February 26th, 2025
6minute read
Human beings are naturally lazy.
Like most species in the animal kingdom, we look for easier ways to do anything.
At the very least, we give a shot to exert minimal effort to achieve desirable results.
Every day carry, or EDC, is an important aspect of self-defense — but just one part. Are you putting in the effort needed to ensure you are ready to properly defend yourself? Image: Maria Starus/Adobe Stock
If we look at wild predators, well see that they dont work more than necessary to get food.
Easier prey usually come first, leaving the hard ones as a last resort.
After all, predators also need to conserve energy for defense.
Do you carry your self-defense tools everywhere you are legally able to do so? If not, you may not be fully prepared to defend yourself.
Like these wild animals, we seek comfort following any strenuous activity, mental or physical.
Or, we join the military or law enforcement and serve our country honorably.
Tragic Reality
But real life throws plenty of wrenches at us.
Carrying your gun in a fanny pack may be a good choice when wearing beltless pants. While actively carrying a firearm, neither the gun nor the fanny pack should ever part ways with the owner. Image: Sonia Casasnovas
Things dont always work out.
And that includes the burden of legally carrying a gun.
There is nothing comfortable about carrying a gun.
The author advocates carrying your gun strong side in a quality holster and on a sturdy belt. Image: Sonia Casasnovas
You just get used to it.
Does that sound comfortable to you?
Eventually, this can take a toll on anyone who carries a gun for any length of time.
Are you prepared for what EDC may mean? Good quality gear combined with training and physical fitness can help you survive a defensive encounter.
It causes fatigue, which prompts us to look for ways to ease that fatigue.
And hence, the never-ending search for a good holster begins.
Bad things can happen otherwise.
Goblet squats offer an added challenge for a good leg workout with minimal equipment. Image: Sonia Casasnovas
The officer, driven by a strong sense of duty, partially opened his car door and announced Policia!
The carjacker fled the scene.
My partner and I went to the hospital, where the officer died on the operating table.
These guns can be tough to carry concealed compared to something like the Hellcat.
So, how can we deal with these issues?
Or find another mode of carrying on your person that it’s possible for you to tolerate.
The size and caliber of your gun is a very personal choice.
Basically, get off the couch and work out!
I only do it about three times a week.
I also complement kettlebell workouts with bike riding, water exercises, yoga stretches and body weight exercises.
This regimen has also saved me many a trip to the chiropractor.
But, just as important as the physical, dont forget the mental aspects.
confirm you are trained and prepared to use your firearm if you are forced to defend yourself.
Also, just as importantly, confirm you have the proper mindset.
If faced with an unavoidable, deadly threat, are you prepared to defend yourself?
If not, then the best gun and holster in the world wont matter at all for you.
[Be sure to read Mike Mills article onfitness and shooting.]
That scene drove a stake through my heart.
Think about all this next time you decide to casually go about your business with a concealed firearm.
