)

[@jamesmooney5348]

Great info bro! I agree. But your intro on who you are and what you've done is way over weight and out of shape..... It could use tuning up. It's so vague and a bit prideful, it's annoying. (I'm glad I'm so perfect' not!) I believe you done those things but the proof is in what you tell us. And you do relay good info, when you get to it. Don't get me wrong, I still watch and glean from your vids. Thanks

[@CliffGray]

Hey James, thanks for the constructive feedback… it feels wonky to me at this point too… needs work and to be more concise… I’ll make adjustments going forward on that front. Thanks

[@coffeehunter8742]

@@CliffGray - your reply speaks volumes on the type person you are. You, Cliff, are a confident Man. Exemplary. - Blessings. 👍👊

[@CPLBSS88]

Paintball!

[@jamesdowis2346]

Pretty sure I might have a heart attack in 3 weeks. Last time I roofed my house before I left so that helped alot. Driving a truck 14 hrs a day doesn't leave much time to do what I need to do so guess I'll just suffer.

[@JSmithHunter]

Great advice. I've also found that writing workouts and all details (sets, reps, times, mileage, aches/pains, etc) on a calendar helps to hold me accountable. I work out alone at home, early every day when everyone's sleeping, and the only person who cares if I skip a workout is me. The mindset that I can never be in good enough shape keeps me pushing hard as well (solo elk hunting in steep remote mountains reaffirms this).

[@CliffGray]

👍

[@user-rk7kg9ik2c]

Do as much leg work as you can handle. You'll wish you did even more.

[@bobbysnow5478]

Thanks for the video! What I found works best for me to not suffer at high altitudes, was mtn bike riding….I live at sea level…it is a good low impact training platform.. when I was in my 40’s I would ride 5 out of 8 days for 5 months just to prepare an upcoming mountain climb. Everything is different above 12,000 feet…and I had to learn it the hard way..with a few previous fails! There s are no shortcuts to physical training and vo2 max

[@CliffGray]

Lots of folks use mtn biking for prep. Sounds like it works well! Thanks!

[@andymicka9065]

I really appreciate this video. As I've gotten older getting into hunting shape has been more difficult. While I do weighted pack hikes and walks the idea of playing pickle ball with my buddy is a great thing to try out. It also falls into the same category as snowshoeing through the winter months.

[@CliffGray]

👍

[@breckenespinosa4776]

Are you in southwestern Colorado?

[@CliffGray]

That is central/western CO

[@richyeilding4490]

and dont be the stairmaster guy that just rests all his weight on the side supports.

[@johnmcadam7493]

1. Drop the weight 2. Calisthenics / Body Weight Training 3. Kettlebells 4. Ruck. After my father passed away ( 2015 ), I decided to get back to the woods to regroup, recalibrate, and re-engage. As a former OL back in college, I changed all my training priorities. Stop the typical gym lifts and switched to more cross-fit style of training. The lads noticed a big difference from year-to-year. Never felt better. Train for longevity.

[@CliffGray]

Love it 👍

[@socrayes2010]

The number of veteran elk hunters with back injuries or simply back pain is staggering. Coming at this from a strength and conditioning point of view begs the question “ how strong is your back?” Without the basic barbell lifts done often and progressively overloaded you’re gonna have a weak back that’s prone to injury. Squat and deadlift in particular.

[@CliffGray]

Do you think the back problems are actually from a weak back and back muscles or from a weak core - I noticed that all my backpacking/hunting related back pain waned once I developed a stronger core.

[@kellywendlandt3940]

As a skinny guy with "little titties" I'm offended. Kidding on that. I'm not offended. This is great info Cliff. The advice you are giving is really important for people who don't know what to expect. With all the old guys playing pickle ball these days I would think elk hunters should be getting in better shape off-season. I'm 57 in 1 month and thankfully my tag is in the Gila this year, which is a relatively easy elk hunt (private land ranch hunts are about the only easier hunt). I've found taking a good walk 2-3 times per week, playing hockey a couple times per week, and doing pushups 2-3 times per week is enough for me to hunt hard for 4-5 days. The kitchen is so key in being in elk shape. I've always said, you better like hiking if you elk hunt. And bring a young guy for packing out, or better yet, make sure you have a pack-out horse lined up. The hunts one thing... packing out an elk after 4 hard days of elk hunting makes you not want to elk hunt anymore! Until the next day when the works done: ). One final thought for people hunting high altitude: My twin brother and I have had excellent results using Ibuprofen vs Diamox in high altitude hunts (camping at or above 9k hunting up to 11.5-12k+). Regular does each 6 hours. No alcohol the first couple days on the high hunts, unless you absolutely need a glass of wine with your meal. No judging. But don't mix Ibu and alcahol...bad idea. The ibuprofen idea is from a European doctor/mountain climber). As always on meds, make sure to ask your doctor prior to the hunt.

