Backcountry Fitness: A Different Mindset
When you're primarily a whitetail hunter, training for the mountains may seem unnecessary, but many whitetail hunters dream of heading west for a challenging big game hunt. What often stops them is a lack of confidence in their ability to perform in the mountains, uncertainty about navigating the backcountry, and difficulty securing a tag in one of these western states. It's a big commitment, and money is also a huge factor. Affordability aside, you don't want to spend the money only to fail due to a lack of physical fitness or inability to execute. While guides may be an option for some, you still need to be physically fit.
Trusted hunting community leaders like Randy Newberg and Remi Warren have produced massive amounts of educational content on traveling out west and finding success from a tag strategy, tactical hunting strategies, and mapping/navigation. There are many DIY public land hunting opportunities and even a new service for private land hunting access similar to Airbnb called LandTrust. Revolutionary technology like onX Hunt's GPS mapping app and onX Hunt's application season tools help people draw the tags they desire and make e-scouting, in-field navigation, and tag acquisition more accessible than ever.
However, all the tools and gear in the world won't hike you up the mountain, deal with elevation, let you push one more ridge, calm your heart rate for the shot, or pack out a bull injury-free. MTNTOUGH is functional mission-specific backcountry fitness training that will get your body to thrive in the backcountry, not just survive, even if you don't live in the mountains.
But why train if you don't have the tag in hand? That's where the MTNTOUGH "always ready" mindset needs to become your new mindset. MTNTOUGH's "always ready" ethos emphasizes constant physical and mental preparedness to face any challenges life may present. It involves rigorous physical functional training, mental resilience, and a commitment to being in peak condition at all times.
This ethos encourages individuals to be adaptable, disciplined, and ready to tackle any situation, whether it be in the backcountry, during a hunt, or in everyday life. The "always ready" approach fosters a lifestyle of continuous improvement and readiness, ensuring that MTNTOUGH'ers are equipped to handle adversity with confidence and strength.
Today's Wellness Statistics
Here are some statistics that might shock you:
- 83% of American men can't do a single unassisted pull-up.
Source: Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
- 73% of adults are obese or overweight.
Source: SingleCare.com
- More than 150,000 Americans died from drug overdoses in 2023.
Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse
- 42% of marriages end in divorce.
Source: PetrelliLaw.com
- More than 50,000 Americans died by suicide in 2023.
Source: ABCNews.com
We must take personal responsibility for our physical, mental, nutritional, and spiritual health, not just backcountry fitness. MTNTOUGH's mission is to help you become always ready—ready for life's amazing opportunities as well as inevitable hardships and pain, providing the strength to protect your family, the mental fortitude to stand and fight in the face of evil, and the resolve to preserve our freedom if the time comes. Will you be ready?
Practical Benefits Of Whitetail Hunting
Whitetail hunters can benefit greatly from being functionally physically fit, and MTNTOUGH Fitness will help you:
- Drag out deer more easily and less risk of injury: A strong, conditioned body will ensure longevity, so more drag-outs happen later in life. It's an investment as well as a new term benefit.
- Set up tree stands: Increased strength and endurance make the physically demanding task of setting up and taking down tree stands much easier.
- Improve overall energy level and performance: A fit body means more energy and stamina during long hunting sessions.
- Stay more alert in the tree stand: Physical and mental fitness enhances clarity and focus, allowing you to stay vigilant and react quickly.
- Be more mentally tough: The mental toughness developed through MTNTOUGH training helps you persevere through challenging hunts and adverse conditions, ensuring you don’t wane in the face of adversity.
- A holistic approach to health: If you are healthier physically, mentally, nutritionally, and spiritually, you will be more successful and effective in the field, at work, and at home. Being in peak physical condition will not only enhance your hunting performance but also improve your quality of life and your ability to be there for those you love.
Additional Reasons
- Build confidence: Regular training builds self-confidence, making you more assured in your abilities, whether in the field or facing life's challenges.
- Prevent injuries: A well-conditioned body is less prone to injuries, ensuring you stay in the game longer.
- Enhance recovery: MTNTOUGH training incorporates prehab and rehab, improving your recovery rate and allowing you to return faster after strenuous activities.
- Boost endurance: Hunting often requires long periods of physical activity; increased endurance ensures you can keep going when others might give up.
- Community and support: Being part of MTNTOUGH connects you with a community of like-minded individuals who support and motivate each other.
Whether you have a western elk tag in hand or are focused on tree stand hunting on the back 40, lease, or public land, MTNTOUGH backcountry fitness training will prepare you to face any challenge with strength and resilience. Embrace the "always ready" mindset and become the best version of yourself, both in the field and in life. Your future self will thank you. And, if you just now realize you wished you had focused on this aspect of life earlier, there's no better time to start than now.
A Note On Where To Start With MTNTOUGH:
MTNTOUGH has programs for every level of fitness. Generally, MTNTOUGH recommends starting with the On-Ramp Programs if someone is starting fresh or is coming back to training after an injury. The intermediate foundation programs are the next step, and from there, MTNTOUGH’s growing list of 30+ programs are at your fingertips with the MTNTOUGH+ Subscription.
Get 30% OFF MTNTOUGH+ ANNUAL PLAN!
Hook & Barrel Magazine readers, here's your chance to gain unlimited access to all MTNTOUGH programs, workouts, and content at a 30% discount. Visit the link below for details!
Code: HB30
Available only at MTNTOUGH.com
