Archery Fitness Training

Archery Description

Archery is an activity in which arrows are propelled by a stringed bow toward a target. Archery has been practiced throughout the world for centuries. Target archery requires good eyesight, balance and concentration. Archery may improve muscular strength and endurance, hand-eye coordination, balance and flexibility. Care must be taken at all times while participating in archery. Serious injuries or death can result from unsafe archery practices. Be sure to learn the proper way to use a bow and the appropriate safety procedures to follow when practicing or competing.

Archery Warnings

• People with chronic wrist, shoulder, elbow, lower back, knee or ankle problems, injuries or pain should consult their physician prior to engaging in archery.

Archery Risks

• Elbow or shoulder tendinitis/bursitis
• Wrist sprains
• Danger of errant arrows (use caution on the range!)
• Bruises on arms and chest from the bowstring

Archery Sport-specific applications

• National and international levels of competition (archery is an Olympic sport)

Archery Equipment required

• Bow
• Arrows
• Target
• Gloves to protect the hands and aid gripping and drawing power
• Eye and face protection: face visor, goggles, etc.
• Forearm guards/pads to protect forearms from bowstring draw and snap

Archery Applicable substitutions

• Fishing
• Darts
• Golf (using cart)

Archery Reference sources, organizations and publications

• U.S. Olympic Committee: 1750 Boulder St., Colorado Springs, CO 80909­5760, (719) 578-4576
• National Archery Association: 1750 Boulder St., Colorado Springs, CO 80909, (719) 578-4576
• National Field Archery Association: Rt 2, Box 514, Redlands, CA 92373, (714) 794­2133

Mode

Recreational

Fitness Benefits

• Cardiorespiratory 1
• Flexibility 1
• Muscular Strength 2
• Muscular Endurance 3
• Body Fat Recution 0

Fitness Requirements

• Cardiorespiratory 0
• Flexibility 1
• Muscular Strength 1
• Muscular Endurance 2
• Coordination/Skill 3

Muscle groups used

Primary muscles: latissimus dorsi, trapezius, rhomboid, shoulders (posterior deltoid) and forearms Assistance muscles: triceps, chest, lower back, abdominals, biceps, quadriceps and hamstrings

Energy expenditure

Approximately 0.03 Calories per minute per pound of body weight