[@CliffGray]

Great additional tips! Thanks for sharing. Good luck on your Gila hunt 👍

[@nagibson1]

I"m that guy that goes on walks with my wife with 80lb packs. But I also played Bball 2 days a week. and my workouts were multi movement core- kettle and pulley, but short- 20 min. I still struggled at 10000 feet to get enough oxygen. the cardio high intensity need is real. I accomplished it most easily swimming.

[@mrb10d]

I guess you’ve never been to 12k+?

[@nagibson1]

@@mrb10d not to hunt. I'm not sure what I'd do other than train harder, go 2 more days earlier, and try to pack even lighter.

[@knuckledragger2412]

I live at 600' SL. So when I get out west hunting every year it just takes a couple days. But years ago I decided to work out regularly all year, for elk🤷‍♂️. Squats, push-ups and cardio. A month before I leave squats get replaced for a 50 lb pack for 4-5 miles. Living close to altitude would be the biggest advantage.

[@CliffGray]

Altitude does matter... it takes a bit to adjust regardless of how well you prepare.

[@simongloutnez589]

"You gotta enjoy it" thats what I always tell peope who ask me how to start training.

[@davegreene1198]

Wim Hoff breathing. Body weight exercises. HIIT Training ...and still plan on a couple days at elevation to acclimate.

[@CliffGray]

I gotta look into Wim Hoff method - several folks have mentioned it. Thanks

[@Thetinebroken]

This was The Truth

[@ryanesau8147]

Weightlifting, just nothing like it for prepping for any activity

[@philbolanos5473]

I wear my pack with sandbags of various weight while I walk my dogs and kids. Throw on an audiobook in one ear and you’re accomplishing a bunch with one fun activity. I like to time the walks with the sunset so I have a good view too!

[@CliffGray]

great way to prep!

[@aaronwilson1123]

Being a mailman helps with most of my conditioning… walking 8-10 miles everyday.

[@CliffGray]

that'll work!

[@glend4704]

I’m 53, been into physical fitness all my life. Been hunting all my life. The simple truth is either you want it or you don’t. I see people in the gym with trainers walking like they’re going to their own funeral. What a waste of time and money!! No trainer can help anyone that’s not interested. Just like elk fitness. If you want it you’ll do it. As far as social awkwardness walking around with a pack on, who cares? I wear a pack to my gym and run up and down stairs at the gym with it on my back. I’ll go up and down the stairs sideways, backwards, diagonally, anything that simulates hunting conditions. Just about any area has a high school football field. Go to the school and ask permission to run the bleacher stairs. Work your way up to a backpack and start light and keep adding weight. When it comes to pure cardio at the gym, to get your VO2 up, you have to go “balls out”. When I do the exercise bike I go so hard and fast the bike will vibrate and end up 2-3 feet from where I started. Look up Dr Tabata workout. The REAL ONE. It’s 14 minutes long and 10 minutes of that is a warm up. If you don’t feel like you’re heart is about to explode after the 4 minutes of the actual workout, you didn’t do it right. It’s that simple. All of you watching Cliff, need to realize he’s got great info, but it falls on YOU to do the work!

[@CliffGray]

Thanks Glen! Some great info and suggestions here.

[@bowhunter8532]

I run 2-4 miles a few times a week. The key is to actually push yourself. You can't just go out and lightly jog every run. You have to push yourself. I usually get myself to sub 7 pace for 2-3 miles (in my 40's now, when I was younger that was jogging). Point is you can't just jog 9 minute mile pace for all your runs.

[@CliffGray]

I totally agree. You can't "exercise" but keep your heart rate low... it just doesn't work in terms of preparation.

[@SeanHurwitzMusic]

Great stuff man. Keep on bringing the awesome advice 🙏🏼

[@CliffGray]

Thanksgiving Sean! 👍

[@stanthebamafan]

The main thing I do on a daily basis for my cardio is the stair climber at the gym. Doing that with good speed and not holding on to the rails seems to carry over pretty well to hiking. On top of that I do a lot of strength training, mostly barbells and compound exercises.

[@Zygotes1234]

I suppose you can count me on that one hand. I've been training every single day for 2 years now just for the elk hunt I'm going on this year. The plan is to continue training until I physically can't anymore.

