Took a break, now I'm broke!

[Tom0728]

Life got busy this winter and I haven't picked up a bow in months. Grabbed my 55# montana and three arrows in my elbow crunched. Hurt my pride and my elbow. Im waiting for a 50# bow to ship in. Should I look for a #45 to shoot in the mean time to build back up? Anybody get traing wheels out and learn to ride again after a hiatus?

[Rob DiStefano]

Depends what "broke" on ya - you could too easily make that broke takes lots longer to heal by trying to draw any weight too soon - personally been there, stupidly done that.  I'd suggest not to pull any string until you get a proper doc's advice. 

Starting out, or getting back to stickbows after a layoff should be taken with caution.  This is especially true as we age.  I'd start off pulling surgical tubing as an exercise, beginning long and very light, then gradually shorten up and increase the tension, easing in to heavier pull weights rather than jumping in with both feet.  The key word is "gradual" - being macho about pulling bow weights makes no sense.  Longer pull times with lighter weights works best.

"Overdraw" is another method of training the muscles, where as you gradually work up in weight to yer normal draw length, pulling longer and holding without releasing can build up strength ... but being careful with that added training weight.

Once warmed up with the tubing, I have a light 39# bow that gets a shooting workout before drifting up to 47#, which is best for me at age 75.  I can control that 47@28 extremely well in all conditions of weather, terrain, stance, and shot placement to 20-25 yards, whereas going slightly up to 50# crosses a threshold that's not so good for me. 

This is why it's always best to pull string (or tubing) on a very regular basis - keep in physical bow pulling shape.

We're all experiments of one - listen to what yer body tells you so you can stay fit and stay in the game. 

[Jim Wright]

I don't mind offering some advice. I'm a pipefitter welder and if my elbow "crunched' I'd see an orthopedist.

[Bernard Bjorklund]

Excellent advice Rob!

Bernie

[dnovo]

Yes. Very good advice on warming up. If I lay off for more than a week or two I grab my new 43# longbow to start with then grab the 49#er. I just came down a year ago from 53# when I pulled something in my left shoulder at work. It's hard to maintain that muscle tone as you get older so I try to shoot regularly

[Wheels2]

I am 8 days out from shoulder surgery.  Damage was worse than expected.  My plan is to pick up some light limbs to start.
A lot easier to do with my ILF.