(Archery) What is the best way to strengthen/train your non-shooting arm?

Question

Hi, I am just getting into archery, and I am thinking a little bit ahead.

Even if a bow is supposedly left or right handed, can I use it for both hands so I can train to be an ambidextrous shooter?

Should I buy a cheaper bow to train my other arm?

I hear about how some bowmen are very disjointed because one arm is strong and the other is very weak, are there any techniques/exercises that can strengthen your non-releasing arm (besides bicep curls, of course)?

Answer 1

use your other hand

Answer 2

I'm relatively new to archery myself so I am very interested in what others have to say on this issue.

I have been simply using my non-dominant arm to pull back and hold the string on my bow at the end of every shooting session.  I figure this will help keep me from getting too "imbalanced" as far as upper-body musculature goes.

There are also devices sold online people can use to exercise either arm, they are probably cheaper than buying a second bow - but it would be interesting to practice both left and right handed.

You can see some ads and read some articles about the exercise devices at www.bowhunting.com

Answer 3

Well, when you do it right, you really shouldn't be using the biceps.  You will use your triceps on your bow arm, but the drawing arm should be completely relaxed when shooting.

I do train my biceps just with curls, but not for archery.  I do pushups to train my triceps and shoulders.  

You can buy another bow, and I do know a few people who does that, to even out the development of their shoulders and back.  They would usually do a different style on the off side though.  So this one guy does olympic style archery left handed and traditional style right handed.  Another does Kyudo right handed(no choice there) and olympic style left handed.

Or you can just buy one of those heavy therabands.