Heart Rate

[6BRinNZ]

- Not your usual topic,

I have a wicked rifle, tools prepping brass to the best of my abilities, i'm practising shooting with both eyes open, and I'm following Brian Litzs book and second guessing wind wherever I go...

But man - how do you slow that heart rate down....quote from Froggy on this site

" I know that my focus is so intense that my breathing is slowed considerably. My heart rate is pretty much non-existent."

I was up at the range shooting at 200yrds from a bipod and sand sack and for the life of me I couldn't stop my pulse from bouncing that scope around....

any tips, ideas, books?

 

[GermanS1]

I only know of one way to get to a "non-existent heart rate" and I don't want to go there! ;D

No easy answers but here are some tips: http://riflemansjournal.blogspot.com/2010/05/physical-training-for-older-shooters.html

 

[BoydAllen]

Bench or prone?

 

[Steve Blair]

Your prone position may not be optimal. The following two daily bulletins provide some useful tips. Try to avoid chest-to-ground contact. This will reduce problems with both pulse and breathing. Some positions may not be immediately comfortable. Some may never be truly comfortable. That does not mean they are ineffective. Try stretching and warm-up prior to shooting. The better your physical condition, the slower your heart rate. Relaxation exercises may help slow your heart rate to that of resting pulse while shooting. A good shooting jacket will also help isolate pulse effects.

http://bulletin.accurateshooter.com/2010/02/shooting-skills-prone-position-usamu/
http://bulletin.accurateshooter.com/2009/09/body-and-rifle-positioning-for-prone-shooting/

 

[6BRinNZ]

Thanks guys,

I will have a good read through

German - ha ha yeah I am with you there, I actually work out 3 times a week so my fitness isn't too bad.

Boyd - it was prone, generally speaking at the bench I feel I am ok, I just really notice it in the prone position...maybe it is body position...lots to learn...

 

[whiskey08]

how much are you holding the rifle vs. letting the bipod and rear bag do the work? If its moving that much are you holding to hard. Theres a pulse in your shoulder also, a pad might help. Take deep breaths and force yourself to relax. All the stress during matches is self imposed, so learn to relax

 

[spclark]

Not an uncommon problem for those of us who shoot prone with a sling!

After you've done everything you can think of to reduce / eliminate pulse movement, you may want to consider taking up yoga! Seriously!

Even with your workout regimen (which should incorporate some kind of routine to boost your heart rate safely) the benefits of whole-body conditioning and the body awareness you can achieve with yoga can go a long way to helping you slow your pulse when you're in position.

It worked wonders for me after I had a heart attack in early 2006. Even with using the rowing machine I have at home now (two or three miles every other day) when I stopped doing yoga in 2008 I noticed my pulse control went away as well. I started up again this year & though I've shot only one Palma match so far I noticed the difference in the first ten rounds.

 

[necchi]

It's yoga,,meditation,,some call it,, "getting in the zone",, "getting your head right",, no stress,, no sweat,,

It's a big part physical conditioning,,aka; excersize,,, and rest and diet prior too and during a shoot,,lay off the caffine, chocolate's an sugary soda

"OOHHMmmm, Oohmm monum paydmae uuoommm",,OOHHMmmm, Be 8)