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Posts: 275
| The Jim Saric article in Musky Hunter from Feb/Mar 2002 was on off-season conditioning for musky fishing. It is out of print and not available. Things have probably changed with the longer rods, heavier reels, and heavier baits. If anyone has a background in physiology, would they post the muscle groups we should be addressing in the off-season to cast long hours for an entire season?
Thanks,
Tom
I am also anticipating the humorous answers, like, "bicep curls with a bottle of jack". |
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Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | From my experience, all of them... at least that's what hurts when I get off the water after a long day.
Even the one between the ears. |
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Posts: 619
| definetly work out in the off season.....i start working out right when the season ends. it will definetly help you fish longer and feel better through out the next season.... a great start would be purchasing PX 90 Video and following that. any time you can increase lean muscle it will help prevent injury. weight training is a must if you can. however diet can be equally as important. supplements will help in your traing ( i would start researching what supplements to use and diet recommendations). PM if i can help w/ any questions. |
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Posts: 1906
Location: Oconto Falls, WI | I am currently seeing a Kinesiotherapist who also does wellness training (use to work with the Packers) for back/neck issues, and am getting specific exercises to do to help me with the therapist keeping in mind what I enjoy to do.
The area he is stressing on the most is the core. Everything stems from your abs, but also your mid back muscles. Find some exercises to do to strengthen those, and the standard sit-up is NOT a good one.
Another huge issue I have is my shoulders, and am doing exercises to strengthen the upper shoulders between the “blades”, but not the top of your shoulders. Along with this is leg strengthening exercises. Legs are another key in helping reduce back issues.
As you can see basically it is all of the muscles. What I am learning is you have to be balanced in strength in all the different muscles throughout your body as they are all connected in some way. You would be amazed in what areas can hurt as a result from a tight muscle in another area of your body. However everything originates from the core, and having a strong core is essential in staying “in shape” especially for anyone that suffers from back issues like I am.
Go to Wal-Mart and get some of those resistance bands. They are pretty cheap. Find out what exercises you can do with them, and learn the correct way to do them. Hopefully I can add more once I have spent a few more weeks with this guy.
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Posts: 1906
Location: Oconto Falls, WI | I forgot to add. I see Al Lindner's son is also doing something called Fit 4 Fishing. I got a little book in the mail with my DVD order from them. Some good stretches to do in there.
Also as Slow Rollin mentioned...Nutrition. Cut out Sugar. Cut out fried foods. I am drinking a min. of 100 oz of water a day, and also taking supplements. Fish Oil is a big one! |
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Posts: 1906
Location: Oconto Falls, WI | Link to Fit 4 Fishing.
http://www.fit4fishing.com/
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Posts: 203
Location: Alexandria, Minnesota | I do a lot of cardio work. Sometimes I am fishing 20 hr days in the summer and I think it important to have the endurance to handle it day in and day out. Most of my buddies that are big bulky seem to really run into a lot of shoulder issues towards the end of the season. So, I would have to agree with the lean muscle philosophy. |
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Posts: 2384
Location: On the X that marks the mucky spot | About 3 years ago I was well on the way to becoming the "fat dad" and changed my ways. During that time I dropped around 30-40# of fat and now run at around 10-15% body fat depending on how much partying we're doing and lift 2-3x more then when I started. I used to have a lot of back pain and would quit fishing on some days, now I never do. Working your legs and core will get you there faster then anything else.
If you go to a gym with some decent equipment here's a few things you can do to get you there. ***Note have a trainer make sure your form is correct otherwise you will more then likely hurt yourself and/or not gain the benefit from them***
Squats - legs and core
Front Squats (where the bar is resting on your upper chest) - legs and core
Dead Lifts - glute, back and core
Bent Rows - core, back and tri's
Seated Rows- back, core, arms
Lunges - legs and glute
Upper body is good too, but when you do these lower body exercises using your large muscle groups you will see improvement all over. This is because of the hormones released after doing these go though your entire body. In one study where there were 3 groups of people 1 upper body only work outs, 2 balanced "traditional" workout and, 3 lower only, the groups 1 and 3 saw the same upper body gains.
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Location: Illinois | Being fit and healthy is important to everyone.
That said, I think musky fishing is like bowling in that you can be out of shape and still get it DONE.
Plus, fat guys set the hook harder. |
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Posts: 619
| muskellunged - 2/4/2010 3:24 PM
Being fit and healthy is important to everyone.
That said, I think musky fishing is like bowling in that you can be out of shape and still get it DONE.
Plus, fat guys set the hook harder.
good luck w/ that in the long run or those real long days when your really pressing to get a bite or after a long day the fish turn on and your dead tired....you could always troll |
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Posts: 4080
Location: Elko - Lake Vermilion | WOW!
