I have an archery event coming up in 30 days. The past two years I have really let down on my activities and have lost about 30% of my bow drawing ability. I should have started training earlier but I am starting now. I need to get about 10% stronger in less than 30 days. Is this realistic? I don’t plan on lifting weights or anything, just shooting bows as I will be doing in the event. One of the guys who is into physical training quite a bit had mentioned a couple of years ago to find a bow weight that I could draw and hold for 5 seconds and then do this at least a dozen times a day. And then do a couple dozen more regular shots. So this is what I am planning to do. The bow weight I can do this with is 6# lighter than I will be shooting in the event. I need to add about 5# to my strength. I also started doing a few push ups which was very hard. 10 years ago I could still do 40 now 10 was a struggle.
I’d say “maybe.”
A lot depends on how close you are to your genetic limits, and how old you are. If you were 20, it would be a lot easier than at age 60.
If you eat well - giving yourself a slight calorie surplus, I think your training idea could work. Keep a record of your results - instead of just drawing the bow and holding it for a fixed number of times, try to increase this number each time (if you do 12 the first day, try 13 the next).
I’d also give yourself a few days of rest before the event.
70 now, genetically I have always been very strong but started noticing more rapid declines in my sixties. In my forties I was drawing double what I can draw now and I wasn’t even training.
I think you will know pretty quickly if the regimen is working - good luck!
How’s the progress?
Thanks for asking. I got lucky, it seemed to come back sufficiently after only about a week. Not as strong as I was but strong enough to pull what I need to pull.
Glad to hear it.
I am curious ------ what/which events and what draw weight are you shooting?