You have probably heard it before – something along the lines: ‘’Fit for scuba diving’’. But what does that actually mean, and why is it important?
In general, it is a good idea to stay fit and healthy in all aspects of life, as it benefits our bodies, mind and general health. This also applies when we go scuba diving, as we’re exercising while being submerged. Therefor it’s important to be both physically and mentally fit for diving.
Scuba diving is low impact exercise, and therefore we don’t and shouldn’t feel any physical exertion underwater. Water is heavier than air, so while being submerged when scuba diving, the water adds resistance, making scuba diving a low-impact resistance sport. As we move through the water, we’re experiencing continuous resistance, but without any impact on our joints, as we experience when running or walking. The resistance created by the water then works out some of our major muscle groups as we move through it. Finning works your quads, hamstrings, calves, ankles, hip flexors and core. Working out these muscle groups regularly can also help you to not cramp up while being on a dive. The best part of it: All these muscle groups don’t require a gym or equipment to work out! Check out PADI’s recommendation for six easy exercises to keep fit for diving: PADI exercise Tips
If you own your own equipment, it will involve carrying it to a certain extend, but luckily it’s possible to get travel versions of BCDs, regulators & fins for example. Being able to carry your own gear also adds to the term of being fit for diving (please also see our Blog: Equipment rental or own?
Being fit for diving benefits you in many ways. It will make you feel better (so you don’t overexert yourself even before getting ready in your equipment), and you will be in more control of your body and its limits, also meaning it will make you a safer & better diver.
Scuba diving is a lazy sport, as we don’t want to overexert ourselves while being on a dive. Taking it easy & breathing slow, deep breaths is what we aim for. This will benefit us as it will make our air last longer. There’s no competition in scuba diving; we’re adventure seekers. One simple exercise you can do is practice taking long breaths in and out, for example try to breathe in 3-4 seconds and then out 6-8 seconds whilst lying in bed. Please do resume normal breathing after a couple of practices, but it may help to train you for breathing slow breaths underwater. If you would like to practice this when you find yourself in the water again maybe the PPB speciality would be something for you.
Being mentally fit for scuba diving is also important, as we’re entering an environment, which we aren’t born to be in naturally. Being able to deal with new and old skills and being able to deal with emotional reactions that might occur when we face challenges are also important when it comes to being mentally fit and ready for scuba diving. To be mentally fit is something every person achieves differently, ask yourself how you get relaxed before your dive? maybe reading up on theory makes you feel more relaxed, or a practice run with setting up your equipment, refresher courses if it has been a while (no one has ever regretted doing one!) or maybe even doing some yoga the night before.
Take good care & be good to yourself, so you’re ready and feel fit for diving before heading out on your next dive adventure.