How to Strengthen Muscles for Bowling

Bowling has a reputation as a leisurely sport, so many bowlers don't train properly for it. Bowling actually uses many muscles such as legs, forearms and shoulders. Strengthening these muscles will prevent injuries and make bowling more enjoyable. Here are some ways to strengthen your muscles for bowling.

Things You'll Need

• Comfortable shoes to work out in
• Loose fitting clothes for exercise
• Barbell
• Dumbbells

Instructions

Instructions

1. The hand, arms and forearms are used extensively in bowling so these are good muscles to strengthen. Warm up properly before exercising.

2. 

   Wrist stretch: Start with one arm out in front of you with your palm facing up. Now with the other hand, grasp the fingers of the outstretched hand and pull towards you stretching the wrist and forearm.

3. 

   Wrist curls: Sit down on a bench and rest your forearms on the edge. Grab a barbell with an underhand grip and let the bar hang off the edge of your fingers. Curl your wrists towards you and hold it at the top so as to feel the contraction within the wrist flexors. Lower the weight back down to the starting position and then repeat. Go slowly and use light weights.

4. 

   Overhead triceps extensions: This is to work the triceps muscles often used in bowling. Sit down on a bench and grasp a dumbbell with both hands. Lift the weight overhead and lock your arms at the top pointing towards the ceiling. Keep your elbows pointing up and lower the weight as far as you can behind your head. Then, lift the weight back up towards the ceiling and repeat. You should feel a stretch in your triceps, the muscle behind your biceps.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't neglect aerobic exercise. Choose an activity that you enjoy such as walking or cycling. Aerobic exercise will build your stamina to better enjoy bowling.

• Before starting a workout program to strengthen your muscles for bowling, check with your doctor. Remember to stretch properly before exercise.