Tips From A Pro: Conditioning

THE WALL. Any experienced hunter knows what its like to hit a wall. It’s that moment when your determination starts to slip, and doubt slowly begins to creep into the forefront of your mind. Its that moment of second guessing, when one struggles to fight off panic by accepting the fact they are currently failing miserably at whatever feat they may be attempting to endeavor.

Its not uncommon for hunting guides to find themselves picking up the pieces when a client hits a wall – its literally their job to guide people through their comfort zone and sometimes beyond. At the same time, clients should be realistic about what they are getting themselves into, especially when a once in a lifetime hunt is on the line. For both sides, physical conditioning plays a critical role when it comes to making a hunt successful.

Meet avid bow hunter and personal trainer Tara Banks. When she’s not kicking ass and taking names at the gym, she’s out running up the side of one of many mountains surrounding Bozeman MT in pursuit of whatever happens to be in season – and Banks knows a thing or two about helping clients accomplish their goals and push through when they hit a wall.

“So many of my clients hit a wall and think they cannot continue. Our brains are wired to protect ourselves by shutting down your muscles before our bodies actually reach failure. So I try and train their brains to keep going,” she explains.

“People stop not because they physically cannot go any further but because their brains think they shouldn’t. I love when they push past their limits and realize their full potential. That’s what makes me so passionate about my job.”

Banks emphasizes that while big game hunting itself is seasonal, it doesn’t meaning conditioning for it should be, adding that the best way to start is by getting out and hiking year round.

“Big game hunts require hours of preparation and planning. Everything from physical training, endless hours of shooting your bow, studying land maps to food prep. These hunts are very physically demanding so training, hiking and fueling are extremely important,” she says. “Typically packing 50 lb. packs 10 miles a day up in the mountains for weeks at a time will need some training whether in the gym or out.”

When it comes to helping people reach their fitness goals, Banks is all about versatility.

“I put my clients on unconventional training programs through a large variety of methods to build endurance, stamina and fat loss. Weighted packs on the stair mill and treadmills simulating hiking the mountains. I utilize my sandbags as much as possible,” she explains. “The variations in stability with sandbags affect muscle activation and growth.”

And just when her clients think they’ve mastered one challenge, Banks hits them from another angle that will reduce even well conditioned athletes into a puddle of sweat on the floor.

“Kettle bells I love because they combine the benefits of resistance training and cardiovascular conditioning in one very powerful exercise. Boxing, battling ropes and tractor tires are always in my conditioning circuits. I have a limited time with each athlete so I need to push them past their limits!”

While it’s no secret that pre-season preparation and conditioning play vital roles in a successful big game hunt, managing and maintaining hydration and energy levels through nutrition is just as important.

“I always make sure I have enough food!” says Banks. “Fueling for your hunt is extremely important – make sure you pack and consume enough calories to sustain you. Typically burning 3,000 calories a day hiking, I like to pack granola, protein bars, jerky, nuts and other high protein, high energy snacks!”

Being in phenomenal shape herself, Banks is a perfect example of how fitness is a year round process. She inspires men and women alike to step up their game, regardless of whatever they are getting in shape for, and push through obstacles to achieve their goals. So when you suddenly find yourself facing The Wall on your next trip – whether you are a guide or a client – make sure you have what it takes to blast through and keep going until you reach your goal.