This thred is way to serious for me.......Anybody ever hear of hard WORK for staying in shape? Basketball, Hocky,Splitting fire wood(with an ax) Shoveling Snow(with a real shovel) ??? I don't have the time for exersize. life is to short, but if you like that sort of thing, then go for it.
Mr. Worrall, Muskie fishing is supposed to relax the mind not work it, right ?
Relax,,
Jerome
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Posts: 7090
Location: Northwest Chicago Burbs | muskellunged - 2/4/2010 3:24 PM
Being fit and healthy is important to everyone.
That said, I think musky fishing is like bowling in that you can be out of shape and still get it DONE.
Plus, fat guys set the hook harder.
Having fished in an out of shape state and while in shape, I'd say you might not realize that you would feel better over all after a day of fishing if one were in better shape. But, if you think that carrying an extra 30lbs makes for a better day of fishing, keep eating those donuts. |
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| muskellunged - 2/4/2010 3:24 PM
Being fit and healthy is important to everyone.
That said, I think musky fishing is like bowling in that you can be out of shape and still get it DONE.
Plus, fat guys set the hook harder.
You can get it done for half a day, or even a long day, but when you start talking about week long trips and 10 hour days? Once you hit 40 you ain't gettin' it done without a lot of pain and a lot of Advil unless you're in good shape.
As for setting the hook harder? Women and children can set the hook hard enough. I'm pretty sure I don't need to be a fat guy to get a good hookset. And when the fat guy is sitting down or has stopped doing figure 8's, or slowed down casting, who is going to catch more fish?
Edited by esoxaddict 2/4/2010 5:42 PM
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Posts: 16632
Location: The desert | Brett Favre skips training camp, I think I'll be ok to fish. Though Favre doesn't win the big one, I guess that means I'll miss the big one. I can settle for the 45 incher though. |
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Posts: 1906
Location: Oconto Falls, WI | esoxaddict - 2/4/2010 5:01 PM
You can get it done for half a day, or even a long day, but when you start talking about week long trips and 10 hour days? Once you hit 40 you ain't gettin' it done without a lot of pain and a lot of Advil unless you're in good shape.
You got it EA.
I know I am out of shape (IMO) during the season, but I still manage it hard to find someone that can go at it with me all day consistently. Those that can are those that workout pretty religiously. |
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Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | Jerome,
That mind needs to be active and in shape in order to truly appreciate the experience and ....relaaaaaax. |
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Posts: 1237
Location: South Portsmouth, KY | My workout consists of heavy lifting of cheeseburgers and pizza with a little bit of fishin on the side! |
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Posts: 4080
Location: Elko - Lake Vermilion | Oh, Yaaaa......and I love donuts.. + I'm happy.
Edited by Top H2O 2/4/2010 7:57 PM
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| Everything you do in life is better if you are in shape...muskie fishing is really not hard work, but not be able to do it better. I don't think I have ever been in better shape in my life and it really has made a big difference for me...BR |
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Location: Oconto Falls, WI | BenR - 2/4/2010 7:42 PM
Everything you do in life is better if you are in shape...muskie fishing is really not hard work, but not be able to do it better. I don't think I have ever been in better shape in my life and it really has made a big difference for me...BR
Wow, not hard work? Perhaps if you throw Mepps #5's all day, or gliders. Like anything it is as hard as you want to make it I guess. Unfortunately I have chosen the hard route and jerks cranks for 16-20 hours a day. Somebody that is not in shape cannot do it, and ends up tossing rubber or prop style topwaters in my boat as a rest.
Or take the guys that are tossing pounders all day, or burning double #10's all day. |
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| 6 days straight throwing nothing but cowgirls will hurt 'ya, especially when you have fish coming up a few times an hour and going round and round and....
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| Oh crikey.
You excercise guys are the same bunch that would run to the ER to have a hook removed, and probably have a slice of quiche in your lunchbox. Just cast, and pass the ibuprofen please! |
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Posts: 619
| even if you dont care if working out helps your fishing performance........working out, eating a good diet, and overall increasing your health will lower you risk factors for more serious illnesses (diabetes) or critical illness (stroke) as well. |
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Posts: 4080
Location: Elko - Lake Vermilion | Slow Rollin,
Are you a Dr. ? and do you have to be sooooo serious, Relaaaaaxxxxx, and have a giant, Jelly filled Krispy Kreem....... and wash it down with a full bodied Beer ........ em,em , Good............. THEN go jog 20 miles.
Jerome |
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Posts: 12
| There are a lot of good points here. I'll try and dig up that article and post it tomorrow. A friend of mine is a personal trainer and he developed a workout based upon what he felt were the major muscle groups being used when fishing. Of course, you can't just focus on one part of the body but work on all parts for total balance and conditioning.
