I would defer to someone like Coach Izzy here on the board that is also a USAW weightlifting coach with athletes at the National and International level.
I apologize for turning this into an essay... but you only have one back... and the recovery time takes away from the diving or other fun activities you might be involved with. Exercise should enhance your physicality and quality of life, not take away from it... lol... Somewhere in the middle of everyone's advice is a path that's right for you... you'll figure it out.
I really appreciate all the thoughtful advice and can see those exercises will be useful- thanks
! Luckily my mentor, who is also my chiropractor and a very active tech diver, is teaching me some doubles lifting techniques. I'd still like to build more strength though - especially in relationship to actually wearing doubles topside. Unfortunately, I do have an old lingering pinch in my upper back so not all exercises (such as squat) which puts direct weight on the discs work for me.
I'm a little concerned about my upper back and diving doubles, but was able to hike 80lb loads in climbing without major problem, so with a little proper training and extra strength it should all work out ok. I just have to be careful.
I've heard Izzy isn't on the board much, but it appears I may be able to ask him some specific training questions indirectly. Think given my unique situation it might be best to see what Izzy suggests before I switch my training.
Thanks again!
