Fun Fact: The same dress green uniform I was issued as a cherry private still fit 20 years later when I retired.

Several years ago, I blew out my shoulder and took 3 months off from the gym. Physically I haven’t been the same sense, and eventually the lack of physique, energy, and mental focus began to affect me mentally. Two weeks ago, I teamed up with Rut to Routine to help guide me on my fitness journey back to operator shape. The landscape of the country is changing, our freedoms are constantly being threatened. I swore an oath the protect the constitution and that oath never expires. I have my sons and loved ones that I will protect at all costs. When the time comes, I’ll be ready for the fight, will you?

Being in shape can significantly improve your shooting ability in several ways, whether you’re shooting a basketball, a firearm, or even in sports like archery. Here’s how physical fitness can help:

1. Endurance and Focus: Shooting, especially in sports, requires a lot of concentration, and this can be hard to maintain if you’re out of shape or fatigued. Being fit allows you to maintain focus for longer periods, helping you stay sharp and consistent throughout your practice or competition.
2. Stability: Physical fitness helps improve core strength and muscle control. This is critical for shooting, as it allows you to maintain a stable posture, reduce shaking, and hold your position longer without fatigue. Strong legs, a stable core, and controlled arms all contribute to a steady shot.
3. Breathing Control: Being in good cardiovascular shape helps you manage your breathing more effectively, which is especially important in shooting sports like archery, firearms, or shooting competitions. Calm, steady breathing can improve accuracy by ensuring you don’t rush your shot or introduce unnecessary movement.
4. Mental Clarity and Stress Management: Physical fitness often enhances mental clarity and the ability to manage stress. Exercise releases endorphins, which can reduce anxiety and keep you calm under pressure. A calm mind is key to making precise, accurate shots, especially when there’s time pressure.
5. Recovery: If you’re involved in shooting for long periods, being fit helps your body recover faster. Muscular endurance allows you to continue shooting without physical discomfort, reducing the risk of injury or fatigue-related mistakes.
6. Flexibility and Mobility: Shooting, whether you’re throwing a ball, drawing a bowstring, or aiming with a firearm, requires flexibility and mobility, especially in the shoulders, wrists, and ankles. Regular exercise improves your range of motion and joint health, allowing you to achieve better form and consistency in your shots.
7. Reaction Time: Fitness can also improve your agility and reaction time, which is beneficial in sports like basketball or shooting competitions where fast responses to moving targets are important.

So, staying in shape doesn’t just help you physically; it can improve your mental game as well, making you a more focused, consistent, and controlled shooter.