Weather you start out with a recurve or longbow keep it light when starting out. Try finding a bow in that 40lb to 45lb range. Less pounds mean better form, anchor, release, etc when learning and starting out. Its so much easier learning the basics when you can pull your bow back comfortably. When you get all this down and get your muscles in good shape a guy could then bump up in weight and look for something a little heavier, give it time though! It doesn't happen over night. Allot of the times too your draw length will generally shrink about an inch or so from your draw length with your compound.