BCJ_WINTER18 Digital Edition

1
FLEXIBILITY
Falls and unexpected quick movements result in
sprains, strains and fractures. The more flexible a
person is, the more shock they can absorb. Lengthening
the soft tissues and improving pliability
makes muscles and ligaments less prone to injury. It
takes time, dedication and a certain amount of mental
letting-go to hold uncomfortable positions. Going
through a series of yoga poses may help the less
flexible or busy-minded person take on a structured
stretching program.
2
STRENGTH
We anticipate heavy lifting and carrying but don’t
want to throw out our backs. Weight lifting helps
prepare for those big lifts but small muscles need
attention too. Many yoga poses are held for long
periods of time, thereby recruiting the smaller intrinsic
muscles around joints to strengthen and protect
them. Hiking, squatting, bending forward and
carrying a pack are all activities related to sustained
postures. Strength training should include endurance,
not just max weight or repetitions.
3
BALANCE
Standing on one leg with eyes open and eyes
closed for at least one minute each and every day
is a good start to practicing balance. If you can’t do
this don’t even think about crossing shale or jumping
from one boulder to another. Good balance can
save you from a bad fall and teach your body to correct
more quickly when you find yourself off center.
Practicing balance also increases postural awareness.
Imagine the difference you would feel carrying a rifle
for an eight-hour hike if you were slouching forward,
leading with your head rather than holding
your shoulders back and your neck up long and tall.
Balance, posture and body awareness work together
to keep you in the best positions possible with the
lowest risk of injury.
4
BREATH CONTOL
Controlled slowing of your breath when you are
excited or worried calms the fight-or-flight chemistry
to a state where you can act with clarity. Conscious
breathing also improves awareness of your
other senses. You more readily notice details like
sitting posture, wind direction and what is present in
your surroundings. More practically, breath control
increases the chances that you will shoot straight and
that you won’t get hit in the face by your scope.
5
FOCUSED INTENTION
A yoga practice focuses your physical and emotional
energy. It improves and directs your desired
intention. The ability to set an intention and focus
your mind and skills towards that end broaden and
deepen your entire hunting experience. It benefits
the community and culture of hunting to be conscious.
While body awareness prevents injury, intentional
hunting practices secure future hunting
opportunities. Collectively, the mindset to leave no
trace, observe and respect property lines, take ethical
shots, remove all possible meat, work together as
a team and appreciate the opportunity and gift of
hunting are the extended benefits of a yogic mind.
There is no shame in training the mind and heart
with the same dedication and precision with which
you prepare your gear and practice shooting.
WINTER 2018 BACKCOUNTRY JOURNAL | 17