Don't Know How to Break the Work Out Ice? Try the Farmer's Carry.

So you've been following or maybe this is your first trip to HuntingFit.com but you're intimidated by the thought of starting a workout program.  I've got a relatively simple exercise you can do at home or the gym to set your fitness goals in motion.  Couple the Farmer's Carry with some additional cardio work (walking, hiking, running, etc) and you'll be amazed at how much more you can tackle this fall.The farmer's carry is about as basic (you still have to use good form!) and caveman as it comes when talking about exercises, rivaled probably only by the deadlift. 

However, don't let its simplicity fool you into not utilizing it in your workout routine.  If you're not familiar with the farmer's carry all you need is two heavyweights and some room to walk.  Set the weight slightly wider than shoulder width, bend at the knees, grab, keep your back straight, and stand up.  Now walk as far as you can until you can't anymore.  That's pretty much it. Just looking at someone executing the exercise you'll be able to see that your grip will be taxed to it's limits, but also your neck, shoulders, back, abs, and leg muscles.  That hits a lot of major muscle groups and some very important ones for those of us who will be hitting the woods and fields this fall.  Not to mention, if you're looking to burn some extra calories to get down to your fighting weight, this dynamic and multi-muscle excise will supercharge the burn. Imagine you're in a tent camp somewhere and have to fetch either pails or bags of water.  Looks pretty much like the farmer's carry. 

Moving game bags of fresh red meat?  Ya, it's the farmer's carry.  Dragging animals out of the woods even has a distinct similarity to the farmer's carry.  I believe you get my point that this is a worthwhile and useful exercise for the hunter. It can be done with dumbbells, barbells, or kettlebells.  If you're not into the whole gym scene, use sandbags or buckets filled with rocks.  Whatever you have that's heavy will work.  So don't make excuses, make time and make it happen!