OK, I am 60 now and have 30 Springs + 30 Fall Seasons under my Belt. To get in Shape for Spring Turkey Season, I hike year round,hunt Pheasant in the Fall ,lift weights 3 days a week, and , I am in my 39th year of Martial Arts. For the older Turkey Hunter here, I think one of the best ways to get ready for Public Lands is to simply walk the Flats at a good place and every few minutes- add in a Slow Run for 100 yards or so. That's the key-- walk + Run. If you have not run in years-- you may want to just start out with a run of 20 feet or so. Just increase your walk + run segments very slowly over time . This is actually Fun when you both " walk + run".Before you know it- you are done. I do this routine only Twicea week as, I also do what, I listed above. The " Walk+ Run"-- pretty straight forward and easy enough to get the older Spring Turkey Hunter in Public Land Shape. Just don't overextend yourself. Currently, I will go a good 5 miles with the walk + run. I can easily get up to 2 miles back if, I need to in New York + Northern New Jersey. I am not seeing any 20 year olds back here with me. This works for me. Currently at 119 Turkeys Taken and 49 Longbeards . Hope to connect on the 50th this late April on Public. Luck out there!
You must be in good shape, I hunt public swamps ,I'm 54 I'm getting stoked for turkey season , I have been doing the 12 oz curls
Before my rotator cuffs got torn I was doing weightlifting ever day, working different muscle groups ever other day (Split routine) I have not been able to do that the last 3 years though, hoping to get back to it, I really do miss it but have to finish rehabbing the left shoulder. I hope to be good enough to shoot bow this Fall, not sure that is going to be a reality though.
So I am getting my exercise taking the dog out right now. Wanting to walk more but am having problems with the right knee which is the good knee so just going to walk the dog until after I see what the doctor says next week. I may have to get another shot in that knee, did last year and it helped. They did say it is going to have to be replaced sometime soon as well as the other.
I'm 58 and walking long distances to cover lots of ground while turkey hunting has always been a big key to my success. 2 years ago I was diagnosed with prostate cancer and I had a prostatectomy. Walking was a big part of the recovery process and the timing was in the weeks leading up to turkey season, so it fit me perfect.
I'm now cancer free and walk/hike many miles per week in the winter, which I use as an opportunity to do more scouting. I've found that it may take me just a little longer to get where I'm going now vs 30 years ago, so I just leave a little earlier. Plus I walk far enough so that even if it takes me a little longer to get to the spot that I want to hunt....there usually isn't anyone there but me and the turkeys anyway. Works for me.
Quote from: randy6471 on March 04, 2020, 11:24:52 AM
I'm 58 and walking long distances to cover lots of ground while turkey hunting has always been a big key to my success. 2 years ago I was diagnosed with prostate cancer and I had a prostatectomy. Walking was a big part of the recovery process and the timing was in the weeks leading up to turkey season, so it fit me perfect.
I'm now cancer free and walk/hike many miles per week in the winter, which I use as an opportunity to do more scouting. I've found that it may take me just a little longer to get where I'm going now vs 30 years ago, so I just leave a little earlier. Plus I walk far enough so that even if it takes me a little longer to get to the spot that I want to hunt....there usually isn't anyone there but me and the turkeys anyway. Works for me.
Glad to hear you have beaten it.
Quote from: randy6471 on March 04, 2020, 11:24:52 AM
I'm 58 and walking long distances to cover lots of ground while turkey hunting has always been a big key to my success. 2 years ago I was diagnosed with prostate cancer and I had a prostatectomy. Walking was a big part of the recovery process and the timing was in the weeks leading up to turkey season, so it fit me perfect.
I'm now cancer free and walk/hike many miles per week in the winter, which I use as an opportunity to do more scouting. I've found that it may take me just a little longer to get where I'm going now vs 30 years ago, so I just leave a little earlier. Plus I walk far enough so that even if it takes me a little longer to get to the spot that I want to hunt....there usually isn't anyone there but me and the turkeys anyway. Works for me.
