Health Benefits Of Archery – More Than Just A Nice Hobby - My Archery Corner

Health Benefits Of Archery – More Than Just A Nice Hobby

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As you should know by now, I love archery! 🙂
But did you know that there are several health benefits of archery that make it an even more fantastic sport?

Archery is not only a good way to spend your time alone or with friends, you will also improve and train many parts of your body and mind.

Today, I want to show you some of the health benefits of archery that I think are the most important.

Let me start with a quick list of the facts and I will go into more details below.

1.    Increase of body strength

2.    Increase of focus / Decrease of getting distracted easily

3.    Increase of confidence

4.    Get fresh air

5.    Have a lot of fun

Now that I have given you the quick list, I want to explain why and how archery can deliver all those health benefits to you.

Balance

Healthy And In Balance. Used under creative commons from: Mish Sukharev

1. Increase of body strength

Archery is not a sport where you won’t feel your muscles after a long session. Archery is demanding for your whole upper body.
When you shoot for the first time, you will feel certain muscles ache you might have never felt before in your life.
The muscles that are mostly used are the arm and back muscles. Actually, if you are using the correct technique it will be mainly your back muscles.
The arm muscles are only used for a short time when drawing the bow. Most of the draw weight is pulled and held by the back muscles.

By training in archery regularly, you will feel that you will be able to draw heavier bows after quite a short time. This means that you upper body’s muscles are getting stronger, which is a great effect archery has on your body.

As a side effect, archery usually improves your poise of body. You have to keep a straight back when drawing a bow, which will make it natural for you to keep it straight all the time.

2. Increase of focus / Decrease of getting distracted easily

Another health benefit of archery is that you will improve your focus immensely.
When you see archers, you notice how focused they are. Nothing seems to be able to get in the way of them and the target.

It is not easy in the beginning to get this kind of focus. But when you stay at it, you will find out that it gets easier every time that you draw and let the arrow fly.

Focus

Be Focused. Used under creative commons from: Dimitris Kalogeropoylos

Archery is all about routine and this focus.
It is only you, the bow and the target. You lock into your target and nothing can stop you from hitting it.
When I sometimes shoot on a fun fair here in Taiwan, many people are gathering around me to see the “foreigner” shoot. I don’t even notice them until I have shot my last arrow. When I am done, I see the people around me, which was a bit weird at the beginning.

What I want to say with that is, that you will master this kind of focus after some time.
The great thing is, that this will help you in many situations, not only with archery.

Maybe you have a noisy workplace or you have to write an important test.
Focus will make these situations much easier to handle, so go and pick up archery, if you want to get less distracted, too!

3. Increase of confidence

This one is one of my favorite benefits!
Don’t you sometimes wish to be more confident and believe in your own abilities?
Archery can give you that.
There is no better feeling of accomplishment as when you hit bulls eye the first time, or on a long distance.

Sure it will not happen just like that overnight.
You have to do something for it. You have to practice and practice more.
But this makes it so great! You can see results and harvest the fruits of your efforts.

Believe me that you will be walking with more confidence through your life when you become an archer. Again this will not only boost your confidence in archery, it will rub off on your whole personality.
Maybe you are already super confident, which is fine.
If you need that extra bit of confidence, consider starting with archery! You will not regret it!

Confidence

Trust yourself! Used under creative commons from: Chris & Karen Highland

4. Get fresh air

Archery is great because it can be practiced indoors and outdoors.
Traditionally it is an outdoor sport which means that you will get a lot of fresh air, especially if you have the chance to shoot in a forest.
I totally love forests. I grew up going into the woods almost daily and being able to do archery there is just awesome.

Everybody knows that we need fresh air to be more healthy and many people just don’t get as much as they should.
No matter if you should in your backyard, on an archery range or in a forest, it will do you good!

If you live in an urban area, try to find a place in the city outskirts, as the air is usually better there.

Get ready to improve your over-all health with your weekly dose of fresh air.

5. Have a lot of fun

Fun is what we are all looking for. Why would we do something (besides maybe work) that is not fun? 😉

Laughing People

Laugh And Have Fun Together. Used under creative commons from: Richard foster

Archery can give you a lot of fun. Most archers I meet in clubs and on archery ranges are really nice people.
They respect each other and nature and love to share a good story and laugh.

They are also very helpful and will give you tips and advice if they see that you are uncertain or struggling with something.

Additionally, archery itself will make you have a great time. You will love the rhythm of nocking the arrow, drawing, anchoring and letting the arrow fly.
The joy you feel when you hear the arrow hits the target, and you find out you made a nice shot is really stimulating!

Quick summary

Now that you know my favorite health benefits of archery, I want you to go out there and enjoy this fabulous activity.
It is fun AND healthy. What else could we ask for?

Be sure that you don’t fall into one of the archery mistake traps. Read my post about the most common archery mistakes to stay away from those traps.

If you are just getting started you can find a guide here, which you will find useful.

I hope you enjoy archery as much as I do.
If you have any question or want to share your experiences with me and the other readers, please leave a comment below and I will be happy to get in contact with you.

Happy hunting!

