Getting in shape a few weeks before a dive

tommckenna6

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• Jul 15, 2009

• #1

We are headed to Cozumel in a few weeks....anyone recommend a physical fitness routine to prepare for a dive. I've been certified for three years and only dive 2-3 times a year. I thought about running a few miles a day to get the heart rate up....any recommendations?

I do take a LA Boxing class two times a week but it's more strenght training than anything.

 

OldNSalty

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• Jul 15, 2009

• #2

Start swimming some laps if you have a pool in the area-otherwise, anything cardio should be good-bike, run, etc.

Check your gear before you go and have a nice vacation.

 

S

Steve50

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• Jul 15, 2009

• #3

lifting glasses with salt on the edge

 

wrybosome

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• Jul 15, 2009

• #4

Swimming is great. I also like spinning - it's not as nice as an outdoor ride, but I find I work a lot harder for that hour. I lost 35 lbs in a year of spinning 3x per week.

 

billymac60

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I'm a Fish!

• Jul 15, 2009

• #5

Run Forrest, Run !!!

 

Guba

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• Jul 15, 2009

• #6

I also suggest swimming but, if possible, you might try swimming with your fins. I've found that on early season dives (some years I haven't swum or dived for a couple of months of winter) I have problems with my lower legs cramping on dive two or three, even though I walk and run regularly. Doing exercises that are specific to lower leg muscles, particularly swimming with fins, seems to prevent those cramps.

 

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BioLogic

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• Jul 15, 2009

• #7

I'd take my fins and snorkel to the pool and do some laps that way as part of the plan. Might as well get your legs used to doing what you'll be asking them to do.

 

Diveral

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• Jul 15, 2009

• #8

Just got back from a 4 day trip to NC. Started biking about 6 weeks prior to the trip would do 1 hr & 15 minutes on a trail ride. Upped the routine to 2x/day by the time the trip rooled around. Lost some pounds and was real pleased with air consumption and endurance for the dives. Could tell it made a big difference. If you swim I would definitely recommend using fins as I did that a couple of years ago without fins and I found myself using my hands & arms a lot during the dives.

AL

 

OP

tommckenna6

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• Jul 15, 2009

• #9

Great ideas...thanks guys!

 

freediver

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• Jul 15, 2009

• #10

Sound advice from these guys but don't forget about the importance of nutrition. Your body will respond and adapt to the exercise MUCH more effectively when it is getting proper nutrition. Sorry if i'm sounding like your Mom but eat your green beans Tom!