Any kind of training?

[MauiScubaSteve]

I am fairly sure that the more in shape you are, the less of an air hog you will be (once you calm down that is, and aren't a freaked out newbie)

Not that this applies to the OP...

Actually, there is a point in fitness/exercise where the body becomes a high horsepower machine. A '68 GTO w/6-pack is so strong it can climb gentle hills at just an idle, while a Neon will have problems moving at idle on level ground. Leave those cars parked at idle and the GTO uses way more fuel. Similarly, a very in shape person (pro athlete) has a significant O2 requirement even at rest. A very few people will only improve air consumption by getting a little softer (less muscle).

 

[Gary D.]

Not that this applies to the OP...

Actually, there is a point in fitness/exercise where the body becomes a high horsepower machine. A '68 GTO w/6-pack is so strong it can climb gentle hills at just an idle, while a Neon will have problems moving at idle on level ground. Leave those cars parked at idle and the GTO uses way more fuel. Similarly, a very in shape person (pro athlete) has a significant O2 requirement even at rest. A very few people will only improve air consumption by getting a little softer (less muscle).

:thumbs_up:

Gary D.

 

[spectrum]

Anything that gets you active is a good start.

Swimming is a great start. It is great conditioning, prepares you for the swim test and increases your watermanship,

As mentioned be sure to include some skin dive time in fins to condition your legs to the increased loading. This can head off the almost inevitable new diver cramps. Sustained oral breathing and mask wearing with a submerged face is best when second nature and skin-diving lets you get there prior to dealing with the rest of the scuba gear. Laps in the pool work great if open water is not in season or handy.

Pete

 

[Oceanna21]

....General fitness should also include some strength training. The equipment can be heavy and awkward. Just a good general all round fitness program with varied activites will be suffice. In the water you want to be as LAZY as you can be only moving as required when required.

Wholly agree on the strength training bit. Just remember that sometimes you not only have to carry your gear, but you may have to hoist yourself up the ladder WITH your gear after your boat dive. Of course you can always hand your BCD up to the boat boys, making it easier to get up the ladder. However, that might not be the best move in choppy water where you want to get out of it as fast as possible.

I'm not quite sure how heavy your gear is going to be but that would be a great gauge as to how much strength you are going to need. I personally believe that it's best if you are able to carry your own gear, just in case you cannot get help with it

Christine