A few things to consider. After having reconstructive shoulder surgery on my casting shoulder a few years ago, I can tell you it's very important to take care of the smaller muscles around your shoulder. Rotator cuff-type injuries are pretty common among musky fisherman, due to the repetative overhand motion. Make sure to do some light excercises with various smaller muscle groups around the shoulder.
The core work as mentioned above is also key. It will keep your back from hurting in big waves or just a long day on the water.
Cardio work including a little coordination-type cardio such as jump rope is a real good idea. When operating a foot pedal with one leg, particularly in wind, the extra balance really helps and these type exercises help with balance. More important is that cardio work, can get you into shape which ultimately helps the mental aspect of musky fishing. I find being in good physical condition results in not being impacted by the elements such as heat during the summer. So, you can focus more on musky fishing, spot decisions, etc.
Last thing to add is to do some hand stretches. Extend your arms on a table with your palms flat on the table and apply pressure. This will help preven the nerves from pinching in your wrist area. Its a common carple tunnel prevention exercise. Believe me using the big blades or chucking heavy baits can lead to problems. Again, carple tunnel is more common among anglers then most people realize.
Is this type of approach taking musky fishing too far or seriously...that's a personal choice. I think it feels great to exercise regularly and try and stay in shape. Then again, I rarely pass on desert.....at least I don't feel as guilty. |
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| CiscoKid - 2/4/2010 8:02 PM
BenR - 2/4/2010 7:42 PM
Everything you do in life is better if you are in shape...muskie fishing is really not hard work, but not be able to do it better. I don't think I have ever been in better shape in my life and it really has made a big difference for me...BR
Wow, not hard work? Perhaps if you throw Mepps #5's all day, or gliders. Like anything it is as hard as you want to make it I guess. Unfortunately I have chosen the hard route and jerks cranks for 16-20 hours a day. Somebody that is not in shape cannot do it, and ends up tossing rubber or prop style topwaters in my boat as a rest.
Or take the guys that are tossing pounders all day, or burning double #10's all day.
It is not hard work...I choose to not throw pounders and the such, but I could all day with no issue...but I live a different lifestyle, so I look forward to and enjoy hard activities...I also had back surgery 9 years ago and realized it was much better to be in shape, than out of shape...BR |
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| Yeah. I used to make fun of the old guys too. "Aw suck it up -- drink until 4, get up at 6, have a couple cups of a coffee and a donut or something, cast for 12 hours, go to the bar, have a burger and some wings, top it off with 6 beers or maybe 10... What, are 'ya some kind of broad?"
You young guys, man... Enjoy that crap while you can, because one day you'll wake up and you won't be able to do it anymore, especially if you make your living behind a desk. You can laugh about it until you find ourself out on the water three days into a trip thinking "crap. That HURTS! I'm not sure I'm going to last three more days! I don't know what happened, I used to be able to pound the water for 12 hours on two hours sleep and no food, still half drunk from last night..."
Many of you know what I am talking about. Those of you who don't, will. I've seen enough guys, guys younger than me, having to sit down and take breaks, stop casting, gobbling Advil like its candy, complaining about this or that that hurts or went numb...
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Location: Northern Wisconsin | Definitely work all major muscle groups. Squats, dead lifts, and cleans are three of the most effective lifts. Treat your body as a whole where all muscles should be equally balanced, they are all important (especially legs and core). Just focus on the getting in good physical shape and it will pay off on the water and in many other aspects of life. Eat healthy, lift weights and stretch and you should start feeling a lot more energized. Believe it or not, stretching is very important to preventing injuries and pain. I bet alot of the pain that is causing fishermen to pop advils could be solved by stretching. Lifting weights is said to be one of the most effective methods to slowing down aging of the body. There are tons of websites out there with good lifting/diet/stretching guides to help get started.. you can pm me and I can send you some links.
From my own experience, even when I was around 20 percent body fat I was feeling sluggish and pathetic. I can't imagine what getting in the upper 20's would feel like. Getting in shape really has helped me feel more energized and life is much better! Plus there are no benefits of being overweight... only countless health problems.
Also, being able to row a boat across a 300 acre lake through 25 mph winds and white caps is physically demanding, if i wasn't in good enough shape to do that I wouldn't have caught a musky one day!!! so being in shape paid off! |
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Location: Northern Wisconsin | Jim Saric - 2/4/2010 10:54 PM
I think it feels great to exercise regularly and try and stay in shape. Then again, I rarely pass on desert.....at least I don't feel as guilty.
