Conditioning for archers

[snag]

I hear about shoulder injuries a lot.  I'm no expert but some of these exercises seem like a good thing. I am going to put these into my day, expecially before shooting, in hopes of preventing injury.  Hope this helps others too.

[Benoli]

Over the years I've used a jump rope to condition both my shoulders and legs. Had an old timer tell me once that the best remedy for improving my accuracy was strengthening my legs. There is nothing more important than a solid base!

[snag]

Cardio and lower body strength is great. But this video helps you isolate the shoulder and proper back muscles for strength. When I read about or hear from guys who are having shoulder problems I think it is because we don't take care of these areas.  These simple exercises will help protect our shoulders from these types of injuries. This will possibly make it so we can shoot later in life and maybe not have to go down too far in bow poundage.

[Bart S]

Thanks, plan on adding these to my work outs.  Also, I found kayaking is a great way to balance out those back shoulder muscles as well as the core and cardio.

[BRONZ]

I treat shoulder issues all the time in my profession. I love how this guy called out the fellas that only work on beach-going muscles! Nice stuff on here.... great post!!!

[TaterHill Archer]

I'm going through some PT right now for my shoulder.  Impingement and rotator cuff issue.  I'm doing some of those same exercises.  Very important to take care of our bodies.  I'm planning on making all these part of my regular routine as soon as the tennis elbow I also have is better.

[jkm97]

Originally posted by BRONZ:
I treat shoulder issues all the time in my profession. I love how this guy called out the fellas that only work on beach-going muscles! Nice stuff on here.... great post!!!

Right. As the saying goes, front for show, back for go. Legs and pull muscles are the very foundation of strength.

[snag]

Bronz, good to hear from someone with your experience and knowledge. I think we all could benefit from this type of regular "maintenance".

[RecurveRookie]

I strained my large-head bicep tendon on my right shoulder (I'm right handed).  

I was shooting a lot and not resting, with a heavy bow trying to build strength, also my form was wrong.

 The first part of my draw was with my arm (bicep), instead of turning my upper body to align my shoulders with my bow arm.  

"themoebow1" channel on u tube has Arne Moe's explanation on the proper form.

[njloco]

Good information, and good post, also google indian clubs !

[elkken]

Great post David ... as an aging archer I find myself working harder to shoot bows that used to be very easy. A little bit of the proper exercise on a regular basis goes a long way and will help all of us enjoy our sport more fully and hopefully injury free ...

[sweet old bill]

at 72, fat, bald, and married for 48 years my secret is, eat what you like, and shoot 30 arrows a day. Just one arrow at a time and walk up and get it, move back and move the spot so you are trying to make it like a hunting shot etc. That makes sure you still have a eye for the bow, and also you eat more and will get like me 6ft 2 inches tall and 282 lbs....

[Berliner]

Snag-
thanks for posting this link. Excellent exercises hitting the much neglected muscles even in daily life. Standing 6 ft 4" I am happy to having had only minor shoulder issues so far at age 48. And as the guy stated: The good old squat, when performed right, is THE exercise for overall body conditioning (and will help archers too). Did them for the past 30 years or so. First with weights and when the kids came I let them sit on my shoulders. Kind like the guy from Greek mythology "Milo of croton" who started out lifting a calf every day....        NO knee, hip or back issues so far. Thanks again.
Greetings from Germany
Vincent