[@CliffGray]

That’s a good thing man! Your killing it. Good luck on your hunt 👍

[@erniegonzalez2653]

I do hikes with pack on and off. Also do poly metric box exercises and do intervals on my road bike or mountain bike.

[@jonintc]

Great comment about doing a physical activity you enjoy to prep. Even golf can be a good preparation except for the lack of high heart rate/intensity. If one likes golf and walks the course instead of using a cart, that’s 7 miles right there for 18 holes. Getting sore feet is a major weakness and so walking the golf course or neighborhood frequently is very good prep. Add in a weight vest for neighborhood walks and it’s not awkward at all. Squats and deadlifts help with core strength too. A lot of hunting is walking and even taking it slow up 500 ft elevation gain is not hard if you are accustomed to walking an hour every day.

[@CliffGray]

For sure! Thanks

[@dreammountainfarm297]

Currently walking on a treadmill, doing speed and grade intervals, with a weighted pack. Opposite days I do the climber. All at my local Planet Fitness. “ no judgment zone”. Is the slogan. Lol. Every day someone asks about it it. Just Doing Something is better than nothing. But I am a clinical exercise physiologist and doing High intensity interval training, near anaerobic threshold is the only way to increase VO2 max. Getting your heart rate up close to max when doing the intervals.

[@CliffGray]

The pack in Planet Fitness! Love it. Thanks for the comment.

[@mojustin]

I can definitely do pickle Bar 🍻. I’ve been training this year and I only have a local tag (not a good hunt) but last year at 12k kicked my but being a flat lander so I’m prepping this year for 2023 tag

[@CliffGray]

👍good luck

[@normankaster917]

I'm a smoker and I friggin hate it and love it.... When I'm elk hunting it shows it's ugly head big time after 10k feet to the point I don't hunt that high because I believe I will die if I have to pack one out... So I have found 9800 feet is my max limit and using a good breathing technique keeps the death angel from putting a plastic bag over my head with a small hole it in for 15 min every 150 yards.... Kids don't be dumb and never smoke anything I'm 35 and I'm pissed at my self because I can't seem make the push I need to break out....I hunt with a small group of hunting brothers and they are always waiting for me at the end of the trail at spike camp and I have aways told them our group is only as fast as your slowest man so I'm that guy.... We have packed in 8 miles with camp on our backs into the Frank church wilderness in Idaho then spent 7 days straight days packing meat from two elk a 7 pt bull and a mature cow that me and my good hunting brother got on the same day during archery season. The push I found I still had after everything seemed to blend into one another was close to dream like because of extreme exhaustion and I wanted to just give up but some how I pushed my self to finish. Super happy to head back and do it all again..... Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the teeth.

[@CliffGray]

Thanks for the comment Norman! Great story

[@davidderr2662]

For me high school college wrestling is the tops. Talk about core stength as the basic and then you run stairs... repeatedly. Then you exercise to cool down. Huge fan. Thanks Cliff.

[@CliffGray]

for sure!

[@rippinlips1133]

Work on a concrete crew💪🏽

[@CliffGray]

That will do it!!!👍

[@ColoradoStreaming]

Dont forget racquetball. Its one of the most intense and viscously competitive sports you can play. Its really accessible and easy to get into as well with people always willing to jump in the court with you.

[@CliffGray]

For sure!

[@eire1130]

I've been taking some time lately to rewatch some of your "older" videos. My wife and I have been doing HIIT training (each an hour long) for the past few months or so. I've previously ran a marathon, but let myself get a bit out of shape due to the pandemic. I'm feeling pretty good right, but still also pretty "skinny fat". I'm down 13 or 14 lbs from where I was, but still going to be on 14 or so pounds above where I should be. I'm running twice a week as well, doing 5 or 6 miles per run. I think we work out about 5 or 6 times a week. I have no idea if I'm in shape, but I hope I'm improving. I have a mule deer hunt for 2nd rifle CO. I also bought an OTC elk tag for CO (no idea if I'll fill it, not really target species) and another Mule deer tag in WY immediately following. Hopefully I can make something happen. The only additional comment I wanted to add, and I didn't see any other commentator say it, for me the biggest thing that has helped is I started a rule of "no more beer at home" and "Only drink good beer when not at home". I still drink booze, just wine or other lower carb / calorie drinks. I'm less likely to be hung over in the morning and feeling bloated. I'm a guy who really likes IPAs. hah

[@CliffGray]

Great additional tip on the alcohol front... limiting it is best, on and of the mountain! haha

[@chuckobannon2975]

I was gonna say train like a soldier calisthenics and ruck march