A Guide to Adaptive Archery

See Also: A Lesson in Adaptive Archery by Charles Moffat, an article in Archery Focus Magazine.

Adaptive Archery is a form of archery that caters to individuals with physical disabilities or limitations, allowing them to participate and enjoy the sport. It embraces the principles of inclusivity, accessibility and adaptability, providing modified techniques and equipment to accommodate different needs. 

Whether you have a mobility impairment, limb difference, or other physical challenges, Adaptive Archery can offer an empowering and fulfilling experience. Here's a step-by-step guide to getting started:

1. Find a Qualified Instructor: Look for an archery instructor who has experience and knowledge in Adaptive Archery. They should have expertise in working with individuals with disabilities and be able to provide the necessary guidance and support.

2. Discuss Your Needs: Communicate with your instructor about your specific needs, limitations, and goals. Share any relevant medical information or concerns. This will help the instructor tailor the training and equipment to suit your requirements.

3. Equipment Selection: Depending on your abilities, the instructor will assist you in selecting appropriate adaptive archery equipment. This may include adaptive bows, release aids, stabilizers, or customized modifications. The equipment should be properly fitted and adjusted to ensure comfort and optimal performance.

4. Warm-up and Stretching: Engage in a warm-up routine to prepare your body for archery. Gentle stretching exercises can help loosen muscles and improve flexibility. Focus on areas that may need extra attention due to your specific condition.

5. Proper Technique and Form: Learn the fundamentals of archery technique, focusing on a modified form that accommodates your physical abilities. The instructor will guide you on how to position your body, grip the bow, draw the string, and release the arrow safely and efficiently. Practice proper posture and alignment to enhance accuracy and minimize the risk of injury.

6. Adaptations and Modifications: Depending on your needs, the instructor may introduce specific adaptations or modifications. This could involve using a shooting rest or support system, adjusting the draw weight of the bow, or employing assistive devices for gripping or releasing the bowstring.

7. Safety Measures: Archery safety is crucial for everyone. Ensure you understand and follow all safety guidelines, including range rules and procedures. Learn how to handle the equipment safely, how to use protective gear, and how to communicate effectively with others on the range.

8. Progress Gradually: Archery is a skill that requires practice and patience. Start with shorter shooting distances and gradually increase the distance as you gain confidence and improve your skills. Celebrate your progress along the way and embrace the joy of the learning process.

9. Focus on Mindfulness: Archery provides an opportunity to cultivate mindfulness and mental focus. Practice being fully present in each shot, paying attention to your breath, body alignment, and the process of releasing the arrow. Embrace the meditative aspects of archery to enhance your overall well-being.

10. Join Adaptive Archery Communities: Seek out local or online communities dedicated to Adaptive Archery. Engaging with others who share similar experiences can provide support, inspiration, and opportunities for further learning and participation in adaptive archery events or competitions.

Remember, Adaptive Archery is about finding joy in the sport, overcoming challenges, and embracing your abilities. With the right instruction, equipment, and mindset, archery can become a fulfilling and empowering activity regardless of physical limitations.

12 Types of Yoga Worth Trying

Not every type of yoga is right for everyone. It isn't a "one size fits all" type of thing. Thus some people may need to experiment in order to find the type of yoga that is right for them. Just because your grandmother does one style of yoga doesn't necessarily mean that is the type of yoga you will enjoy.

After all, maybe grandma does Ashtanga Yoga or Power Yoga, and if you read the descriptions below maybe those aren't for you at all!

1. Hatha Yoga: Hatha yoga is a foundational practice that focuses on physical postures (asanas) and breath control (pranayama). It is a gentle and accessible form of yoga suitable for beginners.

2. Vinyasa Yoga: Vinyasa yoga is a dynamic and flowing style of yoga that synchronizes movement with breath. It involves a series of continuous and fluid transitions between poses, promoting strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular fitness.

3. Ashtanga Yoga: Ashtanga yoga is a physically demanding and structured practice that follows a set sequence of postures. It emphasizes strength, flexibility, and breath control, and is often practiced in a heated room.

