Cardio Recommendations for Upcoming Hunt

[n.melanson]

Yes sir, let’s hear it.

[Mark Rippetoe]

If you are hunting at 10,000ft, you cannot condition for 10,000 feet anywhere lower than 10,000 feet. If you can condition for it at all. I'm at 9300ft right now, and I know about this. Your strength is your biggest asset on a hunt like this, because the stronger you are, the less effort you exert doing non-limit things, like hiking and packing out a quarter. If you want to do something useful, if you have the time get to your camp 5 days early and just get used to the lack of air.

[n.melanson]

I won’t have the luxury of arriving early, but living at 5,500ft and spending most weekends in the mountains have made for pretty quick and easy acclimations (I’m also 28, so that probably helps). I’ll keep up the training, thanks for the insight. Are you at elevation for a hunt yourself or just getting some fresh mountain air?

[Mark Rippetoe]

We have a cabin at 9300'.

[n.melanson]

Except I am under no illusions about how “rucking” affects my weight training, it absolutely doesn’t help. I think of it as hiking practice, and so far it has worked for me.

[mark031111]

For minimal impact on strength, consider trying High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT). This involves short bursts of intense effort followed by recovery, improving endurance without sacrificing strength gains. Hill sprints are another effective option for both cardio and leg strength.

[Lost and Found]

Good luck on your hunt. Check back in with your freezer filled with prime protein.
I don't leave until the middle of September when I hope it's cooler.

[Mark Rippetoe]

For minimal impact on strength, consider trying High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT). This involves short bursts of intense effort followed by recovery, improving endurance without sacrificing strength gains. Hill sprints are another effective option for both cardio and leg strength.

The only thing that improves endurance without sacrificing strength gains is strength training. Hill sprints do not improve leg strength. I think you must be an editor for the AARP magazine.