Are you fit for scuba? June 12, 2006
Posted by Andy Carroll in : Trivia , trackbackScuba diving really is an activity of two halves. On the one hand, you must carry heavy gear along rocking boats and make strenuous entries and exits, whilst on the other, you submerge, weightless, and relaxed, whilst looking at the wonders laid before us. So it is understandable that some people who go scuba diving look, well, less sporty than others.
With that in mind, exercise physiologists, Jessica and Jaime Adams, have created a fitness program designed specifically for scuba divers, called ‘Fit for Scuba’. In the form of a printed manual, it is available from Amazon and will soon be available from Divers Alert network (DAN).
Here is their own intro to the program;
Divers are concerned with safety; we have buddies, follow dive plans, keep dive logs, and complete routine maintenance of our gear. However, many of us neglect the most vital piece of equipment…our bodies…
Due to common misconceptions, scuba diving has been highly ignored by the fitness industry. As you know, dive gear alone places an additional load on the body. The physical demands of entries and exits must also be considered. Above all, scuba divers must always be physically and mentally prepared for challenging conditions that may arise in this dynamic underwater world. As you know, almost every diver has a story about a difficult exit from the water or a challenging current.
“Fit for SCUBA” is a tool for becoming a safer, more fit diver. The simple instructions and illustrations in this manual can help you improve your fitness level. Deciding to participate in a fitness program may be the best decision that you can make to improve the quality of your diving experience. Now all you have to do is follow through on your plan.
Does this mean that anyone who scuba dives needs to start spending the time they are not underwater, in the gym ‘pumping iron’? Well no, but some investment in keeping fit will ease the stress whilst entering the exiting the water, as well as carrying all that kit on and off boats. Looking at the manual, some of these exercises can be done utilising your scuba gear as gym weights, and on the front cover there is a picture of a scuba diver doing squats with their scuba gear on. I am not sure I would do that, but the manual may give you some ideas of how to best improve your fitness for scuba diving.
A proper fitness program will prepare you to more effectively deal with the challenges that may arise during your dive. Improved muscular strength will minimize the stress of pre- and post-dive equipment handling. Entries and exits will also be completed with greater ease. Increased muscular and cardiovascular efficiency may improve comfort and confidence during your dive. Improved strength, flexibility, and balance will add comfort to maneuvering around a rocking boat, particularly when you are wearing your gear. You and your dive buddy will benefit from increased confidence in personal capabilities allowing a more relaxing and enjoyable underwater experience. You will also experience a boost in your overall energy level! Some additional benefits of exercise include:• Improved cardiovascular health
• Weight control
• Lower blood lipids
• Decreased blood pressure
• Increased bone density
• Psychological benefits
[via DiveNews]
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