4. Iyengar Yoga: Iyengar yoga focuses on precise alignment and the use of props, such as blocks, straps, and bolsters. It is a methodical and detail-oriented practice that helps build strength, stability, and body awareness.

5. Bikram Yoga: Bikram yoga, also known as hot yoga, is performed in a room heated to around 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). It follows a specific sequence of 26 poses and two breathing exercises, aiming to increase flexibility and detoxify the body.

6. Yin Yoga: Yin yoga is a slow-paced practice that targets the deep connective tissues of the body. Poses are held for an extended period, usually 3 to 5 minutes, promoting flexibility, relaxation, and mindfulness.

7. Kundalini Yoga: Kundalini yoga combines physical postures, breathwork, chanting, and meditation. It aims to awaken the dormant energy within the body and promote spiritual growth and self-awareness.

8. Restorative Yoga: Restorative yoga involves passive, supported poses using props like blankets, bolsters, and blocks. It is a deeply relaxing practice that promotes deep rest and rejuvenation of the body and mind.

9. Power Yoga: Power yoga is a vigorous and athletic style of yoga that incorporates strength-building exercises and dynamic movements. It focuses on building physical stamina, flexibility, and mental resilience.

10. Anusara Yoga: Anusara yoga emphasizes the alignment of the body and the celebration of the heart. It combines physical postures with a focus on heart-centered intentions, aiming to cultivate grace, balance, and joy.

11. Jivamukti Yoga: Jivamukti yoga integrates physical postures, chanting, meditation, and ethical principles from yoga philosophy. It is a spiritually oriented practice that promotes self-realization and compassion for all beings.

12. Sivananda Yoga: Sivananda yoga follows a specific sequence of 12 basic asanas, combined with breathing exercises and relaxation. It focuses on the five principles of proper exercise, proper breathing, proper relaxation, proper diet, and positive thinking.

6 Intense Cardio Exercises in 6 Minutes

Want a quick workout that is only 6 minutes? Here are six intense cardio exercises that you can do for six minutes (1 minute each) to help with weight loss:

1. Burpees: Burpees are a full-body exercise that combines strength training and cardio. Start in a standing position, drop into a squat, place your hands on the ground, kick your feet back into a push-up position, perform a push-up, jump your feet back to the squat position, and explosively jump up into the air. Repeat this sequence as quickly as possible for 1 minute.

2. Jumping Jacks: Jumping jacks are a classic cardio exercise that engages your entire body. Start with your feet together and arms by your sides. Jump up, spreading your feet wider than hip-width apart, and simultaneously raise your arms above your head. Jump back to the starting position and continue jumping back and forth for 1 minute.

3. High Knees: High knees are a high-intensity exercise that targets your lower body and elevates your heart rate. Stand with your feet hip-width apart. Drive one knee up toward your chest while hopping on the other leg. Alternate legs quickly and continue lifting your knees as high as possible for 1 minute.

4. Mountain Climbers: Mountain climbers are a challenging exercise that works your core, shoulders, and legs. Start in a push-up position with your arms straight. Bring one knee in towards your chest, then quickly switch legs, alternating back and forth. Keep a quick pace and perform the movement for 1 minute.

5. Jump Squats: Jump squats are an explosive exercise that targets your lower body and increases your heart rate. Start with your feet shoulder-width apart. Lower into a squat position, then explode up into the air, reaching your arms overhead. Land softly and immediately lower back into the squat position to repeat the movement. Continue for 1 minute, maintaining a quick and controlled pace.

6. Speed Skaters: Speed skaters mimic the lateral movements of ice skaters and provide a great cardio workout. Start by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart. Leap to the side with your right foot, bringing your left foot behind you and reaching your left hand toward the right foot. Leap to the left side and continue alternating sides as quickly as possible for 1 minute.

Remember to warm up before performing these exercises and cool down afterward. It's crucial to listen to your body, modify exercises if needed, and consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new exercise program, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.

 

Explore Toronto on your Bicycle in June

Toronto offers several fantastic places for bicycle rides during June 2023. If you do one of these per week (or weekend) you will have explored 4 or 5 of these fun places to cycle in Toronto and possibly motivate you to return to your favourites in July or August.

