It’s hard to place scuba diving on the same level as soccer or hockey when discussing physical fitness, but divers do need to be reasonably fit in order to safely scuba dive.
There is a toll on your body, simply from being underwater, which can stress the heart and circulatory system. For this reason, it’s recommended divers work on their aerobic fitness. Running, swimming or even walking briskly can help improve cardiovascular health that can translate to a safer dive.
Divers also need a degree of muscular fitness. Above water, diving equipment can be extremely heavy and divers need the strength to move and carry gear. Underwater, muscular strength is needed to combat drag that’s created while swimming. It’s also important to have muscular endurance as finning requires leg muscles to move constantly and can be very strenuous if you haven’t properly trained.
Maintaining physical fitness improves overall health but can also help keep you safe while diving. Even though scuba doesn’t require as much physicality as other highly active sports, it’s still important to recognize the role conditioning and strength training play in diving.
| Did you know that recreational diving has been shown to reduce stress and improve well-being? A group of French scientists published a paper in 2017 that found the focus on breathing, feeling of weightlessness and calm surroundings work together to help reduce stress and create a sense of mindfulness. Read the full article. |
Experience the beauty lying beneath the surface of the Caribbean Sea and book a dive tour at Belize Dive Haven. Book a vacation dive package and come experience the beauty of the coral reefs.
Just 30 miles from Belize City, Belize Dive Haven is located in pristine Turneffe Atoll. Consisting of creeks, lagoons, mangrove islands and cays, the atoll is home to over 500 species of fish, 65 different species of stony corals as well as birds, turtles, manatees and dolphins.
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