Moritz

Leave a Comment:

(34) comments

Mike

I’ve been an archer for most of my life. I totally agree with all these benefits. I am particularly aware of my increase in mental focus when I shoot arrows. It carries over to other aspects of my life.

Reply

    Hello Mike,
    thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment.
    Archery is a fantastic sport and its health benefits are really great, too.
    Happy we agree on that! 🙂
    Hope to see you around.
    Moritz

    Reply
Michael

You give some very good interesting reasons to shoot a Bow and Arrow aside from just simply to hit a Target. Most people do not think of the health benefits of this activity. Great Job!

Reply

    Hi Michael.
    I am glad you liked the article and I hope you are enjoying your stay on my site.
    Archery has so many benefits which will improve your life outside of this activity, too.
    If you are thinking of starting with archery check out my getting started guide. 🙂
    Cheers.
    Moritz

    Reply
Marlon

Hey Moritz,

I always thought archery was an interesting sport, but I never really thought of all the health benefits that come when you do it on a regular basis. I guess in pretty much all sport you will be increasing some muscle use but the increase in concentration and confidence in archery is very appealing.

That was a well written article and you have a great site. Keep up the good work.

Marlon

Reply

    Hi Marlon,
    thank you for your very kind comment.
    I really like the confidence boost the most of all the benefits of archery!
    Like you said, most sports help increasing some muscle, but not all sports increase your focus and confidence, too.
    See you around.
    Moritz

    Reply
David Snodgrass

I like the way you broke all the benefits down and made them easy to understand and also how you can feel the passion that you have for this sport and it shows in your writing

Reply

    Hello David.
    Thank you for stopping by. I am happy to hear that you like my article and site.
    Archery is great and I love it.
    If you haven’t, you should try it one day.
    I have many tips on how to get started and how to choose the right bow for beginners.

    Reply
Lyubomir

I really like the benefit for become stronger and also fixing your body posture. I have a blog about strength training and this is something that I emphasize a lot on.

Reply

    Hi Lyubomir.
    This is so true. Body strength and posture is so important.
    In my case I am not talking about beeing a body builder, but everybody should try to have at least some strength to walk through life with a straight back. 😉
    It is just healthier.
    Thanks for stopping by!
    Moritz

    Reply
Matt

Hi Moritz. The only time I’ve ever participated in archery was in physical education class years ago. I must say it was quite enjoyable, but I never took it any further than that. You make great points about the health benefits of it, and I definitely agree that this type of activity can improve focus. I also find the outdoor aspect of the sport appealing. Do you use your archery skills for actual hunting as well?

Reply

    Hello Matt,
    thank you for taking the time and leaving a comment.
    If you ever plan to start with archery, be sure to check out my getting started guide and my recommendation for a beginners bow.
    I personally have not been hunting, as this is not allowed in the country I grew up. I actually don’t know if it is allowed here in Taiwan.
    The closest thing I did to hunting was using 3D targets in a forest and in competitions.
    Cheers
    Moritz

    Reply
David Jacobs

Hi Moritz
Great website. Really good content on an interesting passion.
I first used a bow with the Bhutan National Archery team in Thimpu. They were playing the Chief of Police’s team. My wife and I were in Bhutan as guests of the Foreign Minister.
Archery is their national sport and everyone participates. Have you been there?
Would make a nice blog
Regards David

Reply

    Hello David,
    thank you! I am very happy you like my website. It is my favorite activity, indeed!
    I have never been to Bhutan, but what you say about it sounds great!
    Archery as a national sport would be the paradise for me. I will definitely try and see if I can go there one day.
    It is actually not that far from where I live at the moment.
    Thanks for letting me know.
    Have a great time.
    Moritz

    Reply
Oral

I must confess that I never thought one could have benefited from the sport of archery in the way you have outlined it. I could have seen the one for the muscles and that of focus and confidence, but never thought of them as health benefits.
I find the information very useful, even if one only has a liking for the sport, but will not participate in it. Your getting started guide is helpful for those who wants to begin.
Keep up the good work and who knows, you may have your own fan club soon.

Reply
    Moritz

    Hello Oral,

    thank you so much for your kind words.
    Yes, archery is way more than just a nice activity. Your whole body and mind will benefit from it.

    If you want to pick up archery, make sure you read my training and explanations of the 10 basic archery shooting techniques.

    Moritz

    Oh, and I would love to have my own fan club! 😉

    Reply
      Oral

      Wish I could take you up on the offer of learning archery one day, but it is not a sport in my country and as such the gears would not be available for use, and would not be allowed to be brought in. But laws change and who knows maybe one day it may be possible.

      The fan club would be a good idea. Good luck on getting it going.

      Oral

      Reply

        A pitty you can’t practice archery in your country. 🙁
        Would it even be forbidden to make your own bow and arrows?

        I am planning to teach how to make a simple survival bow, but this will still take a few weeks before I have time to record a video for that.

        Moritz

        Reply
          Oral

          Making my own bow and arrow? Never though of that. I don’t think that would be a major problem, after all I did that as a child while playing Cowboys and Indians. LOL. It would be interesting to see the adult version. I await your lesson on it Moritz

          Reply

          Hi.
          Selfmade bows can be as strong and effective as bought bows.
          They will be not as durable as when they are made by professionals or by machines, but at least they are for free (or much cheaper than bought bows).
          It will still take a while until I can make videos to show how to craft a bow.
          Stay tuned.

