I can pull my 75# static recurve (75#@36") all practice and not wear out, but my personal goal is 100# draw.  I want to prove that just because you suffer from Marfan syndrome it doesn't make you weak.  What regimen should I follow, especially on the days I can't get out to practice, either due to weather or malfunctioning legs?  Pushing a wheelchair is great exercise, and has helped a lot, but I don't think it's gonna get me all the way there.

I'm building myself new bows to accomodate my increasing strength, as well as to give myself a goal.  I'd love more than anything to be able to post pictures at the Marfan Foundation website with a triple digit draw, to prove you can do anything even with the disease, as well as to prove to myself I can do it.

Best thing for shooting a heavier bow is shooting a heavier bow.

Great news is that if you know you are going to use it as a stair step you can post a WTB for a "workout bow" at a specific poundage. Lucky for you heavy bows are typically cheaper on the used market. Downside is it might take a while to sell when you are ready for the next heavier one.

Aside from shooting bows, I do a well rounded upper body dumbbell routine every morning when I'm shooting/hunting over 80 pounds.
Good luck!
Thom

I can't help with advice, but I want to wish you success in your quest.  

Just. .  please go slow and don't hurt yourself in doing it, such that you can't shoot at all !

ChuckC

It sounds like you have a workable approach when you say you are building bows in incremental draw weights to work up to it. Also, concentrate on building strength in the back muscles. Go slow, and don't get hurt. Good luck! Have you contacted any of the heavy bow shooters to learn how they got there?

I've had some emails based on some comments I made asking 'how to' move up properly.

1st let me say I'm no physical trainer with no 'certification'....but I do know what worked for me so I'll pass it along......

OK, before you start you need to make sure you are drawing your current bow correctly ....i.e., proper alignment and bone on bone structure.

Make sure you are 'closing the door behind you' with a rotational draw which will help immensely getting your alignment correct AND you will be able to pull more weight easier.

Here's a link explaining....in case some of you never go to the shooters form forum....

      Link to Alignment Thread  
 
Also, get a 'hook' on the string....this will help you pull more weight easier as well than shooting off the pads of your fingers(finger tips).  Imagine trying to start an old rope pulled lawn mower with the handle on the tiips of your fingers rather than having your fingers wrapped around it.

More in a bit.......

What worked for me was going up 10#s and 'working out' with it....both right an left handed.

I drew the bow to anchor 3 sets of 8 reps every other day....once I got to do that comfortable....I did the same thing but would hold at full draw for 3 seconds.....then once I could do that comfortably I'd hold to 6 seconds.

Then I would move to 4 sets of 10 the same regiment. Only once I could do that did I start shooting the bow at targets.

Remember, that's both right an left handed.

If you are going to do it correctly, it takes time and effort and sticking to what ever program you chose. Once you get through with your regiment and you start shooting targets, you will be amazed at how effortlessly it will be.

I agree Rudy    

I tried Terry's routine and a went to a deep hook on the string. I was able to add 15 pounds to my draw weight in less than three weeks with no problem.  My back feels stronger now and I really like that added power behind the arrow.

Are you seriously drawing 36" !?!  If yes, HOW ? What do you use for arrow shafts ?

Are you seriously drawing 36" !?!  If yes, HOW ? What do you use for arrow shafts ?

Mostly birch doweling, Surewood shafts with Reparrows, and bamboo.  If I full draw I can pull 38-39".  It's a side effect of my genetic condition, and the only place the deformity comes in handy.