There is nothing wrong with eating dessert. As long as your burning more calories than you are eating you will loose fat. Working out also gives me reason to justify eating that bowl of ice cream at night!
For those of you who think that in order to get in shape you must drop all unhealthy food and start eating like a dieting woman, its untrue. Just limit portions and become conscious about what your putting in your mouth. If you put more calories in your body than you burn, you will gain fat. Put in less, loose fat.
heres a basic tip to loose fat:
- Find your BMR- this is the esitmated amount of calories you burn during the day. (The calculations online are never 100 percent accurate but a god place to start)
http://walking.about.com/cs/calories/l/blcalcalc.htm
-It will give you an estimated amount of calories needed to maintain weight. If you want to loose fat then subtract about 500 calories from this total and try to eat about that many. If you eat 500 calories under maintenance level per day you will loose about a pound of fat per week.
7days x -500 cals= -3500 cals
3500 cals= 1 lb fat
here's a great message board with lots of good info:
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/forumdisplay.php?f=16
I guarantee any question you may have has been asked on there, just search it up. There are also lifting guides to help learn some new lifts and understand what muscles are targets by each lift.
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Location: Oconto Falls, WI | BenR - 2/4/2010 11:09 PM
I also had back surgery 9 years ago and realized it was much better to be in shape, than out of shape...BR
Ben now I get why you think it is easy...as you are in shape!
I think those that are not wanting to listen to those of us who have experienced the pain are foolish. IT WILL HAPPEN. EA mentiones getting older and seeing issues. Heck I am only 33 and am going through quite a bit right now in the way of muscle issues. That is coming from someone that was in pretty good shape due to the sports I was in, and only being anywhere from 5.5-8% body fat. I thought I was invincible, and that nothing would happen to me. My issue was I slowly phased out of sports, did nothing in the off seasons, and pushed my body too far during the season with 20+ hour days. Also the repetative motion we go through as fisher people, and my dailey job (office) all accumulated up to big big mess.
I know some here are responding to keep things light and funny, but sitting here in my shoes I am not seeing it as such. I don't wish my issues upon anyone including my worse enemies. The question was asked on what muscle groups to address to stay in shape for fishing. Not whether or not a workout routine is needed for fishing, and if we should become pansies and start watching our health.
Sorry for the rant. I'll step off now. |
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Posts: 462
Location: Madison Wi. Chain | I have recently started a core body workout system. PM me for more information. It is the best program for strength, stamina and longevity I ever experienced. BG |
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Posts: 265
Location: McGuire AFB, NJ | Jim, I like that hand strech! I'm always running/working out. I like it, plus I do really think it helps with fishing. I can fish my @ss off for days on end. NOT TO MENTION THE HEALTH BENEFITS! It not only gives me indurance but a mental edge.
I used to wrench on jets everyday and when I fish pretty hard for days the only thing that really every seems to get me is my hands.
A little thing we go by in the Air Force is "work smarter...not harder" With the emergence of longer rods and better reels you can toss those bigger baits all day with little or no effort. Take a good look at your equipment, is it effecient? Are you working harder than you have to? |
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Posts: 906
Location: Warroad, Mn | I'm now 71 years old. Here's what I do. I simply go fishing every day. Keeps all the muscle groups you need for fishing in shape just by going fishing. I never seem to hurt anywhere, and pull DCGs and twitch 10" Jakes for months at a time. I'm in Tennessee right now and fishing away! Doug Johnson |
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Location: Elko - Lake Vermilion | Doug,
I think your living my dream and most of the others on this board... God Bless
you.
Jerome |
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| CiscoKid - 2/5/2010 5:59 AM
BenR - 2/4/2010 11:09 PM
I also had back surgery 9 years ago and realized it was much better to be in shape, than out of shape...BR
Ben now I get why you think it is easy...as you are in shape!
I think those that are not wanting to listen to those of us who have experienced the pain are foolish. IT WILL HAPPEN. EA mentiones getting older and seeing issues. Heck I am only 33 and am going through quite a bit right now in the way of muscle issues. That is coming from someone that was in pretty good shape due to the sports I was in, and only being anywhere from 5.5-8% body fat. I thought I was invincible, and that nothing would happen to me. My issue was I slowly phased out of sports, did nothing in the off seasons, and pushed my body too far during the season with 20+ hour days. Also the repetative motion we go through as fisher people, and my dailey job (office ) all accumulated up to big big mess.
I know some here are responding to keep things light and funny, but sitting here in my shoes I am not seeing it as such. I don't wish my issues upon anyone including my worse enemies. The question was asked on what muscle groups to address to stay in shape for fishing. Not whether or not a workout routine is needed for fishing, and if we should become pansies and start watching our health.
Sorry for the rant. I'll step off now.
