Conditioning

Thanks to my wife, the runner, my dog is in great shape and ready for the season. Now, somehow, I have to spend the next few weeks trying to get in shape myself. Anyone have any great suggestions for a quick "get in shape" routine?
 
Yes, never get lazy and out of shape in the first place. I'd doing something on my own or running with my wife......Bob
 
Start working the dog on public areas, now that the nesting is about over, and walking in the grass will get you in shape real fast.
 
Like Bob said, don't get out of shape to start with. However, we all have those lapses. I really don't think there is a real "quick" way to get in shape. It takes some time to build up strength and endurance. And age also plays a major role. I use to do a lot of running but for the past 5-6 years have not been able to run do to a sciatic nerve problem in my right leg. So I use eliptical machines and treadmills. I go to a gym like Snap Fitness where I have access to various machines and equipment. I try to get there at least 3 times a week and spend 30 mintues doing cardio where I get my heart rate above 130, then spend another 30 minutes on the weight machines working both my legs and upper body. I also try to do several minutes of stretching. I think the stretching is very important and know I don't do enough. This year I'm going to try and do a stretching routine before each hunt. Kind of like getting loose before an athletic event. I'm 63 and the older you get the more important it is to establish some kind of exercise routine and maintain it.

If you are extremely out of condition and/or severely over weight you should consult with your doctor prior to starting any strenuous exercise program.
 
Well for my dog who is a gsp I like to keep her in shape by running her but when season is getting close like it is now I really try to swim her alot at the lakes and rivers. As for myself well Uncle Sam takes care of my conditioning for me but I would suggest some interval training like jog/walk for equal dist.
 
Good one, don't have any good ideas other than just get out and walk. We get in alot of walking training for trial season all year, so even if you don't compete maybe there is a club or group you can go have fun with in your area and stay in somewhat good shape both you and the dog. And still shoot birds year round.:thumbsup:
 
Suggestion, If you know a good Physical Therapist. Have that person give you some stretches and muscle builders. I have through injuries picked up a regiment I made from what I was taught. It only takes me 25-30 minutes every night to keep this 75 year old body in shape. I also walk with Tony on his daily run. So between the 2 I'm good for the season......Bob
 
Walk into Shape

Thanks to my wife, the runner, my dog is in great shape and ready for the season. Now, somehow, I have to spend the next few weeks trying to get in shape myself. Anyone have any great suggestions for a quick "get in shape" routine?

I recommend walking. Do an hour a day if possible. Start out normal, speed it up, then hit it for a while, then slow a bit then hit it again, then slow a bit, and then finish with a warm down pace. Do it early in the morning when it's cool and you are well rested. About every morning. That should do it. To strengthen your shoulders for gun bearing, slow shadow box carrying a couple of fist sized rocks while you walk and rotate your arms in small circles out to the side.
 
Great Advice

Like Bob said, don't get out of shape to start with. However, we all have those lapses. I really don't think there is a real "quick" way to get in shape. It takes some time to build up strength and endurance. And age also plays a major role. I use to do a lot of running but for the past 5-6 years have not been able to run do to a sciatic nerve problem in my right leg. So I use eliptical machines and treadmills. I go to a gym like Snap Fitness where I have access to various machines and equipment. I try to get there at least 3 times a week and spend 30 mintues doing cardio where I get my heart rate above 130, then spend another 30 minutes on the weight machines working both my legs and upper body. I also try to do several minutes of stretching. I think the stretching is very important and know I don't do enough. This year I'm going to try and do a stretching routine before each hunt. Kind of like getting loose before an athletic event. I'm 63 and the older you get the more important it is to establish some kind of exercise routine and maintain it.

If you are extremely out of condition and/or severely over weight you should consult with your doctor prior to starting any strenuous exercise program.

Great advice. The main thing is to establish a year round routine of something. For us older fellas walking or the smooth machines at the gym are great. A little weight lifting can build the upper body for gun bearing.
 
My Physical Therapist gave me some Rubber Tubing, that goes around the door knob. Then close the door so the tubing is on the outside knob. I have a series of 6 pulling the tubing exercises that I do each night. They only take about 10 minutes to do. In about 8 months I am astonished at the muscles I have built in my arms......Bob
 
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