Get a weight vest, and do as much walking as you can, preferably on hills if you have them where you live. I've got a weight vest I can load with up to 60 pounds, it's a different kind of work than just running or lifting. Cardio without extra weight isn't going to help you much, the extra muscle might not either. Hitting the weights hard for 3 months also could end with you injured if you're not accustomed to it. If it was me in your shoes I'd just walk/march with as much weight as you think your pack is going to weight, possibly more considering the time of year you're going you might also be sludging through snow. I'd probably do that twice a day if possible. I'd also focus on core work to go with the marching, a strong core will really help you if you do a ton of walking on uneven terrain with a bunch of weight on your back. I'd work with kettlebells and sandbags vs doing squats and bench.

If username checks out, put in as many miles on the bike as you can. Best way for a flatlander to train for the mountains, imo. I like to spend time on the leg press doing one leg at a time (squats and calf raises) and leg curl and extension machines, again doing one leg at a time with the same weight, to address muscle imbalances. Finally, lots of core with a medicine ball routine is insurance to keep my back from messing up my hunt. Man i need to start exercising again

Charismatic Megafauna said:

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If username checks out, put in as many miles on the bike as you can. Best way for a flatlander to train for the mountains, imo. I like to spend time on the leg press doing one leg at a time (squats and calf raises) and leg curl and extension machines, again doing one leg at a time with the same weight, to address muscle imbalances. Finally, lots of core with a medicine ball routine is insurance to keep my back from messing up my hunt. Man i need to start exercising again

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Ha sadly no. It was a marvel thing. I can bike and add that. I do swim so maybe I can make the name fit.

ironmanag said:

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Charismatic Megafauna said:

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If username checks out, put in as many miles on the bike as you can. Best way for a flatlander to train for the mountains, imo. I like to spend time on the leg press doing one leg at a time (squats and calf raises) and leg curl and extension machines, again doing one leg at a time with the same weight, to address muscle imbalances. Finally, lots of core with a medicine ball routine is insurance to keep my back from messing up my hunt. Man i need to start exercising again

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Ha sadly no. It was a marvel thing. I can bike and add that. I do swim so maybe I can make the name fit.

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Just fly the elk carcass out when you are done with the hunt.

Geez.

A lot of great tips on getting in shape for the hunt. Only tip I have is get your boots broken in and pay attention to your socks. 100 miles of walking on a trail is different than scaling a hillside, going over and under fallen logs and sweat/moisture. Raw skin/blisters can take the fun out of a hunt.

jmm said:

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A lot of great tips on getting in shape for the hunt. Only tip I have is get your boots broken in and pay attention to your socks. 100 miles of walking on a trail is different than scaling a hillside, going over and under fallen logs and sweat/moisture. Raw skin/blisters can take the fun out of a hunt.

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Good point.

Take some Mole Skin for blisters just in case.

Periodization - gained 10 pounds of muscle over 3 months at age 38. Make sure you get enough calories, and protein. I accelerated the phases to 2 weeks for each phase.

You don't need to gain weight for the hunt. Do your Ironman type training and throw in weighted backpack hikes and you are golden. Ironman gives you pretty much all the fitness that you need.

Could also drag tires around. To change it up.

A lot of good advice...mountain hunting is a lot of carrying around a pack. The only way to get good at that is to lace up your boots, load up a pack, and get moving.

Time with a pack on is way more valuable than any muscle mass you can gain