Archery #2 : Develop the right muscles

Archery can seems a bit hard at the beginning, mainly because it requires muscles that aren't used much in our everyday life. Worry not my friend ! Here are some simple exercices that you can do regularly in order to developp the right muscles to be able to shoot like an authentic elf !

Archery #2 : Develop the right muscles 

• Boost arm strength : 

Arm strength will be useful to hold and pull back the bow. 

Stand straight with your feet shoulder-width apart, one hand holding your bow and your other hand  resting in front of your pelvis. Slowly raise your bow arm up to the side, continuing until your elbow is at shoulder-level. Hold for 10 seconds and lower it back down.

Do it 5x10 seconds for each arm.

• Overdraws :

Bring your bow up into the ready position. Pull the bow as much as you can, hold it for 2 seconds and bring it back to the first position. Repeat. This exercice will help you pulling your bow much easily, and reduce the shaking of your arms while shooting. 

Do it 10x2 seconds.

• Go overhead for strong triceps :

 Stand straight up with your feet close together and both flat on the floor. Extend your arms fully above your head, joining both hands. While keeping your upper arms beside your head, slowly flex your arms, lowering your forearms behind you toward your back until you feel a light stretch in your triceps. Raise your arms back up above.Repeat.

Do it for 2 minutes.

•  The Barbell pullover :

 Lie your upper back perpendicular on a bench, your legs bent in front of you on a right angle with your feet flat on the floor. Grasp a heavy book, position your arms so they're extended straight above you and keep your hands aligned with your shoulders. While keeping your arms straight during the movement, move your arms back in a slow, controlled motion, until the barbell is directly behind your head. Then, return to your starting position.

Do it for 1 minutes.

• The salute :

Raise your bow ina shooting position. Make sure that your hand, elbow and shoulder are at the same level. Bent your arm until your bow touches your chest, keeping your elbow up. Bring your arm back and repeat.

Do it for 1 minute. 

And you're done !!