| Staying Active During the Winter Months | | | | clothes in layers. As you warm up, remove the |
| You don't have to be an Olympic athlete to scuba | | | | unessential layers and add them back as you cool |
| dive, but the sport is physically demanding. Don't allow | | | | down. |
| yourself to become a hefty couch potato during the | | | | Wear a hat. Most body heat is lost through your head. |
| winter off-season. | | | | Also, don't forget your gloves or mittens. |
| According to recent studies, poor physical fitness is a | | | | Chilly feet are discomforting. If you wear bulky socks, |
| contributing factor in many dive accidents. Staying | | | | you may need to change your shoe size to |
| physically active and fit is important. Many divers | | | | accommodate the thickness. |
| participate in winter activities such as skiing, ice hockey, | | | | Cold winter air is dry and conducive to dehydration. |
| and workouts at the gym. If you have access to an | | | | Drink plenty of water and fluids before, during, and |
| indoor pool, that's even better. You can get a good | | | | after exercising. |
| cardiovascular workout and practice skills, such as | | | | Know the signs of hypothermia and get inside before |
| mask clearing. To reach your fitness goals, you must | | | | you get too cold. |
| be consistent in your workouts. A regular schedule of | | | | Positive Side Effects of Exercise: |
| three, thirty-minute sessions a week will do more for | | | | Improved cardiovascular and pulmonary efficiency |
| your body than infrequent intense workouts. | | | | Increased muscle strength |
| Areas of Importance to Divers: | | | | Lower blood pressure |
| Moderate aerobic fitness. | | | | Weight loss and maintenance of optimum weight |
| You should be able to do about ten minutes of | | | | More energy |
| moderate exercise without tiring easily. | | | | Reduced stress |
| Moderate torso strength. You use those muscles for | | | | Better sleep |
| donning equipment and hauling gear. | | | | Increased mental sharpness |
| Average body fat. A good guide to follow is "Body | | | | Improved immune system |
| Composition - An Athlete's Guide" from your About | | | | More productive |
| Sports Medicine Guide. | | | | Not only will exercise improve your diving, it will improve |
| Exercise Tips: | | | | your life. Below are examples of popular activities. Not |
| Always warm up before exercising. Slow stretching | | | | all activities have the same degree of difficulty. |
| and muscle warming exercises help prevent injuries. | | | | Choose one that suits your lifestyle and interests, and |
| Dress for the cold. If you'll be outside wear your | | | | get started today. |