Fitness and Scuba Diving

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If this has been posted or answered elsewhere, I apologize.

Scuba certification / education usually stresses that DCI risk is increased by exercise before or after diving; how true is this, and have studies related to fitness training actually been compiled? I'm a runner, but lean away from an early morning or late evening run on days I dive, due to the influence these maxims have had on me. If I'm diving for a few days at a stretch, basically I'm giving up those days and wasting fitness / training opportunities. I would really like to know the definitive answer, if there is one, one way or another. Any known resources or studies?
 
Hi Sholak,

In the July / August 2008 Issue of Alert Diver - the diver safety magazine of Divers Alert Network (DAN) - Neal Pollock, Ph.D., research physiologist at the the Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Environmental Physiology at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, N.C., writes an article titled "Juggling Physical Exercise and Diving". I think you will find it helpful. Dr. Pollock's conclusion is: "Regular exercise is best scheduled to separate intense exercise and diving. Intense physical training should be avoided 24 hours on either side of diving activity. Any exercise within 24 hours of diving should involve the lowest possible joint forces."

I train year-round. The benefits of exercise (i.e. healthy lifestyle) are important to prevent DCS. But, on dive vacations all we do is dive, walk on the beach, hang out in the pool and snorkel.

Welcome to the board!
ScubaFit
 
Hi Rangerwolf,

Your workout plan sounds great! I've worked in a gym for years, but seem to enjoy my home workouts better these days because of convenience and less interruptions. Setting up a successful location is one of the most important aspects of a program. Weight watchers works! It is easy for most people and really gets you thinking about what you eat. Eventually habit changes follow. The accountability and support are good too. Let me know how you're progressing. Where do you plan to go diving next summer?

ScubaFit
 

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