Benefits of Archery

The repetition of drawing and firing a bow leads to muscle development in most of the major muscle groups of the upper body. An archer typically maintains their draw for a couple seconds before releasing the string and shooting the arrow, which allows for tension in the arms, core, hands, chest and shoulders, comparable to lifting weights. The specific amount of development depends on both the draw strength of the bow and the amount of time spent practising archery. 

Like most skills, coordination improves with repetition and practice, it is something that develops over time.  Archery helps you train your hand-eye coordination and trains the hands to work together while performing different tasks. Aiming and shooting the arrow based on input from your eyes also enables you to improve your estimation capabilities. Along with that, you'll improve your accuracy and your multitasking skills. 

Balance is also paramount to success in archery as you must be able to hold your body still while aiming and making a shot.  Over time, the core muscles become better at facilitating control of the body's balance and helps with more accurate shooting. The more you practice, the more your core muscles will become accustomed to balancing your body and keeping you steady as you aim and shoot your arrow.

Remaining focused during a shot is important for the archer, by concentrating on the target and aiming with determination blocks out any distractions around them. By constantly focusing on their technique and releasing the bowstring consistently it improves mental fitness and develops attention skills. These skills can transfer into everyday occurrences, enabling the archer to stay focused and calm in intense situations. Plus, learning to focus from archery may even help you to overcome procrastination and distraction.

Apart from archery building strength and improving balance, together with hand eye coordination, your results are measurable.  With improvement in your form and technique this can result in a boost in self-esteem and self-confidence. Belief in your own ability as your technique improves will lead to a more assertive and self-reliant mind-set.  Progress breeds confidence, this will positively affect your outlook in all areas of your life.

Archery is an obvious form of exercise that can prevent the loss of muscle mass as well as increase the flexibility in your hands and fingers. Whilst it has many benefits to your physical health, the increased social interaction improves brain function as it constantly engages and exercises the mind.