How to Prepare Physically for Bowhunting

🎧 Listen Now:

This is a 2-part podcast. Part 1 is a solo episode with Matty Turner explaining how he gained 12 kg over 3 months and then lost it in the following 6 months. He gives you the calculations and protocol for what he calls “The Lazy Man’s Carb Cycling.” This was the exact method Matty used to drop the 12 kgs over a 12-week period.

Part 2 is from an interview hosted by Andy Leonard from the Stalk Outdoors Podcast. Around July 2025, Andy interviewed Matty on his podcast to discuss all things nutrition and fitness for preparing for a backpack hunt in New Zealand.

They cover potential exercises to focus on, nutrition for the mountains, and potential weight gain in the lead-up to the trip.

Podcast topics

• Brett Meldrum’s Hunt Giveaway
• Boars for a Cause
• Terrorist attack in Bondi and what that potentially means for gun ownership in Australia.
• Gaining and losing 12kgs over a 6-month timeframe.
• How Andy’s own injuries reshaped his training philosophy
• Functionality over weight in exercise every day.
• Key movements for mobility, core strength, and joint stability for bowhunting
• Warmups in the field to mitigate shoulder injuries.
• Programming tips for busy hunters who can’t train 5 days a week
• The fitter you are, the more likely you’ll be successful in the bush

Whether you’re preparing for an overseas hunting trip yourself or you just want to get in better physical shape for bowhunting in general, this is a great episode for you.

Connect with the Guests

Andy Leonard (Stalk Outdoors)

• Instagram: @stalkoutdoors.podcast

Follow Becoming a Bowhunter:

Instagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast

Hosted by: @mattyafter

🎧 Episode Sponsors:

Dog and Gun Coffee – Fuel your hunt with premium coffee. Use code BOWHUNTER for $10 off

@dogandguncoffee

Kayuga Broadheads – Precision and reliability for every shot. Use code BAB10 for 10% off

@kayuga_broadheads

Venture Hunting & Outdoors – Gear up for your next hunt

@venturehunting

Jab Stick Outdoors – Precision-engineered carbon shafts. Use code BAB10 for $10 off

@jabstickoutdoors