Posted: 11/13/2006 10:41:16 AM EDT
| I never had any formal training, and I don't have much arm strength. I'm shooting low with my 20" HBAR while standing, but the shooting is perfect from the bench. Short of going to the range, what's the best way to build up arm strength? Push ups, free weights? |
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Free weights, hands down. You can do more shoulder/arm exercises with a set of dumbbells than can be listed here. Get yourself a set of dumbbells or a basic weight set with a bench from Sears and wear it out at home, or you may find it better to get a gym membership and let someone help you out. If you can't shoot an AR-50 standing up (I won't even go there regarding the AR-15), you have a long way to go, grasshopper. 
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| Check out the Self Defense & Fitness Forums. Most of those guys know what they're doing... |
Very true, remember, if you are using muscle to hold up the weapon, fatigue will set in quickly. Other than specific abdominal exercises, squats and deadlifts are very good as well, the abs are secondary muscles used during those exercises. The advantage is they strengthen your back and whole body. Start out doing them correctly and with a belt so you don't blow your inards out the front! Of course if not interested in free weights, there's plenty of machines available to do the same stuff without letting you ego get you hurt. Oh and easy on that caffeine--COFFEE ADDICT! Mark |
| Since you want to build up strength to lift your weapon, why not use it to train with? The Army's FM 21-20 lists a few rifle drills, but the number of exercises you can do is limited by your imagination. Several guys in my company are on a "functional strength" kick, using their own body weight to train with. A lot of those exercises, such as the Hindi squat, can be modified to incorporate a weapon as well. |
Maybe its the coffee giving you the shakes  Go find a place to do pull ups. I used to use door jam framing. Anything will work a tree branch etc. That will help on your arms pull strength. Which in turn will help you holding your rifle since you will be pulling it against your shoulder. Also if you can't purchase any weights take two one gallon water jugs and stand there(You can put as much or as little water in them as you want). Raise your arms straight out and repeat ( ||| , /|\ , --|-- , /|\ , |||). That will strengthen your shoulder and help you hold your rifle up.-Martin Lower weight more reps = endurance Higher weight fewer reps = Strength in turn = endurance with any weight lower than your max. BE SAFE LIFTING WEIGHTS All things from everyone on here are just ideas go to an actualy lifting webpage to get proper help. |