Archery is often seen as a prestigious sport and is one of the most popular events in the global Olympics. However, not many people are aware of the benefits that it can offer the body.
Like many other forms of exercise, archery is known to provide various advantages, one of which is building physical strength.
This comes as no surprise, as archery requires considerable energy along with focus and concentration skills.
To learn more about the benefits of archery, check out the following article!
What Is Archery?
Archery is a sport that trains your skills in using a bow to shoot arrows.
The goal of archery is to hit a designated target by coordinating your body movements.
In ancient times, archery was a skill possessed by warriors or archers for use on battlefields.
Over time, however, archery has become a hobby and is now recognized as an official sport competed at the Olympic level.
The basic equipment needed for archery includes the following:
- A bow, comes in three types which are recurve, compound, and longbow.
- Arrows, usually made of wood, carbon, aluminum, or a combination of those materials.
- A target, a round shooting board with layered rings in white, black, blue, red, and yellow.
Additional gear to consider when practicing archery includes a chest guard (bracer), finger protector, and a quiver (to hold arrows either on the ground or around the waist).
Benefits of Archery
Archery can be an alternative if you are looking for a sport that not only supports physical health but is also enjoyable and offers many other benefits.
While it may not seem as physically demanding as other sports, the benefits of archery are no less impressive.
Here are some of them.
1. Improves Hand and Eye Coordination
The first benefit of archery is improving the coordination between your eyes and hands.
When practicing archery, both hands need to work together while performing different tasks, which are aiming and shooting the arrow at the target your eyes are focusing on.
With continuous practice, your body coordination will become much better.
2. Maintains Balance
In addition to improving coordination, archery also helps train your body balance.
When shooting an arrow, you need to keep your body in a steady position.
Practicing archery regularly will help your core muscles get used to maintaining balance.
3. Enhances Focus and Concentration
The next benefit of archery is improving focus and concentration.
As an archer, you need to have strong concentration skills to aim at the target.
You must not be distracted by any interference, whether it is noise, wind, or pressure from opponents, so you can focus on the target. The goal is for the arrow to hit the mark.
The ability to focus and concentrate will be very useful in your daily life.
4. Builds Physical Strength
Although it may look like it doesn’t require much energy, in fact, one of the benefits of archery is building strength and toning muscles, especially in the upper body.
Your core muscles from your hands, arms, shoulders, and chest are all engaged when aiming and releasing the arrow.
Doing this repeatedly and consistently will help develop muscle and build stronger physical strength.
5. Burns Calories
Who would have thought that archery could help burn calories. Don’t be mistaken, this sport may look easy and simple.
In reality, walking to the target, drawing the bow, and retrieving the arrows use up a lot of energy, which helps burn calories in your body.
In fact, archery athletes are known to walk up to 8 kilometers a day, which burns around 100 to 150 calories every 30 minutes [1].
6. Helps with Relaxation
In general, physical activity can be a form of relaxation that helps reduce stress. The same goes for archery.
When you release the arrow and see it hit the target, you will feel a sense of satisfaction that helps you feel more relaxed [2].
7. Trains Patience
Another benefit of archery is training patience. You need to understand that archery is not about speed.
The goal of archery is to aim accurately at distant targets repeatedly.
You are encouraged to focus on shot accuracy, which requires a high level of patience.
8. Increases Self-Confidence
Lastly, archery can help boost your self-confidence.
You will be trained to trust yourself that the arrow you shoot from the bow has the potential to hit the target.
Now you know the benefits of archery. If you are interested in trying this sport but are unable to practice at home, you can join an archery club.
In the specific club, you will receive guidance from professional and experienced coaches on proper archery techniques.
However, while you are practicing, always make sure to meet your body’s fluid needs by drinking at least 2 liters or 8 glasses of water per day.
Especially during exercise, your body loses more fluids. So you need to drink more water to prevent dehydration, which could lead to health problems.
For that, choose high-quality drinking water like AQUA, which contains essential minerals for the body.
AQUA is available in various packaging options that are practical to carry anywhere, especially when doing outdoor activities.
You can use the 750ml Click & Go AQUA Bottle with a sports cap to make it easier to stay hydrated while exercising.
Let’s always have #AQUADULU and enjoy the benefits of every drop of freshness.