I get it, I am 37 and had back surgery back in 2000...I just made a decision a few years ago to change my lifestyle...I got back into staying active...Living in CO helps as there are a bunch of good activities out here to keep you in shape. I will mention that due to the back issues I had I worked with a Pilates instructor who was familiar with those types of injuries. It has actually transformed my body and has been the most beneficial change for me. The core and total body workout while fixing the reasons the issues came up to begin with is great...I highly recommend it....BR |
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Location: New Hope MN | fish4musky1,
I think we have a lot in common. Hopefully, you'll know what i haven't been able to figure out.
How do you strengthen those little muscles right between your shoulder blades? You know the ones that hurt like heck on day three from throwing DBL 10's. I can row 120lbs dumbells, hang 50 and do pull ups... but after 3 days of blades, ouch.
Thoughts?
Thanks,
Dave |
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Location: Oconto Falls, WI | dtaijo174 - 2/5/2010 9:12 AM
How do you strengthen those little muscles right between your shoulder blades? You know the ones that hurt like heck on day three from throwing DBL 10's. I can row 120lbs dumbells, hang 50 and do pull ups... but after 3 days of blades, ouch.
Thoughts?
Thanks,
Dave
Dave, that is part of the muscle group I am working on right now using resistance bands. Here is what I am doing. With the band around a pole or in a door at shoulder height or slightly below (while at a slight knee bent, butt out a bit, back straight position), step back until the band is stretched slightly while holding your arms straight out, palms down. Picture riding a cycle with “ape” hangers. Pull the band straight back. This shoulder bring your shoulder blades together. While maintaining the blades together “push” you hands straight down until straight at your sides. Keep those blades together, and now “push” your hands back behind you a couple of inches tensing your triceps, and hold for 3 sec. Do 10-12 reps at 2-3 sets.
The other to do is same stance, slightly closer to object holding the band, but this time your palms face in and have a slight bend at the elbow. Move arms back like you are going to fly until your hands are about even with shoulders. Your blades again should have come together or close to it. Now while keeping those blades together bring your arms back a little further and hold again for 3 sec. Same reps and sets as above.
Key is keeping blades together, proper stance, and concentrating on not letting your shoulders come up. You should feel the pull between the shoulders to about mid back. You may steel feel a bit on top of shoulders as I am, but that is not where the main focus of these exercises are intended for. To add to it you can tense your stomach the whole time, but in doing so keep breathing.
Hope it helps
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| I chose to learn fishing both left and right. I had to sell most of my lefty reels after getting an elbow infury. Now that it has heeled, I still fish righties, but can switch to lefties as well. It's as though you can last twice as long. I had to train casting the other way in the winter in the driveway. In the long run, I think it will help my to stay fishing for years longer. It simply becomes not fun when you start to labour too much while fishing. |
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| Get one of those large exercise balls and two eight to ten pound barbells. You don't need a lot of weight for this. Lay face down with your upper chest on the ball. Stick your arms out 90 degrees from your body and let your hands fall to the floor. Grab the weights and do a reverse curl with your arms extended. The trick to this excercise is to initiate the movement with those muscles in your back first, not your arms. You have to concentrate to do this right. This excercise is also good for the shoulders since it also helps posture.
A couple other shoulder exercises I do include using one of those pieces of equipment with a pully system where you can adjust the height of the handle to pull down or up.
First stand facing the bar and set the handle up high. Extend your arm forward and keep it straight. Grab the handle and pull it down toward the side of your body. Then slowly raise and repeat. Do this 12 times and switch arms. This helps the smaller muscles in the front of the shoulder. Again the key is to focus the movement on the shoulder and not try and use your tricep to make the movement.
Now lower the bar to slightly above waist level and face sideways to the equipment. Bend your arm 90 degrees and do an outward extension from your elbow and grab the handle. Rotate your arm to your side and slowly repeat. Do this 12 time. When finished reach across and grab the handle with your other arm and to a similar but outward rotation with the other arm. Then rotate your body 180 degrees and repeat the process with both arms. This exercise will help all of the smaller muscles of the shoulder and will really help when casting. |
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Location: Smith Creek | Get a few pounds of cookie dough and leave it out in the sun for a day. Then stick a hand mixer (electric won't work) in there and start cranking away. Double 13's will be a breeze after that. |
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Location: WI | What gets me is wrist and hand pain. I have tendonitis in both hands from my job. Lifting 240,000 cases of pop every year doesn't help any, especially when I throw DCG's a lot.
I do a lot of stretching and icing. I also don't fish marathon days. I have the luxury of being half a mile from my favorite lake and can just go home and take a break for a few hours and then go back out in the late afternoon.
