5 Reasons to Consider Archery as a Hobby

If you want to find a new hobby that will challenge both your mind and your body and get you outside, why not consider archery? Archery is not only a sport but also a great skill to have—you never know what situation life will throw you in. Here are some other benefits you can reap from archery that will certainly encourage you to grab a bow.

 

It’s great for the mind

While archery is suitable for all ages that can safely hold a bow and understand the dangers of unsafe handling, it’s especially great for seniors. As you age, your body and mind will deteriorate and your brain will lose neurons. Luckily, there are some activities that can keep you sharp, archery included. It requires strong focus, so the regular practice can benefit your mental health. In order to pull off a good shot, you need to analyze the environment and your posture to improve accuracy. Your brain will work overtime to improve your skills, even if you’re in your senior years. However, getting to your full potential on your own isn’t easy, so it’s best if you find a mentor to show you all the little tricks and tips to get you off on the right path.

 

It improves your upper body strength

Sure, archery doesn’t involve any intense running for the ball or racing your opponent to the finish line, but it certainly requires good strength. If you want to take up archery, expect to be obliged to train your arms, chest, back and shoulders. These muscles will play a huge role in your accuracy because they give your shots power. 

In order to effectively use your bow, your upper body will need to work overtime. Everything from targeting with your bow to releasing the arrow puts stress on your arm, shoulder, chest and back muscles. All the drawing and firing of the arrows will provide you with nice muscle development and encourage you to take better care of your body and even start hitting the gym.

 

It’s great for building character

Like any sport, sometimes you’ll hit bull’s eye and sometimes you’ll miss the entire target. Exactly this variability is great for building character. A good shot will provide you with a feeling of fulfillment and accomplishment while missing will push you to improve yourself, train harder and think about different strategies that can improve your skills.

 

It’s not expensive

Starting certain hobbies usually requires a lot of money which is one of the reasons why people stick to watching TV and reading. Aside from all the time and energy, some sports and hobbies need a constant flow of investment in order to be played. Luckily, archery is not one of them! You can get a great adjustable compound bow for under $400. And even if your town doesn’t have an archery shop, you can still go online and get a hold of all the equipment you need. And even if you don’t fall in love with this hobby (not going to happen, but just in case) you can always sell your gear and get some money back. Second-hand equipment reaches good prices, so you can reinvest your money into something else.

 

It’s plain fun

Dedicating time to a hobby is a great way to relieve stress, have fun and meet different new people. Taking up a hobby like archery will definitely spice things up for you and get you to forget about your daily routines. Archery is very dynamic and there are different ways to practice this sport. You can practice alone and work on your mindfulness and focus. Or you can grab a friend and engage in friendly competition or give each other tips. There are also leagues and clubs you can join if you love to compete in a more serious manner. Bow hunting outdoors is also an option if you’re into that. All in all, you can choose whether you wish to be a mere hobbyist or if you want to compete and travel around attending tournaments. No matter the direction you choose, archery will provide you with plenty of fun and make you feel great. The feeling of hitting a good score is truly amazing! 

All looking for a nice hobby that will benefit their mental and physical health should check out archery. From many patience and focus benefits to providing you with a strong and lean upper body, this hobby will make you fall in love with it and turn you into a real enthusiast from the first time you take a bow in your arms! 

Peter Minkoff
Peter is a lifestyle writer at HighStyleLife magazine, living between Europe and Australia. Follow Peter on Twitter for more tips.
Peter Minkoff