Scuba Fitness: Lower body strength for scuba divers The Leg Press is an excellent alternative to the squat to improve lower body strength for diving. Gretchen M. Ashton, Photographer In southern California where shore diving is particularly popular, divers often have to overcome an obstacle course to get to their favorite dive spot. Beach access may be by stairs and always includes walking distances across grass, concrete, sand or rocks. After entering the water in varying surf conditions, the diver then “kicks out” or “turtles” on the surface to conserve air before dropping down to dive. Charter boat diving also...
Sat, 12 Jun 2010 17:24:00 +0000 Scuba Fitness: Kayaking is exercise for scuba divers Kayaks for sale at Carlsbad Paddle Sports. Photo by Carlsbad Paddle SportsOutdoor recreation is a great way to stay fit for scuba diving. Even on non-diving days most divers enjoy being at the beach or lake. Participating in physical activity you enjoy is key to a successful fitness lifestyle. Kayaking is an excellent total body workout for scuba fitness. Both upper body and lower body integrate with abdominals for paddling techniques and changing directions on an uneven surface. The mind-body connection is challenged and enhanced improving balance, coordination and quick thinking...
Fri, 28 May 2010 23:34:00 +0000 Where's Memorial Day at Walmart? American Flag flying over the the Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor Gretchen M. Ashton At least five north San Diego County Walmart stores, and others across the country, dismiss Memorial Day in lieu of an "American Summer" promotion.The week-long sale flyer offers roll back prices on outdoor exercise and sporting equipment such as bicycles, scooters, volleyball, basketball and badminton sets. Discounts also include the typical weekend barbecue menu of ribs, soda and chips.Ironically, the camping gear page says, "roughing it has never been so comfortable". Walmart...
Wed, 26 May 2010 01:06:00 +0000 Hydration for Scuba Fitness and Diving Good hydration begins with an awareness of the need to drink water regularly throughout the day. Gretchen M. Ashton Good hydration is important to a successful exercise program and especially important to scuba divers to reduce the risks associated with diving. It is commonly thought that most people are dehydrated most of the time. The following information provides a good understanding of the importance of hydration for Scuba Fitness and Diving. How much water is in your body? In an adult weighing approximately 155 pounds, the amount of water in the body is 42 liters, nearly 11 gallons or...
Sun, 23 May 2010 23:19:00 +0000 Scuba Fitness: Do you know your health? Cardiovascular wellness scan for scuba divers An image from a cardiovascular wellness scan. Inner Vision Wellness Imaging Related articles Scuba Fitness: Beach Walk for Aerobic Exercise and Tide Pools Scuba Fitness and Music Exercise at the Flower Fields Heart disease and/or cardiovascular illness is the most common medical condition reported by scuba divers. The known risks associated with entering the underwater environment require a responsible and preventative approach to health and wellness.The most important scuba fitness recommendation for scuba divers is to know your health. This is especially...
Mon, 17 May 2010 16:30:00 +0000
Why ScubaFitŪ? Gretchen M. Ashton, CFT, NBFE
As scuba divers we complete training through certifications, we practice and demonstrate our skills and follow safety protocols. We are reminded of the inherent risk of sport diving every time we sign our medical release and liability forms. Many of us can share times when something unexpected happened during a dive and we were able to handle it because of our experience. We can also share the circumstances of dives where events did not go as planned, and only fortuitous circumstances or the actions of another diver, dive master or instructor made the positive difference. In these moments we especially see the evidence for the individual responsibility of an adequate level of competency and preparedness essential to scuba diving.
It is my opinion, as a fitness professional and scuba diver, one of the most significant individual responsibilities for prevention and preparedness of illness and injury in diving is physical fitness and good health. With a desire to learn what the diving industry has to offer on the subject, I have voraciously read and researched everything I can find regarding physical fitness and diving. My initial discovery reveals, while there is some level of available information along with consensus that physical fitness is important to diving, at best it is superficial in specific applications that match the health profile of our diving community. Perhaps this is because the benefits of fitness have grown parallel to the diving industry. My goal is to bring the two together with a long-lasting positive affect.Read Full Article
Gretchen M. Ashton, CFT, NBFE Founder of ScubaFitŪ PADI Advanced Diver Personal Trainer - Fitness Therapist Biomechanic Strength Trainer Arthritis Specialist World Champion Hall-of-Fame Athlete Public Speaker, Columnist and Author
ScubaFitŪ Presents Physical Fitness Module for Los Angeles County Advanced Diving Program July 10, 2010
The birthplace of scuba safety and certification, L.A. County Scuba continues to lead the industry with their comprehensive training. L.A. County Scuba advances dive safety by incorporating physical fitness for scuba diving into diver certification programs. As part of a 14-week Advanced Diver Program, students receive over 100 hours of instruction in advanced and master diver topics along with NAUI Master Diver, NAUI Scuba Rescue and NAUI Nitrox certifications.
The ScubaFitŪ session presented by Gretchen M. Ashton, CFT, NBFE bridges the world of fitness and the world of diving. Information presented is science-based, practical and appropriate to all fitness levels. Instructors and novice divers alike benefit from the course. The goal of ScubaFitŪ is to get divers exercising. Fit indiviudals are more likely to enjoy recreational activities such as diving. Incorporating physical fitness instruction into dive certification programs provides safety, injury prevention and increased participation.
Antelope Valley Desert Divers 7:00 pm Second Monday of the Month (TBA) Palmdale Cutural Center 38350 Sierra Highway in Palmdale
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Disclaimer: This information is intended for educational purposes, to promote exercise and foster discussion. It is necessary to seek professional medical evaluation and clearance before beginning any exercise program. Further, it is well-advised to seek professional fitness instruction when engaging in new physical activity. An Agreement of Waiver and Release of Liability is required for FitDiverŪ membership. See Terms of Use and Privacy Policy . Webmaster: gretchen m. ashton