Being prepared for any situation doesn’t just involve stocking up on supplies and learning survival skills. As a prepper, you also need to be physically prepared for whatever comes your way.
Whether you’re bugging out or hunkering down, physical fitness is essential. Here are six exercises to help you boost your endurance and strength for survival.
- Running
Running is one of the best exercises for building endurance. In a survival situation, you’re likely to be on the move constantly. Whether you’re evacuating or foraging for supplies, you’ll need to be able to keep moving for an extended period. Running can help you build cardiovascular endurance and improve your stamina.
If you’re just starting, begin with a slow and steady pace, then work your way up to running long distances. Incorporate hill running and interval running to challenge yourself with different levels of intensity.
- Bodyweight Exercises
Bodyweight exercises like push-ups, pull-ups, lunges, and squats are excellent for building strength and endurance. They require no equipment, so they can be done anywhere, even in a survival situation. These exercises target multiple muscle groups simultaneously, and they help build muscular endurance.
Incorporate these exercises into your routine, varying the repetitions and sets. Make sure to keep a proper technique to avoid injury.
- Rowing
Rowing is one of the best exercises to build aerobic endurance and overall strength. It targets your back, shoulders, arms, and legs, making it a full-body workout. Rowing can also improve your posture and balance, which can be beneficial in a survival situation.
If you have access to a rowing machine or body of water, try to incorporate rowing into your workout routine. Start with shorter sessions and then work your way up to longer ones.
- Yoga
Yoga may not be the first exercise that comes to mind when you think about survival, but it has several benefits. It can help improve your flexibility, balance, and core strength. It also teaches you how to breathe correctly, which is useful in stressful situations.
Incorporating yoga into your workout routine can help you manage stress, reduce tension, and enhance your mental clarity. Plus, it can help reduce the risk of injury during physical activity.
- Weightlifting
Weightlifting is an excellent way to build muscular strength and endurance. It also helps improve your bone density, balance, and joint health. When you’re preparing for a survival situation, being physically strong and durable is essential.
Invest in a set of weights or resistance bands and start with lighter weights to avoid injury. Mix up your exercise routine by doing upper and lower body workouts and vary the repetition and sets.
- High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is one of the best ways to build endurance and strength quickly. HIIT workouts typically involve short, intense bursts of exercise, followed by a period of rest or lower intensity activity. These workouts can be done with bodyweight exercises, running, or weightlifting.
Incorporating HIIT into your workout routine can help boost your metabolism, improve your cardiovascular health, and burn calories quickly. Try to create several HIIT workout routines, and then mix and match them to keep challenging yourself.
In conclusion, staying physically fit is crucial for survival. Incorporating exercises that target endurance, strength, and flexibility is essential to be prepared for any situation. Running, bodyweight exercises, rowing, yoga, weightlifting, and high-intensity interval training are all worth incorporating into your fitness plan.
To create a successful routine try to start slow and gradually increase the intensity, duration, and frequency over time. Also, make sure to mix and match the exercises to keep it interesting and challenging.
Note that before starting any exercise program, it’s important to consult your doctor, particularly if you have a pre-existing medical condition.
Remember that being physically fit is not only essential for your survival but also your quality of life. Take care of yourself, train hard, and be ready to tackle whatever comes your way.