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Author Topic: Do you work out for bowling?  (Read 21069 times)

johns811

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Do you work out for bowling?
« on: October 25, 2019, 11:12:46 AM »
I missed most of last season due to hernia surgery, previous year just bowled every other week avg 190's. Going into this season I started to work out a little doing curls, wrist rollups, pushups. I'm not talking gym rat, I'm talking a few sets here and there. So far after 7 weeks average is up 20+ pins, ball feels much lighter. I just bought some resistance bands and going to add a few exercises on steady routine.

So I'm wondering if working out has helped your game?  If so what type of exercise to you do?

 

Impending Doom

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Re: Do you work out for bowling?
« Reply #1 on: October 25, 2019, 11:24:42 AM »
It's interesting that this topic is brought up. After a unfortunate incident at my league on Thursday night, I can't finish the rest of the year. I was paired up with a family of good bowlers and they all decided to quit, and I couldn't find enough guys to fill up the team.

So I decided to take the time I would have spent there, and put it into the gym and coaching.

Areas that I like to focus on, which a lot of people overlook.

Your core is super important. From the knees up to the middle of your back, I work that hard. I also work my pecs and bi and triceps, but not as much as the legs. I'm 5'5 135 lbs, I need to hit the line solid because I can't brute force my way thru the bottom of the shot.

Also, stretching is so important.

Good for you to get into the gym and doing something about your score instead of just complaining.

BowlingForDonuts

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Re: Do you work out for bowling?
« Reply #2 on: October 25, 2019, 11:46:05 AM »
I frequently swing the power and swing trainer at home from eileensbowlingbuddy.com as much to work on my swing as to build strength.  Also use the release trainer to work on wrist and forearm when bored at my computer.
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DCNetBoy

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Re: Do you work out for bowling?
« Reply #3 on: October 25, 2019, 04:03:37 PM »
Sorry, I couldn't pass this up.  LOL!

I lift weights every time before I go bowling. 

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bowling_rebel

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Re: Do you work out for bowling?
« Reply #4 on: October 26, 2019, 12:09:19 AM »
Well, bowling is a sport. I doubt most people do work out. If you want to be good, this is a must.

Since going no-thumb I do a lot of stretching lets and thighs to increase range of motion and increase my spine tilt. I also do weight exercises that specifically target lateral quads, to improve ability to get down at foul line and remain stable.

After doing this several months, start to see results on the lanes.

The one thing I never work out is my right arm and wrist strength. Since going no-thumb have built up a lot of muscle there just bowling and when off the lanes, it's time to give those muscles a rest.

St. Croix

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Re: Do you work out for bowling?
« Reply #5 on: October 26, 2019, 11:44:10 AM »
I do several sets of push ups on most days and a lot of walking everyday. The exercise helps, but I probably should do more work on the legs.
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DrBob806

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Re: Do you work out for bowling?
« Reply #6 on: October 27, 2019, 12:27:02 PM »
I work out just to try and stay in shape nowadays. I used to lift very heavy, particularly bench pressing and squats.

Getting bulky and muscular isn't really a good fit for bowling training, as you need flexibility. Just focus on being in good shape, which includes some weights and cardio. Your body will thank you later, your bowling will be fine.

milorafferty

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Re: Do you work out for bowling?
« Reply #7 on: October 27, 2019, 09:05:57 PM »
I usually work out before, after and sometimes even during bowling.

12 oz is my preferred weight for bicep curls.  ;)
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dizzyfugu

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Re: Do you work out for bowling?
« Reply #8 on: October 28, 2019, 02:50:24 AM »
I made warming-up/stretching part of my bowling routine - and I am the only player in league or during training that I see doing so. But since I started doing this, I have much less muscle aches after playing, and I know that I HAVE to warm up a bit because I have general muscle stiffness problems. So I stretch arms and legs, it really helps me.
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MrNattyBoh

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Re: Do you work out for bowling?
« Reply #9 on: October 28, 2019, 08:39:27 AM »
I like going to Planet Fitness a couple times a week. For 10 bucks a month you really cant beat it.

I like to hit the following machines:
Treadmill (2 miles uphill at 3.2-3.5 mph)
Body Arc Trainer ( 12 minutes level 3 interval)
Elliptical (25 minutes level 10)
Ab Trainer (3 sets of 20, 100lbs)
Back Trainer(3 sets of 20, 175lbs)

 I think it definitely helps the bowling physical game as well as the mental game, good place to blow off steam when you are in a bad stretch of matches!

bowling_rebel

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Re: Do you work out for bowling?
« Reply #10 on: October 28, 2019, 09:16:01 AM »
Learning dynamic stretching before bowling can be a big help.

Static stretching is for when you not about to compete, to increase flexibility. Dynamic stretching is to improve performance in the moment. I used to take over a game to loosen up, since adding in dynamic stretching before tournament, I am ready to go after a few practice shots.

For a sport shot tournament especially, need practice session to figure out how going to play the lanes. No more using it all just trying to warm up.

Impending Doom

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Re: Do you work out for bowling?
« Reply #11 on: October 28, 2019, 11:35:28 AM »
Learning dynamic stretching before bowling can be a big help.

Static stretching is for when you not about to compete, to increase flexibility. Dynamic stretching is to improve performance in the moment. I used to take over a game to loosen up, since adding in dynamic stretching before tournament, I am ready to go after a few practice shots.

For a sport shot tournament especially, need practice session to figure out how going to play the lanes. No more using it all just trying to warm up.

This is something I need to look into ASAP. I'm about to start at a gym and could always use a way to get warm BEFORE putting my hand in the ball. Thanks!

Brandon Riley

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Re: Do you work out for bowling?
« Reply #12 on: October 28, 2019, 01:46:08 PM »
I had to stop bowling for 6 months due to injuries so lifting 2-3 days/week is something I do in order to continue bowling at a relatively high level.

Legs:  Lunges and squats.  Being stable at the line has always been a struggle for me, but improving my quad strength has made posting shots easier
Arms:  Bicep curls, chin ups, overhead cable extensions to offload the pressure from old wrist injuries as recommended by my physio
Shoulders:  Kettle bells best simulate the swinging of a bowling ball
Brandon Riley
Brunswick Regional Staff

Mbosco

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Re: Do you work out for bowling?
« Reply #13 on: October 28, 2019, 05:25:16 PM »
I had to stop bowling for 6 months due to injuries so lifting 2-3 days/week is something I do in order to continue bowling at a relatively high level.

Legs:  Lunges and squats.  Being stable at the line has always been a struggle for me, but improving my quad strength has made posting shots easier
Arms:  Bicep curls, chin ups, overhead cable extensions to offload the pressure from old wrist injuries as recommended by my physio
Shoulders:  Kettle bells best simulate the swinging of a bowling ball

If you want to level up a little from the lunges, you can also try split squats to reeeeally isolate each leg and focus on balance.

Brandon Riley

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Re: Do you work out for bowling?
« Reply #14 on: October 28, 2019, 05:57:35 PM »
Currently lunging on the half bosu ball but the split squat is definitely next!
Brandon Riley
Brunswick Regional Staff