When I'm all burnt out I troll. |
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Posts: 8834
| JKahler, I worked on cars for many years, turning wrences and oil filters, etc. Add that to decades of playing guitar and piano, and 12 years with my hand on a computer mouse all day. I'm the poster child for RSI...
Like others have mentioned, I learned to fish left handed. We've all fished spinning gear most of our lives, so it's not as difficult as one would imagine. Being able to switch hands helps a LOT. One thing I have yet to do is reverse my casting when reeling with my right hand i.e. casting over your left shoulder and not switching halds like many anglers do. That's my project for this season, is to become completely ambidextrous with my fishing, and to continue getting comfortable working a variety of lures with either hand.
I think we all want to be Doug J when we grow up, because the best workout for fishing is fishing! |
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Posts: 250
Location: Pittsburgh, PA | Yeah i dont think you got to workout to hard to muskie fish. Ive never really been too sore after a day of fishing.But it is a good idea to workout. I usually just run and do crunches and pullups. |
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Posts: 275
| Thanks to everyone for the answers and ideas.
Tom |
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Posts: 553
Location: 15 miles east of Lake Kinkaid | Many great answers on the site... I have always believed working out has gave me a mental and physical "edge" over people who are not in shape. When I began musky fishing 3 of the first 6 were caught after fishing for 10 hours plus (and not sleeping the night before). Twice I caught fish while my partner was resting because he was "tired" or "taking a break". I attribute this partly to being in good physical condition, as well as having a never-say-die mentality.
Also, others mentioned they have never gotten tired at all after or during musky fishing....I wish I could relate. I am guessing these folks have never put in 12-15 hour days throwing pounders, burning DCGs, burning Super Models, or ripping 10" Jakes? Certainly pulling a 8 or 9" Suick or slow reeling a Mepps Marabou for a day is easier on the wrists, hands, shoulders, triceps, biceps, and core than the previously mentioned techniques. Anyone who says otherwise is superman.... But being in good shape allows for the endurance, strength, and mental toughness needed to withstand these long days, as well as being able to wake up the next day at 4am and do it all over again.
Edited by MuskyMATT7 2/10/2010 10:49 AM
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| I used to palm my reels and after 10 hours my wrist hurt so bad that I could hardly stand to fish any longer. Last year I went to a 700TE which palming was out of the question for my smaller hands so that forced me to get used to using the foregrip. It took a weekend to get used to but now I have absolutley no pain after a 10 to 15 hour day. |
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Location: Seymour, WI | I agree with Mr. Musky. Holding the rod by the fore grip instead of palming the reel is much easier on your wrists and puts you in a much stronger position to make good figure 8's and hook sets.
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| Do steroids help with working out? |
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Location: oswego, il | EthanPayne - 12/12/2020 7:12 AM
Do steroids help with working out?
Yes but then your 50 isn't legit.  I also would not want to see your mood swings when you lose one which everyone on the water will.
Edited by ToddM 12/12/2020 10:32 AM
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Location: Brighton CO. | Almost seven years ago I had a bad fall at work and hit my head sold my bench press, squat racks , 50 pound plates. Been replaced with tubes and bands and push ups lots of core work and some yoga and I walk. Started off with lots of high reps with light weight all these years later lots of reps with fairly heavy resistance I am as strong as ever at 60 years old.
I do have a bow flex but use it for mostly pull ups, bar dips and leg extendsions. |
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Location: Elko - Lake Vermilion | 12 0z. curls for me boys.... And I'll still keep up ! Work smart, not hard ! |
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Location: Perryville, MO | Ok, I'm aware its officially winternet time...but I now know for certain that things have indeed changed around here as of late. A 10 year old thread gets "drug" up and this is the question? And guys that have been around forever actually answer!? Nothing left to discuss?
Edited by hawkeye9 12/15/2020 1:16 PM
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Location: oswego, il | hawkeye9 - 12/15/2020 1:15 PM
Ok, I'm aware its officially winternet time...but I now know for certain that things have indeed changed around here as of late. A 10 year old thread gets "drug" up and this is the question? And guys that have been around forever actually answer!? Nothing left to discuss?
What would be the appropriate response to steroids? |
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| It's a natural progression we all go through...
Year 1-3: How do I catch a muskie? What lures do I need?
Year 4-6: How do I catch a lot of muskies? What lures do I need?
Year 7-10: How do I catch big muskies? What lures do I need?
Year 11: Ow, my _____ hurts...
Year 12-14: Ow, now my _____ hurts too...
Year 15: What can I buy/do/take to help me make it through a week in Canada without my _____ hurting? What lures can I get rid of?
Year 17: What can I do to make it through a day without my _____ hurting? What lures can I get rid of?
