It’s winter, and as a friend likes to remind me, I’m on the “wrong side of 55.” It’s the season of reflections and resolutions, and as a decidedly middle-aged man, I’ve accepted there are things I can and cannot do. For instance, I can still fish as many days as I want (lucky me!). I cannot recreate the reckless glory of my youth—like that time I stumbled into a dicey route along the upper Kern 20 years ago. Picture me intentionally sliding down a steep rock face, rod clenched in my teeth, only to land in thick brambles that made me question all my life choices up to that point.
These days, as the winter sun starts to linger a little longer, I’m nudged by the universe (and my achy joints) to get up a little earlier and start getting back in shape for the upcoming fishing season.
The fittest I’ve ever been? When I trained for the NYC marathon in my late 20s. The least fit I’ve ever been? After I blew out my knee while training for said marathon and consoled myself with Philly Cheesesteak therapy. These days, my fitness goals are simpler: I want to fish for multiple days in a row, be able to hike to remote spots, stand in a drift boat all day, or throw dries late into the evening without my shoulder crying for mercy.
So how does one achieve these lofty goals when on the “wrong side of 55?”
Well, my phone (which apparently listens to me more than my kids) has been bombarding me with ads and reels for “workouts for people over 40” (you flatter me, Instagram). Frankly, as a former recreational athlete who ran, played volleyball, and lifted weights, I initially dismissed those workouts as… what’s the word… wussy? But add a bit more weight, a few extra reps, and I’m back to acknowledging I’m not in as good of shape as I think I am.
During COVID-19, I ditched my gym membership and discovered that my backyard was as good a place as any to workout. Now, my workouts consist of squats, resistance training with colorful stretchy bands and an odd assortment of dumbbells, and a lot of various exercises to strengthen my core. I focus on core and shoulder strength—because those muscles are key for fishing—and because, in my Cinemascope imagination, six-pack abs and tight-end shoulders are still within reach. (Reality check: They are not.)
So how do you stay fit to fish the Pit River without falling in from sun up to sundown? Younger readers, feel free to continue your eye roll exercises. For the rest of us, here’s the hard truth: Nobody sends you a Notice of Expiration for body parts when you turn 40 and 50. Joints just…go on strike.
Still, I’m looking forward to crashing through 60 with enthusiasm, determination, and shamelessly without a shirt on. (You’ve been warned.)
