Gearing Up For Heavy Bows

[Duck816]

#3667

Hello All,

I have recently begun the process of increasing bow weight. Have any of you increased your bow weight? How did you approach this task without causing injury? Do you start with a bow at your goal or work up to it in steps? I am aware that I do not need more weight for the game I am hunting. I primarily hunt white tails, turkey and other assorted small game and my 50# to 60# bows are plenty. I won’t need the heavy weight for the foreseeable future but if at some point I have the time and money to chase bigger game in this country or others I want to be ready. My goal is north of 80#, I’ll settle for 80# but more would be fun too. (NOTE: I know that I don’t need to go as heavy as I am. I just want to because I enjoy the physical challenge.) I have read “gearing up for heavy bows” and have started implementing the tips and exercises suggested in that article. Any information you guys/gals can provide would be great. The more information I can get the better.

[David Petersen]

#22334

Duck, sounds like you know what you want to do, why, and have a good start on the how. Long ago I was a “trainer” in an iron gym and while injuries preclude me from it these days I still believe strongly (no pun) in a generalized strengthening program based on calesthenics and iron — that is, you don’t just work to strengthen the arm, neck, and back muscles you’ll need to easily pull and hold a super-heavy bow, but rather you strengthen your entire upper body as the first step, then with that groundwork in place you are set to do specialized training for the end goal without so much risk of injury. Damn but I miss pumping iron, but apparently iron gyms are hard to find these days as most have gone to machines … boring and not nearly so efficient at getting the job done. That’s my story/personal history and I’m sticking to it. If you enjoy the process, well, tuning-up the old body, for no matter what reason, is always one of the best things you can do for yourself. JUst don’t rush it, as I did, and hurt yourself. Says grandpa …

[Amoose]

#22695

I hunt with a 70# @ 28″, pulling 29.5″ (approx 76#) but only because I find it shoots faster/flatter than a lower pound bow.

I am 6’4″ and 285# (fairly large person) but want to share something I overheard at NW Archery one day (Happy Birthday Glenn).

Jay St.Charles (Pacific Yew) was talking to someone about going to see the doctor about back and shoulder pain. I don’t know if you have ever seen/met Jay, but the guy has shoulders that look like he is wearing football pads, big thick and muscular. He has been shooting/making bows from childhood, and consistently shooting bows of all weights (I heard rumours of 100#+) And even though he was in shape, and could comfortably draw and shoot heavyweight bows consistently, it was causing him discomfort.

The doctor told him that the constant repetition was causing his body to rebel, and recommended that he tone it down.

Old age catches up to us all, and even though we CAN do something, does not mean we SHOULD.

A 55# bow is capable of harvesting any North American Big Game Animal, provided that the Broadhead is sharp, and shot placement is correct.

If you want to go with a heavier bow, for whatever reason, I suggest only going up a little, seeing how that works for you.

If you still want to go up in weight, then by all means, go for it.

BUT, bear in mind that at “the moment of truth” , when your heart is pounding, your knees are shaking, adrenalin is taking over, and your body might become as week as a baby, over pounding yourself can be devastating, and if are able to make it all work, hope and pray that you don’t strain any tendons, ligaments, tear you rotator cuff, or anything else, a 40# bow might be too much.

We only visit this world for a short time, I would hate to lose my ability to draw a bow, and watch the arrow in flight, just because I though I wanted to shoot a heavier bow, …now if I were to plan a trip to Africa….. (or be able to afford one)

[Mark Turton]

#23082

For what it’s worth earlier this year I started a routine of press-ups just to be able to hold at full draw a little longer, started at a low level 10 three times a day following week 12 and so on now 30 three times a day, it has certainly worked my shoulders and back feel really good.

I draw 55# at 29″, not so heavy, but feel I could now go heavier if required.

My draw is much smoother, I feel more relaxed and can focus better.

BIG bonus I’ve not had any back problems since starting this, I guess the muscles are holding the discs in place.

[Arne Moe]

#23274

Duck, Had a fairly lengthy response to your question and as I was typing it I got logged out and LOST it all!

I’ll just say this. Your goal is possible but I would suggest that you search out an archery coach and be sure your form is good. You are looking to “max perform” your body and you will be able to avoid injury if your form is a good as possible. Just doing “exercises” is not the total solution to your goal. Getting your form as efficient and correct as possible IS far more important!

[CareyE]

#23286

I asked for the Bowfit exercise bands and dvd for Christmas. My goal is to increase my bow pulling strength as well endurance for my trip out west next year. If you’re interested in a different type of weight training, do a search for Kettlebells. They are more of a European weight training system but have become very popular here in the US. You don’t need much room and there are many exercises and or movements you can do to improve strength.

[Steertalker]

#26799

Duck,

Yes…it is very possible…if done correctly.

I am 54 yrs old, 5′ 9″ tall, 150 lbs and am pretty thin. I’ve worked up to and work out daily with an 82 lb Brackenbury Quest. Your reasoning is the same as mine……to be ready to hunt Cape Buffalo if and when I am able.

I recommend you embrace blind bale shooting to insure that your form stays intact and do it in 5 lb increments. Along with bale work I would also recommend “wall drills” whereby you come to full draw and hold on target without releasing. Don’t push it. When you first feel the affect of fatigue…stop!

My go to bow for elk is a 72 lb Brackenbury Quest and I don’t go anywhere without it.

Good luck!!!

Brett

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