(no subject)

[camwyn]

Hm.

So that's how one-armed pushups work.

(I just tried- I got five done on each arm, but I need to adjust my feet next time and work harder on holding my core together, as I was lifting in segments a few times and that's just not done.)

Comments

[lilpocketninja.livejournal.com]

o_o That's still really impressive.

[camwyn]

My co-worker, who was in the Marines for several years, says they're not really worth much as exercises in his experience. On the other hand, he doesn't do archery, and I do, so I need the triceps and chest workout where I can get it.

[moofoot.livejournal.com]

Speaking of archery; any tips for someone who's looking to get into it?

[camwyn]

Start by finding a range in your area, if you can. Many of them let you rent equipment by the hour, so you can get used to the idea of doing it before laying out the cash for a bow and a set of arrows. I started with just traditional equipment- a takedown recurve and the cheapest fiberglass arrows they had at Sports Authority- when I finally bought mine, but it was still expensive. Rentals are a good way to start, if you can manage. Otherwise, consider buying used.

The muscles you'll be using most when you shoot will be your back, shoulder, and triceps muscles. Don't pull with your arm, pull with your back and let your arm come along for the ride. You'll still want strength in your arms, of course, but the muscles of the back and shoulder are more critical. Push-ups and one-arm bent-over rows with weights are great exercise for this.

Do not, do not attempt any kind of shooting in a long-sleeved shirt or sweater unless you have thoroughly strapped down or tied down your sleeve. Similarly, either borrow or buy an archery glove- it doesn't have to be a full hand glove, three fingers will usually do- and a forearm guard. You might not think it matters much, but the first time you have a messy release and the string slaps your bow arm, you'll regret not wearing an arm guard.

No matter how tempting it is, don't steady your arrow in place by putting a finger over the top. This will hurt. A lot. Similarly, when you nock the arrow, don't pinch it or hold it with your fingers. This will cause it to wobble when you let it go, and you will not be happy at all.

I'd suggest starting off with a bow of around 20-25 pounds of draw. I forget what the bow I had in college gym class was rated at, but the first bow I bought was about 25 pounds of pull, and it was still tough to get used to.

[bastets-place.livejournal.com]

I took archery in gym class, because it least involved me running around getting icky and sweaty (we were never provided with the time to shower or anything) and I recall vividly having this bruise on the inside of one arm almost the entire time. It would just begin to fade, and then I would hve another messy release.

[camwyn]

Yeah, that's about right. I get especially twitchy about the long-sleeved shirt part of that paragraph because when I took archery, it was winter semester in Cleveland, Ohio, and one day I attended class in a Shaker sweater. Big, baggy sleeves. I thought I had them out of the way.

I was wrong. The loose bit of my left sleeve interacted badly with the bowstring, and my arrow wound up flying straight up in the air as a result of the botched release. It bounced off my head three times before hitting the ground. Shaft, not point or nock, but still. You can see why I'm an advocate for being careful about your arms and what you wear on them.