[GilV]

Larry do you have a copy from Texas Archery of the excercises using the Formaster. A British Archery coach had it on the site. I thought I had a copy but don't. The site no longer has it.

Thanks
Gil

 

[GilV]

Nevermind. I just found it on a archery archival site. Looked for this for years. Go figure.

 

[GilV]

Not at all. I used this exercise to help increase my bow strength after a hurt shoulder. I used to work out with 65#. My hunting bow was 60#. While using this exercise with those weights, I was able to build up to 73# and 80# longbows.

Since that time I injured my shoulder several more times and now I am using 44# to build my strength back up. I just want to get up to 50# for hunting.

Using the Rigid Formaster to practice your release is also great.

FORMASTER EXERCISES

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[GilV]

One thing I took away from this years ago was a statement that was on the Texas web site and didn’t notice it in the archived piece. I think it was attributed to the British coach. I think it went like this.

“Energy and stamina can be gained and maintained, but it can’t be stored”

That tells me that like any other sport we need to maintain a good exercise routine and plan. I believe doing so will make shooting more enjoyable, improve accuracy and help prevent injuries.

 

[GilV]

I did that. I waited two and a half years. They have healed but need exercise low and slow to get back. It is my bow arm shoulder I injured. This exercise also eliminated tennis elbow in my drawing elbow. I always thought I used my shoulder and back muscles, until I tried the Formaster. I was drawing with my hand wrist, forearm and bicep. Once I exercised with the formaster it forced me to use shoulder and back muscles, which in turn enables you to keep a relaxed hand, forearm and bicep. Using your shoulder and back muscle in and of itself enabled me to draw heavier weight.

I actually used a crossbow for a year. Now that I can shoot and hold my bow up I am now building back my strength again. This exercise is great also to maintain and gain strength. The original info and pictures were for Olympic archers for exercise.

In every sport participants not only practice but exercise for strength and stamina.

I can’t think of a reason to prevent me from getting more bow strong for shooting. I have a moderate goal of reaching 50#. I now am shooting 44# comfortably.

shooting practice should just be practice not exercise, in my opinion.