Archery can make you fit thanks to Game Of Thrones

Archery is cool now. The ancient art of archery is having a bit of a moment. You can thank the popularity of dystopian hits like The Hunger Games, The Avengers, The Walking Dead and Game of Thrones . But the good ol' bow and arrow have never been hotter. But before you cast it off as cinematic silliness, consider this: It's also a great workout.

Winding back bows and flinging arrows burns roughly 140 calories in a half hour, which is the equivalent to walking at a brisk 3.5 mph pace. Plus, this low-intensity sport builds muscle while being accessible to people of all ages and abilities, When done correctly, archery builds core strength, overall upper-body strength, and is great for toning.

The key to success isn't in the draw the act of pulling back the bowstring but rather the concentration that's required of the archer. It's an excellent stress reliever and gives the archer a feeling of confidence and control. here are some other reasons why you should try Archery.

It is open to all

Archery can be done by able bodied and disabled people. People with the most severe disabilities and even the blind, using special tactile equipment are able to join in.

It is physically demanding

While it is a fun sport, archery is also physically demanding and those wishing to progress may want to think about improving upper body strength for greater control.

Requires coordination

Many things must happen quickly to execute a good shot. Place your feet. Nock your arrow. Grip the bow, but not too firmly. Push the bow away while pulling the bowstring. Find your anchor point. Release. Many of these steps take just a few seconds, but each affects your shot. Don’t worry. Consistent practice builds muscle memory, and your shooting becomes more instinctive.

Improves focus

Archers require not only some physical strength, but also mental fitness, and archers develop their focus, flexibility, and attention skills. Archers learn to tune out all distractions, focus on their form, and release the bowstring consistently. Concentrating during archery practice can help you focus better in other areas of life too. Competing in tournaments is also good practice for coping with high-pressure situations.

Relieves Stress

Archery is calming and stress-relieving. Releasing an arrow, watching it fly, and hearing it strike a target can relieve stress. If you’re learning to focus while building strength and confidence – all while doing a fun exercise – how couldn’t it relieve stress?

Relatively inexpensive

Archery can be a cheap sport if you just want to play for fun. However, if you want to compete, then the price can jump, and requires a lot of your time as well as dedication. Many archery outlets allow you to borrow equipment when having lessons from them.

Provides enjoyment

The ultimate goal of the recreational archer is enjoyment. The archer should remember to focus on improving themselves rather than worrying about what everyone else is doing, and with that in mind, archery becomes a lot more fun.

Improves patience

Archery is particularly useful for youngsters as it teaches them the benefits of patience.

An indoor and outdoor sport

Archery can be practiced both indoors and outdoors with many clubs having access to indoor facilities over the raining season so the weather need not be a barrier to participation.

Social sport

People from many walks of life enjoy archery. Almost every age group can participate, and children as young as 6 or 7 have taken well to the sport, while it is not unheard of for people in their 80s to be shooting competitively. It also teaches the benefits of teamwork in some cases with some competitions involving groups of people.

Improves self-confidence

Archery provides great satisfaction in combining both mental and physical attributes to good effect. Whatever the results at the target, every archer is able to draw satisfaction to a lesser or greater extent, from having won a personal mental battle. In archery, you can compete against others or against yourself. But the sport isn’t just about hitting bull’s-eyes. Shooting your bow and improving your form with practice also builds self-esteem.

Teaches the importance of safety

The sport can be extremely dangerous if people are reckless. Archery teaches everyone to be responsible for one another and also for the equipment they are using.