Year 20: Okay, what can I do during the off season to make sure I can go out there next year and still be able to do this at all?
Year 25: I gotta start trolling... What lures do I need?
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| steroids' nah...HGH is the way to being a better muskie fisherman!!! ... proven to be effective taking down old records! Hit the HGH boys so we can get rid of the Spray record for good! |
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Location: oswego, il | EA that's brilliant!
IA good luck it needs to be big enough to disqualify the Hayward library photo calipers. If not have someone check them out and not return them.
Edited by ToddM 12/16/2020 2:19 PM
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| HGH? Don't know about that. Last big public event I went to was the Wausau Musky Show right before everything shut down and by the size of the average show attendee, I would say the favored chemical body enhancers among that group come from McDonalds, Culvers and Budweiser. |
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Location: Northern Illinois | esoxaddict - 12/16/2020 12:05 PM
It's a natural progression we all go through...
Year 1-3: How do I catch a muskie? What lures do I need?
Year 4-6: How do I catch a lot of muskies? What lures do I need?
Year 7-10: How do I catch big muskies? What lures do I need?
Year 11: Ow, my _____ hurts...
Year 12-14: Ow, now my _____ hurts too...
Year 15: What can I buy/do/take to help me make it through a week in Canada without my _____ hurting? What lures can I get rid of?
Year 17: What can I do to make it through a day without my _____ hurting? What lures can I get rid of?
Year 20: Okay, what can I do during the off season to make sure I can go out there next year and still be able to do this at all?
Year 25: I gotta start trolling... What lures do I need?
This cracks me up because it is so true! |
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Location: Perryville, MO | ToddM - 12/15/2020 11:44 PM
What would be the appropriate response to steroids?
Not a good enough presentation, Todd, to get me to bite.
But what EA said is the sort of stuff that I've grown accustom to expecting from you guys. Thoughtful and often hilarious. Thanks.
Edited by hawkeye9 12/17/2020 9:59 AM
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Location: Perryville, MO | ToddM - 12/16/2020 2:17 PM
IA good luck it needs to be big enough to disqualify the Hayward library photo calipers. If not have someone check them out and not return them.
Like that! |
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| Not trying to be too serious here!
Being in shape (or out of shape) is something that is very noticeable to me. I find it both very relaxing and also incredibly helpful on musky trips.
Like many humans, I find it hardest to consistently motivate. Friends and family are very useful. I have to organize it this way:
1. Sports - They don’t feel like a workout to me. We have a crew of 50 y/o former hockey guys and organize a weekly skate. What a great time. Once a week does wonders in keeping a basic level of fitness. Some of our boys skate too.
2. Events - We also schedule a backcountry ski trip and wilderness elk hunt every year. Both are physically challenging, and exercise just becomes a necessary part of getting ready in advance of the next trip on the calendar. Musky trips too.
3. Home Gym - Quite a few years back, I bought a set of dumbbell weights and a bench and put them in the basement. Next a treadmill. Just 15 minutes down there at half time or right before bed really helps. My wife and kids often join me. Having an in-house option takes away the “too busy today” or “its snowing” excuses.
For me, the routine became far less important than forcing myself to just do a little something on a regular basis. Weights / cardio / core... I just mix it up. Its surprising how little perceived effort it takes when organized around things you love to do.
Good luck! |
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Location: Ashland WI | JHC - 12/30/2020 8:51 AM
Not trying to be too serious here!
Being in shape (or out of shape) is something that is very noticeable to me. I find it both very relaxing and also incredibly helpful on musky trips.
Like many humans, I find it hardest to consistently motivate. Friends and family are very useful. I have to organize it this way:
1. Sports - They don’t feel like a workout to me. We have a crew of 50 y/o former hockey guys and organize a weekly skate. What a great time. Once a week does wonders in keeping a basic level of fitness. Some of our boys skate too.
2. Events - We also schedule a backcountry ski trip and wilderness elk hunt every year. Both are physically challenging, and exercise just becomes a necessary part of getting ready in advance of the next trip on the calendar. Musky trips too.
3. Home Gym - Quite a few years back, I bought a set of dumbbell weights and a bench and put them in the basement. Next a treadmill. Just 15 minutes down there at half time or right before bed really helps. My wife and kids often join me. Having an in-house option takes away the “too busy today” or “its snowing” excuses.
For me, the routine became far less important than forcing myself to just do a little something on a regular basis. Weights / cardio / core... I just mix it up. Its surprising how little perceived effort it takes when organized around things you love to do.
Good luck!
