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Wetsuit manufacturers are creating bigger and BIGGER sizes each year to accommodate divers. Out of shape divers are getting in the water and at times getting into trouble. Unfortunately, we are seeing an increasing number of unfit divers in emergency rooms and morgues around the world. No! Scuba diving is not becoming a more dangerous activity. 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 equipmentour bodies.
Congratulations! With this manual, you now have the tools to become a safer, more fit diver. By applying these simple instructions and following the illustrations in this manual, you will improve your fitness level regardless of your current level of fitness. 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. Furthermore, you will see drastic improvements in your overall quality of life.
True, this is a challenging endeavor, but as a trained scuba diver, you already possess many of the attributes necessary for success. You are probably the type of person who enjoys new challenges. You have already successfully applied training, planning, and focus to meet the demands of your certification course(s). If you apply these skills to your fitness program, your fitness level is certain to improve over time. Plan your workout and exercise according to your plan. As a diver, you are probably already quite adept at making a plan, following through, and maintaining accurate records of your experiences. These attributes will help you to implement a successful fitness program.
Your fitness program must be a regular part of your life, in order to maintain these improvements. It should be just as much a part of your regular routine as taking a shower and brushing your teeth. The best program for you is one that you will realistically maintain for years to come. For this reason, we have provided workouts for the home as well as in the gym. You will find activities suitable for every environment. This program should be a part of your routine, no matter where you are. There are no excuses for not making a commitment to your body and yourself. After all, you deserve it.
Although you would probably like to be immersed in water every day, the reality is that most of you are forced to be weekend warriors due to the commitments of daily life. Unfortunately, this lifestyle may cause the typical recreational scuba diver to only be active on weekends or dive vacations. This type of exercise schedule results in minimal training and may lead to injuries. It also does not prepare you for the unexpected challenges that you may encounter during your dive. An increased level of comfort in the water will create a more enjoyable scuba experience as well as an increased energy level for your dive vacation both in and out of the water.
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.
A proper fitness program will prepare you to more effectively deal with the challenges that you may encounter 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
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* Weight control
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* Lower blood lipids
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* Decreased blood pressure
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* Increased bone density
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* Psychological benefits
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Make the health of your body one of the essential commitments in your life. For a more relaxed scuba diving experience, you will benefit from a conditioning program which improves flexibility, strength, endurance, and balance. Your body is a unique machine that responds directly to training. It is time to start training your body. This is the only body that you will ever get, so take care of it!
This fitness program has been developed with you, the scuba diver, in mind. Strength is developed in areas of the body that are utilized during your dive. If you follow the simple guidelines of this book, you will have the knowledge to create a fitness program that will work for you. No single fitness program exists that will be successful for each of you. Our goal is to give you the tools to create a program that will fit your lifestyle and yield the results that you need. Remember, a successful fitness program takes planning as well as commitmentjust like a successful dive!
This is your body; therefore, it is your responsibility to be proactive in preparation for a safe and exciting scuba diving experience. Provided you are physically fit, no upper age limit exists for scuba diving. Fortunately, diving can be a life long activity if you maintain the proper level of fitness. Our goal is to give you the knowledge to create a program which will allow scuba diving to be a part of your life for many decades to come. We want you to retire from work, not from diving, so we must maintain a level of fitness which allows us to safely appreciate the underwater world for years to come. It is never too late to get in shape!
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