Hey Gang,

I’m just going to throw this out there as a little nugget for those of you trying to get fit for this season’s canoe trips. Now Is the time that everyone starts to get excited for these trips and hopefully this video will help those of you looking for some paddling/portaging specific workouts. I’m not a personal trainer, a gym rat, or anything of that sort, but I have a lot of experience in endurance sports and canoe tripping which helps me make useful workouts for us wilderness junkies. I’ve run the Ely Marathon Canoe Portage Race twice now and this workout, along with the other workouts on my YouTube page have all helped me in training for long hauls with a canoe. Feel free to give this one a shot if you think it’ll help you and if it’s not your can of worms, no big deal. Canoe Trip Workout #4

Best of luck preparing yourself for upcoming trips and happy paddling!

Tony

I gave the video a like on youtube after giving it a try...good routine!

Thanks for sharing. Also appreciate your trip report videos. :)

I was going to criticize your video for being unrealistic, before watching it, for 75% of those wandering into the BWCA. So I watched it. I was wrong-it is unrealistic for 99% of your target audience...maybe even 99.999%. And this is not news to you-you knew this too.

outsidethebox: "I was going to criticize your video for being unrealistic, before watching it, for 75% of those wandering into the BWCA. So I watched it. I was wrong-it is unrealistic for 99% of your target audience...maybe even 99.999%. And this is not news to you-you knew this too."

Take from it what you will. Tony offers recommendations and exercise variations and other tips, too. Always a pleasure, Tony.

outsidethebox: "I was going to criticize your video for being unrealistic, before watching it, for 75% of those wandering into the BWCA. So I watched it. I was wrong-it is unrealistic for 99% of your target audience...maybe even 99.999%. And this is not news to you-you knew this too."

That is very unfortunate if this is unrealistic for 99.999% of people in the bwca.....

outsidethebox: "I was going to criticize your video for being unrealistic, before watching it, for 75% of those wandering into the BWCA. So I watched it. I was wrong-it is unrealistic for 99% of your target audience...maybe even 99.999%. And this is not news to you-you knew this too."

I'm 65 and kinda liked it, but thought it was a bit light. Especially for arms and shoulders. What is unrealistic to you at age ~68??

ps, My challenge is to paddle Q at age 80.

outsidethebox: "I was going to criticize your video for being unrealistic, before watching it, for 75% of those wandering into the BWCA. So I watched it. I was wrong-it is unrealistic for 99% of your target audience...maybe even 99.999%. And this is not news to you-you knew this too."

Really??? Why is it unrealistic? I think that most people to decide to paddle into the wilderness of the BWCA and or Quetico, where paddling and portaging are the only means of accessing most of the wilderness are going to be either in pretty good shape to start out or certainly are interested in exercises that they can do to get in better shape to make travel easier for them. Perhaps we don't all start at Tony's fitness level but I don't see anything in the video that the majority of us couldn't do, even if you have to modify some of the moves at the beginning. Frankly I found the video helpful and will be incorporating Tony's tips into my workout routine.

ScottL: "

outsidethebox: "I was going to criticize your video for being unrealistic, before watching it, for 75% of those wandering into the BWCA. So I watched it. I was wrong-it is unrealistic for 99% of your target audience...maybe even 99.999%. And this is not news to you-you knew this too."

Really??? Why is it unrealistic? I think that most people to decide to paddle into the wilderness of the BWCA and or Quetico, where paddling and portaging are the only means of accessing most of the wilderness are going to be either in pretty good shape to start out or certainly are interested in exercises that they can do to get in better shape to make travel easier for them. Perhaps we don't all start at Tony's fitness level but I don't see anything in the video that the majority of us couldn't do, even if you have to modify some of the moves at the beginning. Frankly I found the video helpful and will be incorporating Tony's tips into my workout routine.
"

I liked Tony's modified pull-ups...my modification made them even simpler! The other exercise that makes me "smile" is the plank balance elbow to knee thing. I'm sure I'll get better with time. The exercises certainly do help to strengthen the muscles I use on my trips.

ScottL: "Perhaps we don't all start at Tony's fitness level but I don't see anything in the video that the majority of us couldn't do...
"

And the point is to work up to a better level of fitness. You don't start out completing a routine, otherwise you need a tougher routine!!

