 The
one thing you can do to help eliminate many of the variables during your
bow hunt is to get yourself in shape. I don't think there is near enough
emphasis placed on how exercise really helps these days, but it is by far
the best piece of advice I ever give an archer!
Think about it!
How are you going to be able to endure the trials and tribulations bow
hunting puts you up against with a beer belly? And what is going to happen
on your next hunt when even the slightest uphill jog makes you feel like
you've just climbed Mount Everest?
It seems like the ability to loose weight with the latest and greatest
miracle drug is continuously crammed down our throat nowadays, but when
is the last time you read a fitness article in a hunting magazine telling
you how to really get in shape?
Well, maybe the one or two you skimmed over on bowhunting.net,
but aside from that I truly think there needs to be more, much more, of
it out there. You can take all the drugs you want, but you just ain't gonna
get the job done without good old fashioned exercise. That is one area
where the BowFit exerciser comes into play and I was pretty excited when
I found out I would be testing one.
The BowFit definitely falls into one of those "why didn't I think of
that" categories of design in that it is a very simply constructed device
that can truly benefit all archery hunters in several ways. Basically,
it is just a big rubber band that uses a foam grip and a nylon strap in
the basic shape of a release aid to simulate the same resistance you get
from drawing your bow.
There are three models to chose from that differ from one another only
in the strength of the latex band. light (15 -40 lb.), medium (30-50 lb.)
and heavy (50-100 lb.).
For most hunting archers -- I would recommend the heavy model. This
is due to the design being one that offers enough resistance variation
by the position you place the band through the release style draw strap
that just about anyone pulling back a 30-70 lb or greater draw weight will
benefit. You simply shorten the amount of latex band between the strap
and handle and it increases the weight.
Once you are comfortable with the amount of resistance offered in this
manner, you simply double the band back to the handle and double your resistance.
The second and less obvious benefit comes in that you can switch hands
with the Bowfin and work you non shooting arm as hard as your shooting
arm. This not only keeps you from developing a lopsided physique, but also
strengthens your support arm allowing you to remain much steadier at full
draw for a remarkably long time. An improvement that could mean success
or failure in the woods.
If you have any doubts that you can dramatically improve your success
through exercising with the Bowfin then think back to how many times you
have sat in your blind on an incredibly cold November morning and when
the time came you either couldn't, or at the least felt a little strained
to pull back the weight you draw every day during your practice.
Now couple that with the possibility that the elusive prey you yearn
to chase could possibly sneak up on you from the wrong side, or just plain
force you into an awkward position for that decisive second that you must
try and shoot or loose the opportunity forever, and you can quickly appreciate
the benefits that a BowFit can help you achieve.
You notice that I did not say the benefits a BowFit can give you, as
nothing in life is free. Don't let all the hype in those infomercials force
you into a false realism that any product will give you a beautiful body,
or great strength without a substantial amount of effort on your part.
It just won't happen. You are going to have to work hard and stay consistent
with it to see any substantial results from this tool, however there are
some short term benefits the BowFit has to offer as well.
First of all let me stress that just like any exercise you do you need
to do a proper warm-up, and that includes your archery practice sessions.
Before you pick up that 50-70 lb average draw weight bow, why not pick
up the Bowfit with the band set for a much lower weight.
After a few reps with each arm you will be properly warmed up for a
much safer and more productive practice session. Lets also warp back to
that November morning in the treestand I was talking about earlier.
With the Bowfin in your pack you can easily pull it out when there is
a lull in the action to quickly and quietly warm your arm up. This will
do wonders in insuring you are ready for anything that happens to come
by.
Lastly and one of the most advantageous benefits in my book is that
ability to practice your drawing motion in positions that might not be
safe to draw your bow in if you have not practiced shooting from them.
Start off light and work your way up to the confidence level you need for
that once in a lifetime moment we are all waiting and preparing for.
Durability 4 of 5 - With only one easily replaceable moving part,
the Bowfin should be able to provide you many years of faithful service.
It is one of the simplest devices and best constructed tools I have added
to my arsenal. I am sure over time that you will want to purchase a spare
band just in case, and always make sure you inspect the band thoroughly
prior to any workout!
Simplicity 5 of 5 - It doesn't get much simpler. And the fact
that it is compact and lightweight adds to its appeal in this department!
Functionality 5 of 5 - It is easy to see the benefits one could
gain by the consistent use of the BowFit, and you can easily fit it into
any other workout routine your currently working with. With the addition
of a wrist or ankle weight to your support hand and you will notice
the benefits of a stable shooting arm much faster.
Value 4.5 of 5 - I think the addition of at least one other
weight band with the basic unit would greatly increase the value, but at
a retail price of $19.95 this is I believe it is really not an issue.
For information on these and other products
contact:
BowFit
Email: info@bowfit.com.
Web: BowFit.com
PO
Box 507
Preston,
ID
83263-0507
(Toll
Free) 888-757-5541
BOWFIT is available online
at BowhuntingStore,com |
