Back in High School I remember sitting on the gym floor as the Physical Education Teachers stood in front of us explaining the concept of Life Sports. As the name implies, these are sports or physical actives that be done by people of all ages and walks of life.
During that school year we were introduced to a couple of different Life Sports. We went out on the football field and played a round of modified golf (there were no holes, you had to chip the ball into a ring laying on the ground). On the lacrosse field targets were setup and we were introduced to archery. Toward the end of the year we even had learn how to square dance.
As a kid, these sports seemed a bit pointless and only served as a way to pass the time. I’ve had a fondness for archery since I was young but modified golf and square dancing? It wasn’t until I was well into adulthood when I began to appreciate those Life Sports for what they were, a way to keep people active without requiring intense endurance or athletic ability.
These days the only one of those sports I stay active with is Archery. Actually, to be honest I don’t keep up with it nearly as much as I’d like. Since becoming the Vice President at my local club I spent far more time putting out proverbial fires and working around the club than I do enjoying time in the woods flinging arrows.
It has been about two months since I shot my bow and I feel as though it is long overdue. You see, two months ago I was in the woods with a friend. We were taking our time, enjoying being outside and shooting, when we came to the end of the course. We walked up the trail and around the clubhouse where we bumped into another member. That member proceeded to rant and rave about things needing done around the clubhouse. In an instant every bit of fun that I had that morning was sucked right out of me.
Since then I’ve been to the club several times. During a typical visit I try to get in and out quickly to minimize stress. Don’t get me wrong, it isn’t all stress, but it has become far more work than fun. I find myself thinking about attending other club’s functions. Not because I don’t want to support my own club, but because I know if the other club is under-staffed it isn’t my problem.
In terms of exercise, shooting a 3D Shoot at my club is fantastic. By the time you are finished you will have covered about a mile and a half. Half of that is fairly easy walking with targets set out in grassy openings. The other half is made up of the lower portion of the club’s property and is much more rugged. It is a good workout and you’ll feel it in your legs at the end of the day.
Walking aside, even shooting a light weight traditional bow translates to pulling a lot of weight over the course of the event. Archery is great for exercising the arms and back, not to mention the mind. It takes a lot of concentration to hit a tiny spot with an arrow and I find that it tends to clear the mind and is very peaceful.
If you are looking for a way to get a little more activity into your life, give archery some thought. Not only is it fun for adults, kids enjoy it as well. If shooting at foam animals isn’t your thing, try target archery.
To final archery events in your area, give the following websites a visit.
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