I've always marveled at the Ely Marathon Canoe Portage Race - good on you for running it twice!

Awesome video too, I'll be adding your workout to my pre-trip fitness routine.

outsidethebox: "I was going to criticize your video for being unrealistic, before watching it, for 75% of those wandering into the BWCA. So I watched it. I was wrong-it is unrealistic for 99% of your target audience...maybe even 99.999%. And this is not news to you-you knew this too."

We are not all old and out of shape.

outsidethebox: "I was going to criticize your video for being unrealistic, before watching it, for 75% of those wandering into the BWCA. So I watched it. I was wrong-it is unrealistic for 99% of your target audience...maybe even 99.999%. And this is not news to you-you knew this too."

I apologize if this one isn’t in your wheelhouse OTB. Although I would disagree with you on your opinion of everyone else’s ability to do the workout. We’re not moving any mountains here, no small miracles were performed. With some mods to the reps, weight/resistance, anyone can complete this workout. Your last line- “And this is not news to you-you knew this too.“, not sure what you’re implying, but it really doesn’t sound to friendly. If you don’t like the workout, don’t do it. Badmouthing it and trying to bring others down is accomplishing nothing. If you felt like it was unrealistic before even watching it, why waste your time?

Tony

Nice job getting after it and thanks for sharing!

Couple thoughts that you may not need, as everybody's body and joints are different, but may be helpful to others.

1. Warm up pressing some lighter weights before you jump right into pushups to exhaustion. Going from nothing to exhaustion can cause injuries, especially for those just getting started.
2. The push up bars you use can encourage folks to dip lower. This puts stress on the shoulders. Important to not go past 90 degrees, ensuring no part of your arm goes behind the plane of the back. Going beyond 90 really stresses the shoulders. If your wrists hurt dong them traditionally, try it on your knuckes with a folded towel or some padding on the floor.
3. Squats - concentrate on getting the butt back a little further, thus keeping your knees over your feet. When the knees extend beyond the feet, it's puts unneeded pressure on the knee joint.
4. Slow down. For alot of folks, it's important to slow down and concentrate on the form. Concentrating on the form helps put the pressure on the muscles and not the joints. If you're not sure of the correct form - google it. There's a ton of info out there. Slowing down and controlling the form will also allow the smaller stabilizing muscles to be worked. This helps protect the joint and in the case of leg exercises helps tremendously with balance.

I don't think it looks un doable for the majority of folks out there. They might not have your endurance and energy, but to whatever degree they do it, will be helpful. It looks like a great workout to do just as you said, strength and endurance!

I think this is terrific - thanks for taking the time to create and post.

I don't aspire to run a marathon with a canoe on my shoulders or complete the Border Challenge - sure admire those who do! But I do aspire to paddle as long as I possibly can, and to the extent that posts like these encourage me to pursue the goal with health and strength, I appreciate it, Tony!

Beth

outsidethebox: "I was going to criticize your video for being unrealistic, before watching it, for 75% of those wandering into the BWCA. So I watched it. I was wrong-it is unrealistic for 99% of your target audience...maybe even 99.999%. And this is not news to you-you knew this too."

I'm 63 and can do the workout

Good stuff, thanks!

GopherAdventure: "

outsidethebox: "I was going to criticize your video for being unrealistic, before watching it, for 75% of those wandering into the BWCA. So I watched it. I was wrong-it is unrealistic for 99% of your target audience...maybe even 99.999%. And this is not news to you-you knew this too."

I apologize if this one isn’t in your wheelhouse OTB. Although I would disagree with you on your opinion of everyone else’s ability to do the workout. We’re not moving any mountains here, no small miracles were performed. With some mods to the reps, weight/resistance, anyone can complete this workout. Your last line- “And this is not news to you-you knew this too.“, not sure what you’re implying, but it really doesn’t sound to friendly. If you don’t like the workout, don’t do it. Badmouthing it and trying to bring others down is accomplishing nothing. If you felt like it was unrealistic before even watching it, why waste your time?


Tony"

Perfectly stated.

Tony-I see OTBs first name is Warren. Maybe its Coach Kaari trolling you;)

Hammer's here too;)

Go Tigers!