Congratulations on being cancer free.
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I'm 62 in good shape,,but hey guys think about using a mountain bike most public areas don't allow atv but bikes are fine,,sling the gun over your shoulder and go has far has you can in. They are quiet If you oil em.
In the gym twice a week and i walk a lot. Try to keep a routine and it has payed off. I cut back the gym deal during hunting season and do calisthenics and less lifting. I found this out as a couple years ago i was burning myself out with the gym and field. My muscles were not recovering. To many folks go in the woods physically unprepared,not good. Be smart, stay safe and have a good season! Old Timer
I am 57. Walk as much as possible daily. Judo and JiuJitsu twice a week . The Martial Arts have been a part of my life for 45 years.. Now it's a way to stay healthy, flexible and remove some stress from my life. Need to get back to swimming. It's great low impact cardio for old farts.
Quote from: nitro on March 04, 2020, 05:22:18 PM
I am 57. Walk as much as possible daily. Judo and JiuJitsu twice a week . The Martial Arts have been a part of my life for 45 years.. Now it's a way to stay healthy, flexible and remove some stress from my life. Need to get back to swimming. It's great low impact cardio for old farts.
Judo was one of the hardest ones on on older body, at least for me, constantly getting thrown like that could easily lead to an injury. Jiu Jitsu is pretty easy going though, that's what I do.
Quote from: Sir-diealot on March 04, 2020, 11:40:45 AM
Quote from: randy6471 on March 04, 2020, 11:24:52 AM
I'm 58 and walking long distances to cover lots of ground while turkey hunting has always been a big key to my success. 2 years ago I was diagnosed with prostate cancer and I had a prostatectomy. Walking was a big part of the recovery process and the timing was in the weeks leading up to turkey season, so it fit me perfect.
I'm now cancer free and walk/hike many miles per week in the winter, which I use as an opportunity to do more scouting. I've found that it may take me just a little longer to get where I'm going now vs 30 years ago, so I just leave a little earlier. Plus I walk far enough so that even if it takes me a little longer to get to the spot that I want to hunt....there usually isn't anyone there but me and the turkeys anyway. Works for me.
Glad to hear you have beaten it.
Thank you
Marshall arts, weight lifting, exercise regimens,... Dayamm! You guys make me feel like a real slacker! I thought I was in pretty good shape for a 68 year old dude, but you guys put me to shame. I guess I better get with the program,...whatever that might be!
Quote from: fallhnt on March 04, 2020, 01:26:47 PM
Quote from: randy6471 on March 04, 2020, 11:24:52 AM
I'm 58 and walking long distances to cover lots of ground while turkey hunting has always been a big key to my success. 2 years ago I was diagnosed with prostate cancer and I had a prostatectomy. Walking was a big part of the recovery process and the timing was in the weeks leading up to turkey season, so it fit me perfect.
I'm now cancer free and walk/hike many miles per week in the winter, which I use as an opportunity to do more scouting. I've found that it may take me just a little longer to get where I'm going now vs 30 years ago, so I just leave a little earlier. Plus I walk far enough so that even if it takes me a little longer to get to the spot that I want to hunt....there usually isn't anyone there but me and the turkeys anyway. Works for me.
Congratulations on being cancer free.
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Thank you
Glad to see this post. I try to keep my weight down. Use a tread mill every other day. I have weights in the basement along with the treadmill but find bunches of reps really boring. Instead I cut fire wood on public land all summer. Cutting, rolling and loading a truck load normally takes about four hours and all wood is cut on hill sides (the upper side). I find this does a great job conditioning the legs and ankles. Consuming a lot of water to stay hydrated is good to cleanse the body. I cut all summer and the heat can be from 60 to 100. Normally cut from daylight and finish up about 11 am. Do this for two days a week and you will not only have your winter firewood but be in good shape. Nothing like working a chain saw.
