Hunting is a pastime enjoyed by many people every year. Different seasons bring various opportunities to look for critters that come out of hibernation or migrate to other areas. In addition to being a hobby, there are some health benefits associated with the sport. Here are a few of the ways that hunting can provide you with some needed exercise.
Stretching and Flexibility
You can go out of a hunt with minimal preparation or equipment. However, many hunters plan things in advance. This preparation could include scouting an area for animals, setting up tents, putting together equipment, or building blinds designed to keep them hidden from creatures that might walk into the area unexpectedly. All of these things can contribute to a workout that engages multiple muscle groups over the course of a hunt.
Aerobic Health
A single hunter might need quite a bit of equipment for one outing. Items that help you keep track of animals, navigate through the woods, or attend to medical needs that might crop up can be just as important as the tools you use for the hunt itself. Carrying all of these things in something like a weatherproof hunting backpack can take some effort. Doing this for several hours or a few days can be a good way to build up some endurance.
Balance and Posture
Some hunts might require you to hold a position for several hours before you find your target. During this time, you might need to hold very still and keep your balance on uneven terrain. Working on your aim also helps you engage your core muscles, and this can contribute to better posture as your abdominal area builds up strength. If you are dealing with lower back pain, it might be because your core is too weak to maintain proper support. The back will often compensate for this weakness. Working on your abs via hunting could help you alleviate some of this discomfort.
Vitamin D
You might hunt in the early hours when it is still dark, or you might have to go out on a dreary day full of clouds. However, enjoying your hobby during a sunny day comes with some benefits. Getting a few hours outdoors like this can net you a nice vitamin D boost. Add some sun to your hunting exercise routine as a way to say thanks to your bones, teeth, and immune system. All three of these things can find strength thanks to a bit of vitamin D.
If you enjoy nature and like to provide your own food sources, hunting is one of the main ways you can get both done while having a bit of fun. You can also use some of the tips above to get some fitness time in without spending hours at the gym. The demands of lugging your own equipment with you through the woods or tracking animals may give you some of the same advantages as any treadmills or weights. Don’t forget that hunting is also a mental sport that requires psychological discipline and exercising the mind as well.
Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most of her time hiking, biking, and gardening. For more information, contact Brooke via Facebook at facebook.com/brooke.chaplan or Twitter @BrookeChaplan