diverlady
Contributor
I was a fish when I was a kid. Always in the water. In my teens I was a lifeguard so I think my technique is okay. However, swimming in an indoor pool is not a good option for me as high humidity aggravates my mild asthma.
I've tried the weight room, cardio equipment, martial arts but right now what I find good is a 30min circuit training program. A girlfriend and I have joined "Sisters" which is almost identical to "Curves" if you've seen those places around. They are 'women only' facilities where they have a number of pieces of equipment with slowdown spacers between. What the plan is, you work the hydraulic equipment as hard/fast as you can for 30secs and then move to the slowdown pad and walk/jog on the spot for 30secs and then on to the next piece of equipment. The machines are hydraulic so you get more than one muscle and you go at the speed that fits you. Several pieces of the equipment can accomodate more than one exercise so as you go around the circuit you switch it up a bit. Three times around is a 30min workout.
Benefits I've found:
1)cardio workout and weight training workout combined
2)you're done in 30 mins (or go longer if you want to)
3)mindless - on those days where your brain is fried from work, you don't have to think about what you're going to do. You just move to the next piece when you're prompted to.
4)you don't have to wait for equipment to become available like in a weight room or a sign-up sheet for the cardio equipment.
5)supervision - I found in the weight room, the fitness guy sits in an office and doesn't check that people are using equipment properly. Where I go, they measure/weigh you regularly as well as making sure everyone's heartrate is at a good level (it's checked every 10min).
6)misery loves company. There's always someone else in there with you to commiserate.
They also offer yoga and have guest speakers come in about a variety of topics although that's an extra cost.
Diverlady
I've tried the weight room, cardio equipment, martial arts but right now what I find good is a 30min circuit training program. A girlfriend and I have joined "Sisters" which is almost identical to "Curves" if you've seen those places around. They are 'women only' facilities where they have a number of pieces of equipment with slowdown spacers between. What the plan is, you work the hydraulic equipment as hard/fast as you can for 30secs and then move to the slowdown pad and walk/jog on the spot for 30secs and then on to the next piece of equipment. The machines are hydraulic so you get more than one muscle and you go at the speed that fits you. Several pieces of the equipment can accomodate more than one exercise so as you go around the circuit you switch it up a bit. Three times around is a 30min workout.
Benefits I've found:
1)cardio workout and weight training workout combined
2)you're done in 30 mins (or go longer if you want to)
3)mindless - on those days where your brain is fried from work, you don't have to think about what you're going to do. You just move to the next piece when you're prompted to.
4)you don't have to wait for equipment to become available like in a weight room or a sign-up sheet for the cardio equipment.
5)supervision - I found in the weight room, the fitness guy sits in an office and doesn't check that people are using equipment properly. Where I go, they measure/weigh you regularly as well as making sure everyone's heartrate is at a good level (it's checked every 10min).
6)misery loves company. There's always someone else in there with you to commiserate.
They also offer yoga and have guest speakers come in about a variety of topics although that's an extra cost.
Diverlady
I am a Sports Therapist and personal trainer (Dip PT, Dip IIST, MREPS, MRNT) in private practice. You cannot beat a combination of resistance training and cardio...not just for diving but for overall quality of life fitness. I would also add that you should not forget to incorporate flexibility training...and PLEASE train your HAMSTRINGS...probably one of the most neglected muscles in the body (aside from core)and amazingly important in diving.