At 64 years old I walk about 25 miles a week, weather permitting, in the big woods. Additionally working around the family property keeps me busy.
randy6471 Congratulations on being cancer free.
Wellll I could make up something inspiring, but I'll just be honest. I'm 65 and I ain't walking no miles unless there is something at the end of it. I'm not into exercise just for the sake of exercise. I eat too damn much and watch too much TV. I eat what I like and have respiratory and heart disease, but by-God i enjoy life and I intend to die happy.
What I do is I work and I enjoy my hobbies. It's always season for something and most of my pursuits require physical activity. When it's turkey season I am in the woods and I cover whatever ground I need, but closer to the truck is better. I also walk the rivers and hit the lakes fishing, I hunt upland game, I garden, I work this small piece of ground I own and work family ground when needed. When I'm not playing hard I cut firewood for the house, my maple syrup operation and to sell. In December, January and February I'm in the sugar bush working lines, tapping maple trees, gathering sap and in the sugar shack making Maple syrup. When I'm done with that I'll grab an ice tea and a snack and hit the recliner....I ain't going to no gym. Wait a minute, I supposed to be retired :TooFunny:
Chase after my 5 year old grandson, best cardio I've ever had.
Sounds like you're in great shape quaver59 and others as well. Congrats to all.
At 67 I try to commit to good health in general. Eat well,YMCA daily(aerobic workout and light weights). I walk a lot outside and rabbit hunt with the Beagle which helps keep me in shape as well. Can't motor like I used too and had to make a few adjustments when turkey hunting , but all worthwhile.
I do alot of walking on my job, scout 2 weeks before season ill walk in boots
I'm half yalls age and a desk has done me in. Got into cardio (working out/biking) again a few weeks ago. Feel much better and trying to change from the whole sitting all day, sitting all night routine.
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I have found it much easier to stay in shape by doing an activity you enjoy...
I used to go to the gym, but I hate going to a gym... It becomes easier and easier to come up with priorities or excuses to put off activities which you do not enjoy...
That is why I choose sexercise.....
Quote from: Missed mallards on March 09, 2020, 04:31:36 PM
I'm half yalls age and a desk has done me in. Got into cardio (working out/biking) again a few weeks ago. Feel much better and trying to change from the whole sitting all day, sitting all night routine.
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A desk is more deadly than TSS. Been there and done that: never again.
To bad eggshell: You could live a lot longer and enjoy your hobbies more not to mention Turkey hunting if you would get up off your backside and exercise.
QuoteTo bad eggshell: You could live a lot longer and enjoy your hobbies more not to mention Turkey hunting if you would get up off your backside and exercise.
The sooner I die the sooner I meet Jesus!
Oh, you have learned not to believe everything you read on the internet, haven't you? Assuming so I'll just believe your having fun too. :funnyturkey:
Quote from: eggshell on March 10, 2020, 07:31:35 AM
QuoteTo bad eggshell: You could live a lot longer and enjoy your hobbies more not to mention Turkey hunting if you would get up off your backside and exercise.
The sooner I die the sooner I meet Jesus!
Oh, you have learned not to believe everything you read on the internet, haven't you? Assuming so I'll just believe your having fun too. :funnyturkey:
LOL!
At 53 , I choose to live by this code = Don't Let the OLD man in !!
Hit the gym a few times a week , walk instead of riding that atv , eat just a little cleaner diet .
Stay active and keep that old man at bay .
Quote from: Howie g on March 11, 2020, 08:25:13 AM
At 53 , I choose to live by this code = Don't Let the OLD man in !!
Hit the gym a few times a week , walk instead of riding that atv , eat just a little cleaner diet .
Stay active and keep that old man at bay .
sound advice, I've been doing some of that. But what can I do about my hair ? :)
Well ,, I did give up on hair in my 20s , but hey , being bald makes you look slimmer and faster :emoticon-cartoon-012: :emoticon-cartoon-012:
Not at the old guy age yet, but I think you can hold it off if you put in some effort. I walk a lot at work miles....not a couple hundred yards. I workout with weights 3 times a week and hit the exercise bike 3 days a week for 35-40 miles.
