How do you stay in shape for hunting? When I was in my twenties and thirties this question did not enter my thinking. But now that I have breached the half century mark I understand the need to be intentional about my health. I recently read an article in the winter 2018 issue of Backcountry Journal by Dr. Erika Putnam outlining Yoga exercise titled, Yoga for Hunters. In this excellent read Dr. Putnam cited five qualities that Yoga can transfer to hunting; flexibility, strength, balance, breath control, and focused intention. These are qualities I gain from Taekwondo training as well, and inspired me to write a piece about my own habits for staying fit in the field. Taekwondo is the conditioning style that helps me become a better hunter and offers a wide range of health benefits.
Taekwondo is a Korean based martial art that has become very popular throughout the world. It is a vigorous training style, but can be tailored to fit your age or circumstance. In other words, you do not have to punish your body with full contact techniques if you’ve passed the durable years of youth. The older Taekwondo practitioner can focus on footwork, balance, and smooth body mechanics. 
Most towns and cities have qualified Taekwondo instructors, or other martial arts schools to join, but with today’s access you can also find great on-line training options for rural areas. You can supplement your workouts with brisk walking, light weight lifting repetitions, or other activities, like bicycling, or swimming, that suit your lifestyle. The balance, focus, endurance, and strength you will gain from Taekwondo, or other martial arts are priceless, and will supply a valuable edge when pursuing ole woolly!
The five tenets of Taekwondo are: courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, and an indomitable spirit. These tenets transfer to every aspect of daily living. When you train consistently, the physical and mental disciplines of Taekwondo become intertwined with your spiritual make-up and will sharpen every area of life making you a better hunter.
The work you put in during the off season will pay off when you hike beyond the average hunters reach to non-pressured zones, sit motionless for hours while hidden in natural ground cover, traverse beaver dams in the dark of night, maneuver difficult grades, execute a good still-hunt, or steady your bow shot during the moment of truth.
There are many great options for maintaining your stamina for hunting season. Taekwondo, with the added benefits of walking, and light weight lifting, are my preferred methods of training for the chase.
Find what works for you; just remember to consult your family pyhsician before embarking on a rigourous regimine such as Taekwondo.
Life is a gift; treasure it, take care of it, enjoy it, share it.
Peace
