A few unrelated questions

Alki · A few unrelated questions

Right. First of all I'm completely new and really interested to learn as much as I can about Archery (everyone has to start somewhere...)

I'll be going down to the Waterlooville Quicks soon enough for advice, (a good idea, I know that much!) but I doubt I will remember to ask the instructor the questions I've been pondering lately when I get there. So I'll have a go at asking here first.

1. I want to build up my arm strength a bit before really getting out there to do the necessary training lessons. (Would be a bit embarrassing if I couldn't manage a trainer bow!).

So are there any exercises/movements or some sort of routine I could do to 'train for the training'?

Also an important one related to this question: I work with computers a lot for work/leisure, so Repetitive Strain Injury is an issue with my wrists. I don't actually have it but they do feel 'tired' some times. Would Archery send them to an early grave or actually help strengthen them/ benefit them in general?

I really want to improve arm strength without my work badly affecting that and my hobbies.
Mainly, I suppose, I'd just like to know what muscles are used and even if RSI can be an issue in Archery.

2. I'd like to know the average weight of a trainer bow and average bow for Recurve field archery (this is what I wish to eventually go into).

3. Do people work up weight bands or go straight from trainer Recurve to Recurve?

4. Subject to opinion I know, but what are the recommended training books/DVDs I could take a look at to help prepare myself?

Thank you so very much if anyone can offer advice and answers. I know it's a lot to ask of so I'd be fine to make less of them if it's too much to ask in one thread.

Ratfighter

I too, work with computers and have restricted movement in one through a motorcycle injury but archery has never led to any worsening of problems with my wrists.
You can use a length of elastic to replicate the weight of a bow but the use of a training bow will in itself build up the muscles. Pulling a bow back is largely a combination of technique and correct useage of muscles rather than the size of them, so I do not think you should overly worry about them.

All bows, are paired to your physical attributes and what one person would find too heavy would be like a twig to someone else, so a qualified coach is trained to identify your equipment needs. The main difference between trainer bows and "real" ones come down to the budget and materials used rather than weights. I won my first competition with a so called trainer bow, and this was against a number of very serious pieces of equipment. The main thing is to go out and enjoy the experience not to worry over the technicalities

segolden

I'll leave the other questions to those here who are familiar with the English archery scene, because heaven knows I ain't in no position to advise you being across the pond. I do have some experience in weight training for this sport, however. I won't bore you with details, but will list a site from another archer's training program. The only caveat I'd have is realize that the man's pulling hundred-pound bows, so use the principles and start low in weight. I must say this has really helped me get on my feet and eased the problems I had when initially starting in archery two years ago. Good luck Alki!

http://www.howardhillshooters.com/weighttraining/weighttraining.html

Might take a while to load, so have patience.

Dawn

Hi Alki no problem you asking as many questions as you want

It may take a day or two but you will get several responses mostly from other members experiences

I am a coach and a field archer, I would always recomend shooting a bow that is fairly easy weight wise and only move on to a heavier one if you really feel you will cope with it.
As Ratfighter says there is no problem with training bows or light weight recurves, its how you use them that counts.

A little exersize you could try is to hold your arms at shoulder height in front of you, with fingertips touching then without using your arms try to pull your fingertips away from each other by using your back muscles, as if you are trying to make your shoulder blades meet

these are the muscles you need to be using when drawing a bow

so your back and shoulders do the work and not your arms

A lady joined us just over a year ago, she is a slight build and started with a bow 24# draw, after several weeks when she found it very easy I moved her up to a 28# draw, she has now bought a bow 30# draw and can shoot it very well now

The thing to remember is you may find it easy to draw a light bow but can you do it all day

as we always say try as many as you can before you even think about buying your own

Hope this is useful iformation

but most of all enjoy it

Liam

Read your initial post with interest and was ready to steam in with some answers.................then read the replies...........they've said it all

madhatter

The advice that I will always give to a newcomer is start simple........start with a light draw [one that is very comfortable to hold at full draw for about ten seconds] forget the trying to push the poundage of the bow, DO NOT BE AFRAID/EMBARRASSED TO SAY TO THE COACH THAT THE BOW IS TOO HEAVY
[I am 6'3" was 17 stone and I was happy to shoot a 25# Recurve.]
Because you choose a comfortable weight you can now concentrate on 'form' this is the priority, with correct form you will enjoy your archery [you will not be knackered over the next 48hrs with sore muscles] your body will naturally develop, so do not worry about the weight of draw.
Comfort first, then you can absorb and enjoy all the instruction.

Just like the other have said.....GO OUT ENJOY THE EXPERIENCE and to do that keep the poundage on the low side.

Alki

Thank you all so much for the insightful answers. I've learned a whole lot from them.

You're right, I probably stressed over the details too much at this stage...

Starting simple sounds good, I'll start off light and remember that there are no shortcuts! I'll try different things and see what suits me.

Can't wait to get my first bow too.