Here are some of the best locations to explore on two wheels:

1. Martin Goodman Trail: This scenic trail runs along the city's waterfront, offering beautiful views of Lake Ontario. You can start at the Humber Bay Arch Bridge and continue eastward, passing by popular destinations like Marilyn Bell Park, Toronto Islands, and the Harbourfront Centre. The Martin Goodman Trail provides a mix of natural landscapes and urban scenery.

2. Don Valley Ravine: The Don Valley Ravine offers a peaceful and serene cycling experience in the heart of the city. With its winding trails, lush greenery, and the Don River running alongside, this is a great option for nature lovers. The Lower Don Trail is a popular route that stretches from Pottery Road to the mouth of the Don River, providing a mix of paved and unpaved surfaces.

3. Toronto Islands: Take a ferry from downtown Toronto to the Toronto Islands and enjoy a leisurely bike ride on the car-free paths. With picturesque views of the city skyline, sandy beaches, and picnic areas, the islands provide a relaxing and family-friendly cycling experience. You can rent bicycles on the islands if you don't have your own.

4. Leslie Street Spit: The Leslie Street Spit, officially known as Tommy Thompson Park, is a unique urban wilderness located on a man-made peninsula. The park offers dedicated cycling trails where you can explore its diverse habitats, including marshes, meadows, and forests. It's a great spot for birdwatching and enjoying nature within the city.

5. Beltline Trail: The Beltline Trail follows the path of a former railway line and offers a peaceful cycling route through Midtown Toronto. It stretches from Allen Road to the Don Valley, passing through scenic neighborhoods and parks. The trail is mostly flat and paved, making it accessible for riders of all skill levels.

6. High Park: High Park is one of Toronto's largest and most popular parks, offering a variety of recreational activities, including cycling. It features paved paths and off-road trails that wind through green spaces, gardens, and even a zoo. Enjoy the beauty of nature and the peaceful ambiance of the park as you pedal through its scenic trails.

Before heading out, ensure that you check local cycling regulations, follow designated paths, and prioritize safety. It's also a good idea to have a map or GPS device to navigate through these areas. Enjoy the sights, sounds, and diverse cycling experiences that Toronto has to offer in June 2023!

5 Exercises for Building Muscles for Archery

Here are five exercises that engage similar muscle groups as archery:

1. Resistance Band Rows: This exercise targets the muscles of the upper back, shoulders, and arms, which are heavily involved in archery. Attach a resistance band to a stable object at waist height. Hold the ends of the band, step back to create tension, and pull your hands towards your body, squeezing your shoulder blades together.

2. Standing Dumbbell Rows: Similar to resistance band rows, this exercise targets the muscles of the upper back, shoulders, and arms. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding a dumbbell in each hand. Bend at the hips, keeping your back straight, and let the dumbbells hang at arm's length. Pull the dumbbells up towards your body, leading with your elbows and squeezing your shoulder blades together.

3. Push-ups: Push-ups engage the muscles of the chest, shoulders, and arms, which are utilized during the drawing and holding phases of archery. Start in a high plank position with your hands shoulder-width apart. Lower your body by bending your elbows, keeping them close to your sides, until your chest nearly touches the ground. Push back up to the starting position.

4. Plank: The plank exercise strengthens the core muscles, including the abdominal muscles and lower back, which provide stability during archery. Start in a push-up position, but with your elbows resting on the ground directly under your shoulders. Keep your body straight from head to toe, engaging your core muscles. Hold this position for as long as you can while maintaining proper form.

5. Standing Cable Rotations: This exercise targets the muscles of the core, including the obliques, which are crucial for stability and rotational movements in archery. Stand facing a cable machine with the cable set at chest height. Hold the handle with both hands and stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Engage your core and rotate your upper body away from the machine while keeping your hips and lower body stable. Return to the starting position and repeat on the other side.

Incorporating these exercises into your fitness routine can help strengthen the muscles used in archery and improve overall stability and control.

Happy Shooting!