For many people, the word health brings to mind the image of weights, gyms and strenuous workout routines. However, it doesn’t have to. Regular participation in a sport you love can be a great way to get exercise without hitting the gym.

In reality being an athlete isn’t just about exercise. Health can be broken down into three basic parts: exercise, nutrition, and mental health. Addressing each section will not only make you a healthier person overall, but a better archer!

Exercise

This is the component of health people are most familiar with and the part that is often most dreaded. However, by choosing to participate in a physical activity you find enjoyable and have a passion for it becomes much less of a chore and is more easily incorporated into your daily life.

Archery can easily be that activity, it is a sport that requires strength and endurance that can fit into a routine. The physical demands of the sport offer an upper body workout that can be done while learning techniques.

Of course, before beginning any activity you should see your healthcare provider for a yearly physical and work with them to determine at what level of exercise you should begin.

Nutrition

In today’s hectic world, it can be challenging to eat healthy, especially with how tempting it is to stop at a fast food restaurant on the way home. Nonetheless, nutrition is a huge part of an athlete’s lifestyle and is necessary to help your body perform at its best on the range, both in practice and at competition.

A healthy diet generally consists of different types of food from all the food groups in proper portion sizes. Portion sizes differ depending on your gender, age, weight, and health conditions, which is why working with a nutritionist to help create a dietary plan to fit your lifestyle and budget can help improve results.

Mental Health

If you ever hear of someone getting “burnt out” it is because they were neglecting to step away from their sport and relax. Rest is essential to health, it recuperates your body after physical activity and gives your mind a chance to power down.

Not only should you be getting 8-10 hours of sleep a day, but you should take a day off from archery to go and do something else relaxing to you. That something else can be go to a party, the movies, go hang out with friends or be with your family.

In order to become the best archery athlete you can be, you need to find a happy medium between exercise and an activity that relieves stress so that you’re ready to give 110% when you come back.