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26 Having a strong core, back muscles and leg muscles will not only help make the task easier but will also prevent serious injuries. 2. KNOW YOUR LIMITS Many people make the mistake of going too hard too fast. This could result in injuries that will only delay your hunting plans. Consider your fitness baseline and do not push yourself to the limit. Slowly ease into your exercise routine. If you know that you are way behind your current goals, begin by taking short brisk walks to get your cardio fitness firing. If you have known health issues, consult your GP before you start. 3. YOUR BODY IN MOTION Cardio health can be increased with the simplest forms of exercise. Remember to always warm up properly before your workout. Walking and jogging require no equipment and can be done almost anywhere. Stair workouts are also excellent preparation for climbing steep hills and tackling rugged terrain. If you have access to a treadmill, bike or cross trainer, start off with a light workout and slowly increase the intensity. Staying motivated might be your biggest challenge. 4. STRENGTH TRAINING Using your body weight is a simple and effective means to increase your body strength. Consistency is the key, so try to commit to exercising daily. Try these activities at home and do as many as you can within two minutes: • Push-ups • Squats • Leg raises • Sit-ups • Box step-ups • Tricep dips • Burpees. Once you can easily complete the first two minutes, increase the workload by adding an extra 30 seconds. To build your core, add in a one-minute plank and increase with 30-second intervals as you build your stamina. 5. CARRYING WEIGHT Carrying your equipment, using a backpack or retrieving a harvested animal puts considerable strain on your body. Having a strong core, back muscles and leg muscles will not only help make the task easier but will also prevent serious injuries. The best way to get used to carrying weight is to mimic that activity at home. Fill your hunting backpack with the same weight you anticipate carrying in the field, and walk around your home, yard, or street