Question from a newbie?

Belle Island · 07-20-2003, 12:46 PM

I just bought a recurve that is 40#' s at @28. When I reach my anchoring point at full draw, both of my arms shake pretty badly and I can' t stay on the target very well. I' m a decent sized fellow(6ft 215lbs), so I feel like I should be able to handle 40#' s fairly easily. Do you think I am over drawing, ie my drawlegth is too short, or is this common for beginners? Thanks.

LBR · 07-20-2003, 02:00 PM

Depending on the bow, your draw length, etc. you may be pulling in the 50' s at your draw. You might try exercising with this bow for a while before you start to shoot it.

Chad

Richard McCullough · 07-20-2003, 04:26 PM

I agree with LBR, do so practice and before you know it you will be able to hold back for a short time.

Arthur P · 07-20-2003, 05:01 PM

There is a guy on another forum having pretty much the same problem. Following is what I told him on how to build up the strength to handle his bow. I have a couple of herniated discs in my neck and I lost a lot of strength. I used this method to get back into a hunting weight stickbow.

- Work out with that bow. Stand up straight, head erect, shoulders back and square to the target. Pull it as far as you can, holding proper form, hold till the shakes start and SLOWLY let down. DO NOT CHEAT and try to crane your neck and stretch your lip to meet your anchor. If you do that, you' ll wind up letting your shoulders collapse and ruin your chances for progress.

Just like in weight training, form is everything. If you don' t do the exercise properly, you won' t get results. Do about 4 sets of 10 reps every other day. You' ll find yourself pulling further and holding longer in a short time. It won' t take long before you' re there.... and then you' ll need a heavier bow to keep up the strength work. -