A great idea. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks for sharing Tony. I enjoyed the video and appreciate the improvised motions in some of the exercises. I like “made up” unconventional approaches to otherwise run of the mill styles.
Best,
PF - Joe

Blatz: "

outsidethebox: "I was going to criticize your video for being unrealistic, before watching it, for 75% of those wandering into the BWCA. So I watched it. I was wrong-it is unrealistic for 99% of your target audience...maybe even 99.999%. And this is not news to you-you knew this too."

I'm 63 and can do the workout"

I'm now 69...today I am/remain, physically, the envy of my classmates. Was an all-state basketball and baseball player....a physical education minor. I can still paddle with the best of them. This work out is silly-for way more folks than it is useful. The better course is to simply live a sound daily routine that supports good health and fitness. I believe the most critical elements of preparedness can be achieved by routinely hiking 5-8 miles on uneven terrain. Here, aerobic capacity, strength, balance and proprioception are developed and maintained to carry you across the lake and over the portage. I take advantage of the daily opportunities of my life situation to maintain adequate fitness-and this is what everyone should do.

It's a relatively cold morning here in South Central Kansas. We heat with wood and I need to resupply the stock for today...from the trees I cut down, the logs I cut to length to haul in, the pieces I cut to length for splitting, the splitting, the stacking, the bringing to the stove and then finally into the stove. Our climate is mild enough that we can play golf year-round...I generally will walk, at least, 72 holes every week-that's around 7,000 yards/4-5 miles four times a week...my wife just made tee times for us to play on Saturday and Sunday. Next week I can play every day with my (during the week) golfing buddies. Today, for starters, I will cut the seed potatoes for planting tomorrow, haul hay to the cattle, refill the feeder for the laying hens, run to the butcher to pick up the beef we just had butchered...almost 600 pounds-it will fill our small freezer-the big freezer is packed with the fruit and vegetables we have harvested and purchased in bulk...and we will take a quarter in for our daughter and grandsons. (Last week I got our 15 fruit trees all pruned up and ready to go for the Spring.) I usually take a daily property hike with our three Great Pyrenees livestock guard dogs-that's at least a mile. I do usually/daily jump on our elliptical for a quick 15-20 minutes of running my heart rate up to the 130s for a bit. This evening we will make a run to Hutchinson to watch our local HS team defend last year's state basketball championship-we expect this to be their fourth in the 11 years we have lived out here...and we will enjoy our grandson pounding that big drum for the marvelous pep band. This is life-physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually...and its how I prepare for the paddling and the portaging-and reeling in all those incredible 15 to 20 inch brook trout from our favorite, secluded little lake...the one we have never seen anyone else fish.

outsidethebox: "

Blatz: "

outsidethebox: "I was going to criticize your video for being unrealistic, before watching it, for 75% of those wandering into the BWCA. So I watched it. I was wrong-it is unrealistic for 99% of your target audience...maybe even 99.999%. And this is not news to you-you knew this too."

I'm 63 and can do the workout"

I'm now 69...today I am/remain, physically, the envy of my classmates. Was an all-state basketball and baseball player....a physical education minor. I can still paddle with the best of them. This work out is silly-for way more folks than it is useful. The better course is to simply live a sound daily routine that supports good health and fitness. I believe the most critical elements of preparedness can be achieved by routinely hiking 5-8 miles on uneven terrain. Here, aerobic capacity, strength, balance and proprioception are developed and maintained to carry you across the lake and over the portage. I take advantage of the daily opportunities of my life situation to maintain adequate fitness-and this is what everyone should do.


It's a relatively cold morning here in South Central Kansas. We heat with wood and I need to resupply the stock for today...from the trees I cut down, the logs I cut to length to haul in, the pieces I cut to length for splitting, the splitting, the stacking, the bringing to the stove and then finally into the stove. Our climate is mild enough that we can play golf year-round...I generally will walk, at least, 72 holes every week-that's around 7,000 yards/4-5 miles four times a week...my wife just made tee times for us to play on Saturday and Sunday. Next week I can play every day with my (during the week) golfing buddies. Today, for starters, I will cut the seed potatoes for planting tomorrow, haul hay to the cattle, refill the feeder for the laying hens, run to the butcher to pick up the beef we just had butchered...almost 600 pounds-it will fill our small freezer-the big freezer is packed with the fruit and vegetables we have harvested and purchased in bulk...and we will take a quarter in for our daughter and grandsons. (Last week I got our 15 fruit trees all pruned up and ready to go for the Spring.) I usually take a daily property hike with our three Great Pyrenees livestock guard dogs-that's at least a mile. I do usually/daily jump on our elliptical for a quick 15-20 minutes of running my heart rate up to the 130s for a bit. This evening we will make a run to Hutchinson to watch our local HS team defend last year's state basketball championship-we expect this to be their fourth in the 11 years we have lived out here...and we will enjoy our grandson pounding that big drum for the marvelous pep band. This is life-physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually...and its how I prepare for the paddling and the portaging-and reeling in all those incredible 15 to 20 inch brook trout from our favorite, secluded little lake...the one we have never seen anyone else fish."