I agree 100% with your take on this. So many people think that "fitness" is an "all or nothing" approach. They feel if they don't have the time/energy to put in an hour a day, every day, its not worth doing anything at all. Yet if you compared the benefits (vs nothing at all) of a simple 15-20 minute resistance band regimen 3 times a week, and a simple walk for 2-3 times a week, the difference is outstanding.
Everyone is capable of purchasing a $25-$50 set of resistance bands and going on walks.
Edited by 14ledo81 12/30/2020 9:34 AM
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Location: Chisholm, MN | I definitely agree with you guys. I work out pretty hard all winter and taper off in the summer. I do it because I want to fish harder and not be crippled when I'm old. We built up a home gym when the shiz hit the fan last winter, but I prefer going to the gym. I find it hard to get a good workout in when I know the couch and TV are waiting for me downstairs! At least when I make it to the real gym, I know I'm there already so I might as well get a good session in. |
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Location: oswego, il | I agree, have a weight set and treadmill. I will also add stretching as an important exercise. Ledo's resistance band idea is interesting as well I bought this one will give it a try.
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| I think Ledo nailed it. You don't need to workout every day, but you need to do something a few days a week, every week. Both cardio and strength.
I do walk 45minutes to an hour just about every day, but I am retired and have time, plus I really like to eat ;>). But when working, I did cardio at least three days a week and strength training 2-3 days a week. With a desk job I needed that to do just about anything, not just fishing. Now I have more time, but also as you get old, you have the added issue of losing muscle mass as part of the aging process.
Starting in January, I change/add to my strength training regime things that help musky fishing, like tricep cable exercises, hammer curls for forearms and some side to side core exercises. I will be 70 when the next season rolls around and I can still fish as long as I choose to fish.
Ledo's resistance band routine is a very good workout. There is a woman in her 30s at the YMCA I belong to and she was a college pole vaulter who still competes in masters events. She uses bands for part of her workout. Pound for pound, she might be the strongest person at the YMCA. |
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Location: Chisholm, MN | North of 8 - 12/30/2020 3:37 PM
I think Ledo nailed it. You don't need to workout every day, but you need to do something a few days a week, every week. Both cardio and strength.
I do walk 45minutes to an hour just about every day, but I am retired and have time, plus I really like to eat ;>). But when working, I did cardio at least three days a week and strength training 2-3 days a week. With a desk job I needed that to do just about anything, not just fishing. Now I have more time, but also as you get old, you have the added issue of losing muscle mass as part of the aging process.
Starting in January, I change/add to my strength training regime things that help musky fishing, like tricep cable exercises, hammer curls for forearms and some side to side core exercises. I will be 70 when the next season rolls around and I can still fish as long as I choose to fish.
Ledo's resistance band routine is a very good workout. There is a woman in her 30s at the YMCA I belong to and she was a college pole vaulter who still competes in masters events. She uses bands for part of her workout. Pound for pound, she might be the strongest person at the YMCA.
This is what I’m striving for! In 35 years I’ll be 70 and I want to be fishing just as hard by then.
Bands are great. They work the muscle differently than weights by not allowing you to use momentum, which is cheating.. They aren’t the answer to becoming Arnold Schwarzenegger but for the person that just wants to be healthy it’s a great alternative. My wife is a personal trainer and developed virtual home workouts that can be done entirely with bands. It’s a great workout for just about anybody. I still prefer weights but to each their own. |
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| I spend a fair amount of time in the gym. Not so much lately with all the closures. I enjoy wearing Muskie clothing at the local gym. It has struck up some pretty awesome conversation. I don't live in a high traffic Muskie area so it usually involves some Bass, Walleye or Catfish guys who just want to talk fishing or electronics.
I go out of my way to not socialize with people at the gym but I welcome any type of fishing talk and love getting to know people with the fishing connection (regardless of what species we chase). Working out and gym time definitely provide a hobby in the long winter months and putting out the flag has struck up some fun conversations and helped meet some buddies as well. |
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| I am 70 and retired 5 years ago. Instead of focusing on work 24/7 I can now focus on myself and family. At least 3 times a year I can enjoy 7 to 10 days of hard core musky fishing trips. I have found lifting free weights ( lighter weights with a lot of reps) and a rowing machine has been the best workout for fishing. I focus on core muscles, shoulders, back and arms. I can hang in there casting large baits and keeping up with my younger sons and grandsons. |
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| I am not a professional in this field, and I can't help you with a proper answer to your question. I used to work out at the gym for about one year. Because of my trauma, I decided to give up lifting weights and moved to CrossFit. It is the best thing to do if you want to lose weight. |
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Posts: 198
| The best thing to do if you want to lose weight is watch what you put in your mouth. All the gym work in the world will never out train a bad diet. Calories in < calories out. It really doesn't get much simpler then that. I won't comment on Crossfit lol. |
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