So in our many conversations about the sport, I started to notice some concerns he, and myself shared. Like I said, hunting is exciting, but very challenging.  I’ve decided to try to tackle a couple of “kinks” in the hunting world. I feel there are certain exercises we can do to improve our stamina, strength, and overall hunt.

Let’s start with the basics. In order to be able to hunt, one would need to know a few things for sure. First, how to shoot a bow correctly. Second, the hunter would need to have the ability to climb a tree, in order to set up the ever popular tree stand. Last, but definitely not least, having the ability to breath deeply, and smoothly.

Perfect Hunting:

In order to get off the perfect shot, you must have the strength to pull the bow back. Under normal circumstances, this would not seem like such a hard task. But, under the right situation, this simple task, could cost you that big buck.

Let’s just imagine your in your stand, and your quiet as a mouse. Suddenly, a huge buck walks within twenty yards of you. Easy shot. I don’t think so. At this close of a distance, any movement from you, and this lifetime buck runs for the hills. But if you wait, he’s gone. Of course you take the shot, but without him knowing.

You know, when your sitting down, the only thing your body has as a root, is your mid section. Now consider how well you shoot when your standing, versus sitting. It’s easier to shoot and maintain a steady shot, when you have a solid root to stand on. So sense the only “root” available when your sitting down is your core, it’s important to maintain, and constantly improve the strength of our bodies core. This is very important if you want to  improve your hunting skills, and never miss the big buck!

The funny thing is, the stronger your core, the easier it is to breath correctly, climb to the top of the perfect tree, and of course take down the big buck. When you climb with your tree stand, your using your back muscles, shoulders, legs, and more than anything, your abdominal. The same applies to the drawing back of the bow. The breathing, now that’s strictly for the core!

-So now let’s talk about a few simple exercises that will help strengthen your core, and your hunt.

This is a very simple workout that can be performed in ten to fifteen minutes a day, our out on the range before the hunt.

Start out by finding a sturdy tree, or pull up bar. That’s all you will need!–

5-Jumping Pull Up————traditional pull up with a slight jump as needed to complete the rep/ a stump, or block can be used to stand on/make sure to get that chin above the bar

10-Push Up

20-Sit Up

Start out by performing each exercise all the way through, as a set. The first goal is three sets, then up to five in three month’s. Train Hard, and  keep an eye on my web site. Over the next few weeks I will revel some great breathing techniques, that will teach you how to maintain that smooth slow breathing during the entire hunt. From leaving the truck, to the actual minute you take the shot! Look for more ways to improve your fitness, improve your life, and improve your hunt, at eyeofthetigerfitness.com

Ernie

If you are interested, please contact me by phone, or contact me through the web site.

If your serious about improving your health and overall fitness level, then you have to get serious about your core. No matter why your on the all mighty quest of being in “good shape”, you will see results faster, when you begin to focus on the center of your body, where all movement begins. The best way that i have found thus far, the Swiss Ball.

The exercises you can perform i guarantee you will find challenging enough for a professional athlete, yet simple enough a child could do them. Similar to  the exercises out there that really work, (push ups, and sit ups, etc.), the Swiss Ball will produce results. I personally use the Swiss Ball on a regular basis with all of my clients. I’ve seen the results, and strongly recommend you run out and purchase your favorite color!

Look for Swiss Ball workouts to come!

Ernie

I currently have two workout classes that are full of women who enjoy working out together. No matter how many kids they have to bring, or pick up after it’s over. These women live close to one another, are in PTA together, friends, and neighbors. All sharing the same drive to get into, and stay in shape. They chose the easy way, and found a friend. It doesn’t matter who it is. You never know, your mother in law could be the best runner in the world.

Don’t let anything stop you. Start your own work out group now. Training can be fun, and you can control who you share that fun with.

Ernie

We all experience unexpected circumstances that cause us to fall behind in our daily schedules.  Often our workouts are sacrificed to meet the need of the unexpected circumstance.

Even if something unexpected happens, STAY COMMITTED TO YOUR WOURKOUT PLAN!  For instance, when my truck broke down I had to wait for a tow truck to come pick me up.  So I figured, a great way to pass the time would be to see how many push-ups and squat thrusts I could complete before the truck arrived.  About twenty minutes and 9,000 push ups later (if you’re asking, I CAN do 9,000 push ups in twenty minutes…….well, maybe 900,  but who’s counting), the tow truck arrived and my workout for that day was complete.  It was also a great way for me to relieve the stress from my truck breaking down.  So you might be thinking about how crazy I looked doing push ups on the side of the road, next to my broken down truck.  Yes this occurred to me.  But who cares!  There is nothing better than turning a bad situation into a productive opportunity to get fit!

Ernie

The main objective of the Super Man Jumping Jack is to: Improve the overall strength of the leg muscles, challenge your cardiovascular system, and muscular endurance.  This exercise is great for a warm up, cardio burn, or as a complete workout by itself.

To perform the Super Man Jumping Jack:

-Start with your body in a squatting position while both hands are flat on the ground

-Next, jump out of the squat into the air ( yes you have to get off the ground) and perform a jumping jack before your feet hit the ground

-Return to the squatting position, and repeat immediately without hesitation

Personally, I love to use this exercise to challenge myself and clients to the max. Grab a friend, and time each other for three sets. Two minutes of work for intermidate, and one min for beginners, with forty-five seconds of rest in between.  See if you can maintain, or improve on the amount of reps you can complete in the allowed time. Push each other to the end. Yell, laugh, whatever it takes to get to your goal-TRAIN HARD!

Ernie

Most of the problem with dieting isn’t in the diet itself. Truth is, we are our own worst enemy when it comes to our choices.  Sometimes, the best thing to do is sacrafice your time, and possibly your comfort zone, and be the cook!  Just imagine how good everyone in your family will look because of your famous zuccinni pie or spinach dip.

Take control of your nutrition goals and your life. Even if the traditional holiday party tends to cost you a couple weeks of work, consider being the host.  There are numerous cook books and healthy recipies on-line that can make you the best cook in the neiborhood ( we hope?!), and it might not cost you another mile in the hot, August sun.

-Happy Labor Day_

Ernie

When you are ready to get in the best shape of your life and reach your fitness goals, please give me a call at (417) 380-8923

I currently charge $315 for TWELVE one hour INDIVIDUAL sessions. That works out to only $26.25 per session! If you prefer to pay by the week or session, I charge $35 per one hour individual session.

I can train a group of up to 8 people at a time. Contact me for special group rates.

There is limited space available in my schedule, but if you are serious about getting into shape, I’d love to work with you. Call me soon to reserve your space!