And for the people who live in an apartment, condo, city, or suburb. A workout, or parts of the the workout described could be just the ticket. It's just an example not the only way someone can get physically prepared. I was a physical education teacher for 35 years btw

outsidethebox: "

Blatz: "

outsidethebox: "I was going to criticize your video for being unrealistic, before watching it, for 75% of those wandering into the BWCA. So I watched it. I was wrong-it is unrealistic for 99% of your target audience...maybe even 99.999%. And this is not news to you-you knew this too."

I'm 63 and can do the workout"

I'm now 69...today I am/remain, physically, the envy of my classmates. Was an all-state basketball and baseball player....a physical education minor. I can still paddle with the best of them. This work out is silly-for way more folks than it is useful. The better course is to simply live a sound daily routine that supports good health and fitness. I believe the most critical elements of preparedness can be achieved by routinely hiking 5-8 miles on uneven terrain. Here, aerobic capacity, strength, balance and proprioception are developed and maintained to carry you across the lake and over the portage. I take advantage of the daily opportunities of my life situation to maintain adequate fitness-and this is what everyone should do.


It's a relatively cold morning here in South Central Kansas. We heat with wood and I need to resupply the stock for today...from the trees I cut down, the logs I cut to length to haul in, the pieces I cut to length for splitting, the splitting, the stacking, the bringing to the stove and then finally into the stove. Our climate is mild enough that we can play golf year-round...I generally will walk, at least, 72 holes every week-that's around 7,000 yards/4-5 miles four times a week...my wife just made tee times for us to play on Saturday and Sunday. Next week I can play every day with my (during the week) golfing buddies. Today, for starters, I will cut the seed potatoes for planting tomorrow, haul hay to the cattle, refill the feeder for the laying hens, run to the butcher to pick up the beef we just had butchered...almost 600 pounds-it will fill our small freezer-the big freezer is packed with the fruit and vegetables we have harvested and purchased in bulk...and we will take a quarter in for our daughter and grandsons. (Last week I got our 15 fruit trees all pruned up and ready to go for the Spring.) I usually take a daily property hike with our three Great Pyrenees livestock guard dogs-that's at least a mile. I do usually/daily jump on our elliptical for a quick 15-20 minutes of running my heart rate up to the 130s for a bit. This evening we will make a run to Hutchinson to watch our local HS team defend last year's state basketball championship-we expect this to be their fourth in the 11 years we have lived out here...and we will enjoy our grandson pounding that big drum for the marvelous pep band. This is life-physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually...and its how I prepare for the paddling and the portaging-and reeling in all those incredible 15 to 20 inch brook trout from our favorite, secluded little lake...the one we have never seen anyone else fish."

Impressive, Outside The Box, very impressive indeed. You have certainly created your preferred life and your paddle preparations work well for you. I'm grateful you shared as it reinforces several daily activities I could adapt to be a little more exercise-friendly too.

Personally, I can't relate to all of the opportunities you have because my situation is different. But I did learn from your post and it made me happy to read how you do it. I also learned from Gopher's video but not all of his is practical for my situation either. It is even helpful to point out what works for some and what doesn't work for others. The modified pull-ups were great for me in Gopher's and your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual approach is one I can focus on too.
I can't do some of Gopher's exercises because of a physical condition and I am not able to golf for my own reasons. I appreciate how both of you have created a system that works and you were both willing to share which benefits me.

Also, as a former high school basketball coach, I hope your local team won the championship! I'm sure your grandson did well in the band too! It's always awesome to have a secret fishing hole, especially one that sounds so productive! Best to you on your trips this summer.