Whether you’re a veteran diver or a beginner, there are ways that you can improve your scuba diving experience. One of the best things that you can do is work on your physical fitness.
Regular exercise strengthens your heart and lungs, which will increase your endurance and help you feel more comfortable under the water. Furthermore, the more physically fit you are, the safer you’ll be as a diver. Here are some quick tips to get you in shape for your next dive.
Walk regularly
It seems overly simple, but it’s true– walking can help you to live longer. Research has shown that people who walk regularly are 50% less likely to die from heart disease than non-walkers. This fact is significant considering that heart disease is one of the leading killers of divers. Try to walk about 30 minutes per day.
Strength train
Strength training will make everything in life easier, including lugging your 50lb oxygen tank around. Leg exercises will help you to swim better. Working your core will help you support your back. And don’t forget that muscles burn calories. That means that the more muscle you have, the easier is it to keep extra weight off and it’s best to be a healthy weight when diving.
Work on your feet and calves
Your feet and calves are muscles that are most likely to cramp when you are scuba diving. Your feet and calves are not accustomed to the work required by extended dives. Working on these muscles not only strengthens them, but it also increases circulation. The more blood flow to a muscle, the less likely you are to cramp up. Try to do toes grabs and calf lifts as part of your daily exercise routine.