I hate working out. I don’t mind physical activity, like playing baseball, basketball, or swimming. But I could never do a cardio workout just for the sake of exercising (why ride a bike that doesn’t go anywhere?) or go for a run (just to end up where I started) or lift weights (it feels like work). NO, NO, my exercise has to be more like playing. But then, at the age of 72, my physical therapist ruins all those decades of not working out. She says, “Let’s design an exercise program for you that gets you ready for musky season.” Wait. What? That is months away. NO WAY!

So, I started my exercise program the next day. It included exercises to improve my leg strength and core, for balance in the boat when I am casting. We also focused on arm and shoulder strength so I could cast 8-ounce baits with an 8-foot rod for more than an hour, like for 5 or 6 hours. And it worked. I wanted it to fail so I could once again say NO WAY! to exercising, but nooooo. Dang it.(I blame Courtney, my PT.)

I do not hate working out anymore. Don’t love it, but don’t mind it. I think it is because focusing my exercises on a targeted activity gives me purpose. My workouts are designed to help me be better at what I like to do and that lets me enjoy it more. They are focused on what I will be doing at different times of the year, so I do not get bored with the same program all year. Here is what the rest of this year looks like for me. I just bought a used fishing kayak from Bad Ted Friend Charlie. Since I never kayaked before, my exercise program is designed to help with trunk rotation, shoulder strength and flexibility. I recently added pool workouts two or three days a week to build cardio, leg strength, and endurance. Soon, I will start woods walking several miles a day three or four days a week. Turkey season is coming. In May I will again focus on balance and shoulders, getting ready for the June musky opener. Then in midsummer, I will start to focus on back and arms when I start shooting my bow. In October, November and December, there is a lot of hunting and prime fishing, so work outs are limited. I do not work out on days when I fish, hunt, or hike for several hours, since those things are fun replacements for workouts.

Focusing on my exercises gives me purpose. Now regular workouts are part of my prep for all my hunting and fishing activities. I finally realized that no matter what the focus, these workouts help me in all my activities. Although the specific exercises change according to the season, my general plan looks like this. Two or three days a week I use resistance bands and BOSU pods for strength and balance. Two or three days a week I do some type of workout for cardio and balance. Two days a week, sometimes three, I rest and let my body recover.

When I travel, I still try to work out, at least enough to maintain my fitness. I pack a couple of resistance bands and the Bosu pods. Hotel pools are a plus, and a nice hiking path is a special bonus. I shoot for at least 3 days a week.

To be fair, there can be setbacks. Getting started is the biggest challenge. I had been sedentary for a couple years due to a severe case of plantar fasciitis. So when I started, I felt like the Tinman trying to exercise, and without his oil can. It hurt, and it takes weeks to see any real results. There may be new aches and pains to push through. But it got easier. The other big challenge is finding time. That is why my program is designed so that I can do it at home, or even when I travel. Yours may require going to a gym. I have friends that go to the gym at 5:00 every morning. You just have to find a good time for you.

I am not suggesting that you should do what I do. But I highly recommend adding fitness to your preparation for any outdoor activity. Everybody will be different. If you are able, you can exercise to a high level of intensity. But you can keep it simple. Light resistance bands for strength, and some walking, biking, or swimming for cardio. Doing anything is better than nothing. My ability to work out intensely has passed, but I still work as hard as my body will let me. Going to your local gym and getting a trainer to help you develop an appropriate program is a great way to start.

This is a great time of year to focus on getting fit for fishing. Find a program that works for you and get moving. The more fit I am, the more fun I have fishing. And that is what we are about, having fun fishing.

Now, I just need to lose 20 pounds. Any suggestions?