A question that comes up regularly.
Do you have to be a sports animal to practice scuba diving?
Dear readers, a good day to you!
So I will immediately please those of you who have a few extra pounds, the answer is no!
No you don't need a six pack, nor do you need to be a marathon beast. Nothing superhuman to pass the certifications or to hang around twenty meters deep.
Why that?
Out of the water, the less muscular among us can feel the weight of the tank on our back but never for long. Once immersed, it's as if you were swimming with nothing, well, almost. Also, there will always be someone around to give you a hand.
Underwater, you will mainly use the muscles of your thighs and calves. Leave the Rocky Balboa style workout at home, no biceps needed here. You will let yourself be carried more than you will swim. You just need your legs to kick out every now and then.
If you are in good shape, even better. If you have a few extra pounds it won't be too penalizing, if at all. Be careful, pregnant women are at risk. No diving for these ladies during this period.
That being said, if you are in Olympic form you won't be blamed. If you are fit, you will have less trouble with the equipment on your back, you will probably be able to withstand the heat in your wetsuit better (you can quickly feel hot in direct sunlight). Also, if you are a bit athletic with good breathing and a good heart rate, this will allow you to consume a little less air underwater (simply by regulating your breathing better).
Last observation, some courses may require extra effort. I am thinking here of "PADI Rescue" during which you will, on numerous occasions, practice exercises in the water such as pulling a diver in difficulty to bring him back to the boat, bring him to the surface. Come on, it's time to get some testosterone out!
You'll burn a lot of calories, but no fat unfortunately. So don't count on diving to lose weight or improve your muscle mass.
Benefits for the muscles
Scuba diving is an activity that allows you to work several muscle groups in the lower limbs. The resistance of the water while pushing with your fins involves working your glutes, thighs and calves.
The arms, shoulders, abs and back are used during movement in the water and during activities (hanging on to rocks in currents, providing assistance, visiting wrecks, etc.).
What physical exercises for divers?
Running of speed walking
Swimming
Trekking
Musculation (back and thighs)
See you soon.
Ciao.
The Diving Bear
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