          Cheers
          Moritz

          Reply
Genevieve

I tried archery during my high school years and it’s not easy that’s for sure. Reading through your website it’s really great for people who’ll want to try archery or learn more about it. I enjoyed reading the health benefits of archery page the most and the types of bows. Very simple and good point of why it’s more than just a hobby.

Genevieve

Reply

    Hello Genevieve,

    I am happy you liked my site.
    Archery is really a fun sport and has many health benefits!
    If you want to pick up archery again, make sure to read my archery training and learn how to avoid the most common archery mistakes right from the start.
    Cheers
    Moritz

    Reply
TheDopestMatrix

wow this is awesome, I never ever looked at archery as a fitness tool… just a sport, or hobby. I could see archery being REALLY good for increasing your focus, as you explained in your article, you have to be able to zone in on the target, and that kind of practice does good to your focus in the real world as well!

Awesome insight on archery, and only have shot a bow maybe 3 times in my life, my family always hunted with guns… but I really want to now, you kind of got me excited! Where do you go to practice and hunt and all that?

Matt TheDopestMatrix

Reply
    Moritz

    Hello Matt!

    Yes, archery is much more than just a nice hobby!

    If you want to get started with archery, I recommend to read my getting started guide and my archery training first.

    Then you can read all about the different bow types to choose the right bow.

    Since you wanted to go hunting, you should check out the PSE Stinger Compound Bow. It is a great compound bow!

    Where you can practice and go hunting depends on where you live.
    Most cities have either inside or outside archery ranges, where you can learn and practice archery.

    About hunting you have to make sure that it is legally allowed to hunt with a bow in your area.
    The law states how much draw weight your bow must have to be allowed to go hunting with it, but that can vary from state to state.

    If you don’t live in the USA you have to make sure, too.
    Some countries don’t allow bow hunting at all.

    Hope that answered your questions.

    Cheers

    Moritz

    Reply
Sammi

Hi Moritz,
I’d never considered the health benefits of archery.
I’d assumed there wasn’t many given for you aren’t moving about but clearly I was wrong. From reading through I can see all the benefits you’ve discussed and why active hobbies are so important as they don’t feel like exercise.
It’s a really great article.
Sammi

Reply
    Moritz

    Hey Sammi,

    thanks for your kind words.

    You are absolutely right! An active hobby is a great thing, because you have fun while exercising, which can be only positive!

    If you want to know more about archery, check out my archery training and read about the different bow types.

    Cheers

    Moritz

    Reply
Kush1000

Hey! Great post you have created here.
I had no idea that archery is so good for your health too.
It must be a lot of fun, I can imagine that.
I’m sure many people will find this article useful and interesting as I did.
Thanks for sharing this and have a great day!
Cheers and good luck

Reply
    Moritz

    Hello and thanks for your kind words.
    Archery is great for improving someone’s health and focus and it’s a lot of fun, indeed.

    I recently gave bowfishing a try and it blew my mind away.
    You can read more about it in my article about bowfishing or check out a great recurve bow and compound bow especially designed for bowfishing.

    Have a great day!

    Moritz

    Reply
Michelle

I am looking to play a new sport this year, whilst I haven’t found anything that tickles my fancy as yet, Archery may be the answer!

There are so many health benefits but I particularly like the part about fresh air and having fun. I’m definetly an outdoors girl. Fantastic reading, thanks for sharing!

Kind Regards

Michelle

Reply
    Moritz

    Hi Michelle.

    The health benefits of archery are really fantastic.
    While it is an outdoors sport, it can be done indoors as well, if the weather is bad.
    Most archery clubs have an outside and inside archery range.

    If I were you I would really try it.
    To learn a bit more about archery, I recommend to read about the different bow types and go through my archery training.

    Let me know when you want to know more.

    All the best.

    Moritz

    Reply
Anam

Hi Moritz,
I’d never considered the health benefits of archery.
I’d assumed there wasn’t many given for you aren’t moving about but clearly, I was wrong. From reading through I can see all the benefits you’ve discussed and why active hobbies are so important as they don’t feel like exercise.
It’s a really great article.

Reply

    Hello.

    Yes, it is amazing how good archery actually is for your body and mind.
    I really don’t want to miss my regular archery sessions. Feeling refreshed and motivated every time!
    Thanks for your kind words.

    Moritz

    Reply

I like that you pointed out that archery can allow you to meet nice people and can give you a good time while watching how the arrow flies. This is something that I will make sure to remember because I’m looking for an activity that my husband and I can be passionate about. We wanted to get the most out of our rest days at work by playing games, so we’ll make sure to shop for archery equipment.

Reply

    Hi Ellen,
    It’s great to hear that you and your husband want to pick up archery. It is a fantastic and fun sport.
    If you need any help or advice, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
    You definitely should check out my archery training, the different bows, and equipment.
    Cheers
    Moritz

    Reply
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