08-12-2016, 12:23 AM
Klem Wrote:Interesting vignette.
My take on relaxing tense muscles is to tense each limb individually as much as I can, hold it for a few seconds and relax. Then on to the next limb, and so on. Finally, the whole body tense as much as possible and relax. Inhale, close the eyes, count to ten and exhale. I heard this on the radio once, something about meditation and it has stuck with me.
I don't do that for shooting however. Two deep breaths to oxygenate the system and exhale the last two thirds, hold it, and take the shot before CO2 build-up causes stress. If I am not ready to shoot start the sequence again. This for shooting where I have control over the shot release.
Klem:
What you describe is known as 'Progressive Muscle Relaxation'. Done using deep and controlled breathing, centering as I described, then tension and relaxation of muscles. Normally done from the extremities to the 'center' (lower abdomin). For reasons I am not sure of, the process starts with the toes on one foot then the calf, thighs, then the other foot, then each hand and arm, and finally neck, traps, chest.
Very difficult for a person to stop and start over once they are in their shooting sequence. Takes a bunch of discipline but it is worth it. Particularly if you have to do a penalty loop for every target you miss. Or if you end up going from 1st to 5th place because you shot a 9 when others shot 10 or X.
LR55