Let’s talk about staying physically fit for everyday fishing or, perhaps, an upcoming trip this spring or summer?

Having a career in emergency medicine for over 30 years, I  can tell you I have seen tremendous changes over those years. Overall,  advances in prehospital care and many other disciplines have made unbelievable strides for the better, even though the entire industry remains in a crisis as it changes post COVID pandemic.

What hasn’t changed is the need for you to take some responsibility for your own health.  No one owns it, but you!

So….isn’t being able to fish for decades a good motivator?

I haven’t been on the stream that much this winter, but the cold and snow hasn’t kept me from remaining physically fit for my career or my fishing. 

Daily and weekly hikes with my labs keep my lower body and core accustomed to long sustained walks sometimes needed during a full day guide or fishing trip.

I have a bunch of different kinds of routines for strength training,  but none are more versatile or enjoyable than using a TRX suspension system.  It is portable, very user-friendly, and provides an untold amount of possibility. 

In terms of targeting exercises for fishing,  I like HIIT routines, sprinting with my labs as they fetch,  and using TRX to target  legs,  back,  core, and shoulders- all of which you use for flying fishing whether it is wading a river or casting a fly rod. 

A device like the TRX can help you with stretching and balance,  equally important for longevity, especially if you are outdoors often.  As you can see,  this particular day was cold and windy!

I can go on and on….

Now that it is March,  we are in meteorological spring.  Daylight Savings happens this weekend.  True Spring arrives later this month on the 20th. If you haven’t been out much this winter,  get out now and get some physical exercise so you can have a season of fishing without injuries. 

I’m not a certified trainer, but if you focus on some long walks,  biking, or runs, that will increase your cardio and leg stamina for hiking and wading.  Focus on some stretching and balance exercise for strength and injury prevention, particularly for your knees and shoulders. 

For strength,  lifting some weights and doing some body weight exercises will help as well.

And by all means,  get out as soon as you can and practice casting the fly rod for 15-20 minutes a few times per week so you are ready for better days!