There comes a time every archer eventually encounters that shoots competition. Our scores start to drop. Maybe just a spot or a few points at first. Our sight picture might not be as steady. We might start to tire out after so many shots or the poundage gets too much for us. This can be very humbling indeed! Should we just accept the fact that we are getting older and our best days are behind us? Maybe, but there might be a solution. The answer is your physical condition is not what it used to be.
You might have arthritis, shoulder pain, having trouble holding steady etc.… and this leads to self-doubt and bad form. Shooting more arrows might not be the answer. It’s time to evaluate and develop a game plan.
Since our physical condition starts declining as we age, a program to improve our conditioning should be our number one priority to get our old “mojo” back. When we were younger eating wrong, being overweight and not exercising did not seem to have an effect on our shooting. But it will in your senior years. So let’s develop that game plan.
First get back into shape. If you have never exercised before you better start. A program consisting of weight training and a cardio workout at least 2 to 3 times a week can turn back the clock. Check with your doctor and get a good physical exam to make sure you are healthy enough to start a program. Then find a gym or purchase equipment that strengthens your body. Start out very light with the weights using good form and increase your poundage as you become stronger. Heavy weights and forced reps will only lead to injury. So if you need to get a trainer by all means hire one. I have a treadmill at home I use 4 days a week as I’m watching TV for about 30 minutes. Consistency is the key.
After a couple of weeks your body will start getting stronger and with a better diet the pounds start to drop. The old aches and pains start diminishing and the best part is we start feeling better. Remember at this stage in our life this must become a new way of living. We all miss a few workouts here and there but do not quit! Get back on track ASAP!
Being a senior archer has advantages.
1. Our mental game is better from years of competition.
2. We may be retired and have more time to exercise and shoot.
3. We learned through years of shooting what equipment works best for us.
4. Senior archers seem to have more fun and enjoy other archers company.
5. Helping younger archers and giving advice becomes just as rewarding as winning a tournament.
Start your rededication and new training program from scratch. Number one priority is getting in shape with a regular exercise program and cleaning up your diet. This is a must if you want to improve. Never let anyone tell you you’re too old. Like the country song says “I’m not as good as I once was but I’m as good once as I ever was”. Now get going and show them what you’re made of!
GOD Bless and good luck.
Jim Beasley/ Owner of Spot Shooter Archery