It makes a huge difference I can walk all day without being worn out. Nothing worse than hearing a Gobbler sounding off and your too tired to walk another 1/4 mile to kill him.
What area of La are you in Lalongbeard ?
At 39 I realize the need to stay in shape. Especially for the terrain I hunt. I try to lift weights and run at least 2 miles, 5 days a week. I dont care about being overly muscular but having a low body fat percentage and good stamina is my goal. Since I am primarily seated at work it is a priority that I eat well and take care of myself. It all pays off and I can hang with most 18-20 year olds if not outdo them.
I'm 45 and I've been an avid runner since my early 20's in college and hit the gym pretty regularly. I have a job that keeps me at a desk mostly so I've made it a point to stay active. I want to be able to still do this for along time to come.
Man...you guys make me feel as though I should make an appointment with my local undertaker! At 75 (next month) I work out at the Y almost every day to keep in shape. First the 12 machine weight circuit followed by an hour on the dreadmill then the 12 machine weight circuit again. In decent weather a five mile power walk outdoors. Come turkey season, I love to "walk and call" as opposed to "run and gun"...same thing, but with less pizzazz. I love to hunt large tracts of public land simply because, due to my hunting style, I'd run out of room in a half hour on private. A ten mile trek in a morning is not uncommon. However, as Kenny Rogers says, you gotta know when to hold em and when to fold em. There are times when you want to patiently wait for a reluctant bird rather than abandon him seeking another.
Quote from: Turkeyman on March 13, 2020, 04:35:27 PM
Man...you guys make me feel as though I should make an appointment with my local undertaker! At 75 (next month) I work out at the Y almost every day to keep in shape. First the 12 machine weight circuit followed by an hour on the dreadmill then the 12 machine weight circuit again. In decent weather a five mile power walk outdoors. Come turkey season, I love to "walk and call" as opposed to "run and gun"...same thing, but with less pizzazz. I love to hunt large tracts of public land simply because, due to my hunting style, I'd run out of room in a half hour on private. A ten mile trek in a morning is not uncommon. However, as Kenny Rogers says, you gotta know when to hold em and when to fold em. There are times when you want to patiently wait for a reluctant bird rather than abandon him seeking another.
Awesome work out! I too hate the dreadmill but what can you do in bad weather. I am into wood cutting now. Good thing about that is I normally see turkeys. Keep up the good work.
I'm 59 and my workout is with a shovel and probe. I dig, lift, probe, and do a lot of walking 5 days a week 47 & 1/2 weeks a year for my work and have for 28 years. I'm also 5'9" and 170 pounds, eight pounds heavier than the day I graduated from high school. I used to run 3-5 miles daily, do 200-300 pushups a day, lifted weights daily, and played hockey 3 days a week. On April 21, 2007 I got busted up when a drunk driver ran a red light at 70 MPH and T-boned my vehicle. It put me in a coma, broke my pelvis in 2 places, badly broke my left shoulder, and gave me a traumatic brain injury. The bones have healed and multiple surgeries have helped. I still get unpredictable migraines, have permanent split double vision in about 25% of my field of view, and will be on medications for the rest of my life, just because I was in the wrong place at the wrong time. I was out of work for 9 months and had light duty for another 3 months.
That wreck ended my hockey career and limits some of what I can do, but it doesn't keep me out of the woods. Thankfully, I have more patience these days (you get that when having to re-learn how to do normal stuff). I'm thankful for every day I get because I'm living on bonus time. I'm lucky to be on this side of the dirt. The guy who ran into me was a twice convicted felon of breaking & entering with no job and the vehicle was insured for the bare minimum in North Carolina (which the attorney kept 1/3 of) & the rest has paid for my medical bills...mostly. I work because I have to & I can. I have to stay fit because I'll fall apart if I slack up.
Good Hunting, Be safe, and have fun this Spring!
Jim