Last December I had surgery to remove a mass of precancerous breast tissue from my side. The surgery was a success, but it left me struggling to regain my upper body strength. As a competitive archer and bowhunter, I was devastated. The surgery also left me with significant nerve damage and the inability to feel most of my right arm—my draw arm. I have since been training hard to regain my strength and stamina, and myself how to draw my bow all over again. I was not progressing as I would have liked.
But a few months ago, I was lucky enough to win a prize package from The WON and HerCamoShop.com. The package included the Bow Trainer. After four solid weeks of training with the Bow Trainer, I can safely say I am highly impressed.
Photo courtesy of Michelle Bodenheimer
The Bow Trainer was designed by an avid archer who also is a physical therapist. It retails for $43.95.
The Bow Trainer is a solidly manufactured tool. It’s one-size-fits-all, and allows you to practice on draw weights from five pounds to 130 pounds by combining any number of its four resistance bands. The training manual provides a series of workouts that help increase stamina, strength and endurance. The workouts take only a matter of minutes, and can be done almost anywhere. As a working mother, I have little time to work out. I love doing my Bow Trainer exercises in the family room in front of the television while my little one watches cartoons.
I can definitely feel the difference after my efforts training with the Bow Trainer. In four short weeks I have increased my draw weight by 7 pounds, and am now able to hold my bow at full draw for longer than I could even pre-surgery. My form has improved, as has my shot placement.
Last weekend I competed in my first 3D archery tournament of the year. Two months ago I did not think I would be ready to compete, but after my workouts with the Bow Trainer I gained the confidence to enter the competition. Much to my surprise, I placed second in the Women’s Bow Hunter division. I am certain that, without my Bow Trainer exercises, I would not have fared so well.
I continue to use my Bow Trainer on a daily basis and cannot wait to see how my efforts pay off this fall during archery season!
The Bow Trainer retails for $43.95 and is available at www.HerCamoShop.com.
The Women's Outdoor News, aka The WON, features news, reviews and stories about women who are shooting, hunting, fishing and actively engaging in outdoor adventure. This publication is for women, by women. View all posts by The WON
You’re welcome. And a special thanks to Michelle, for writing the review as a thank you to the fine folks, Jeff and Shelley Ray, of Hercamoshop.com.
I own two of these…I keep one at the office and one at home. I owe two successful Kansas bowhunts to the Bow Trainer. I cut the time in half that it would have taken me to up my draw weight to the next level draw weight. I absolutely love the Bow Trainer and I am using it weekly right now in preparation for archery season.
I also own one of those beautiful shirts you have on and I love it too. 😉 Nancy Jo
I NEED this. I just sent the link home. I was just getting interested in bow hunting when I threw out my neck. I don’t want to get an under-powered bow just because I haven’t had a good way to rebuild the strength. This is awesome. Thank you for highlighting it.