groupertrooper
New
I'm a 43y/o in good health,ex-smoker,padi aow/rescue.What will you consider minimal or reasonable fitness level to begin technical diving training for my age group?Thanks in advance..
fitness level....
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Green_Manelishi
Contributor
groupertrooper:
I think there is a forum on this site dedicated to fitness. Check it out.
Originally Posted by groupertrooper
I think a tec diver (really any diver) should:
* Have a bodyfat % between 8-20%, preferably in the lower part of that range. (Fat tissue and DCI connection)
* Have a resting pulse around 60 bpm (to me this says something about a general fitness level...there should be a bpm measure for while under stress as well but I dont know what would be reasonable)
* Score "very good" on the cooper test: http://www.bijlmakers.com/cooper/cooper.htm
(again its about general fitness and "very good", IMO, is not very good...)
* Pass the GUE, DIR-F, swimtest:
http://www.gue.com/classroom/standards/PDF/GUE_Standards_2003v2a.pdf
(again passing, IMO, shouldn´t be hard for you)
My opinion is that these are just general guidelines for anyone who wants to be "fit to dive" and not specifically for tecdivers. To me, these are pretty close to minimums, with you being an x-smoker, personally I think you would do well to make sure you fulfill these with some margin.
Just to be clear, I´m not saying that you shouldn´t go for "tech"-training if you dont pass these "tests", only that you´ll be better of if you do...
There are propably tons (no pun intended) of good/great/excellent techdivers who wouldn´t pass these tests but you asked for opinions so now you got one
This is just my personal opinion, I´m certainly no expert but you asked so here goes, YMMV...
I think a tec diver (really any diver) should:
* Have a bodyfat % between 8-20%, preferably in the lower part of that range. (Fat tissue and DCI connection)
* Have a resting pulse around 60 bpm (to me this says something about a general fitness level...there should be a bpm measure for while under stress as well but I dont know what would be reasonable)
* Score "very good" on the cooper test: http://www.bijlmakers.com/cooper/cooper.htm
(again its about general fitness and "very good", IMO, is not very good...)
* Pass the GUE, DIR-F, swimtest:
http://www.gue.com/classroom/standards/PDF/GUE_Standards_2003v2a.pdf
(again passing, IMO, shouldn´t be hard for you)
My opinion is that these are just general guidelines for anyone who wants to be "fit to dive" and not specifically for tecdivers. To me, these are pretty close to minimums, with you being an x-smoker, personally I think you would do well to make sure you fulfill these with some margin.
Just to be clear, I´m not saying that you shouldn´t go for "tech"-training if you dont pass these "tests", only that you´ll be better of if you do...
There are propably tons (no pun intended) of good/great/excellent techdivers who wouldn´t pass these tests but you asked for opinions so now you got one
kramynot2000
Guest
Well, I'm (this is hard to say) 40 now and I try to run for 1/2 hour or so 2-3 times and week and work in some strength training in there as well. In the summer I'd also go hiking for variety. I'd like to do more but with work, kid, etc. its hard to fit it in. I find that I have no problems lifting all the gear, keeping my SAC rate down, dealing with the stress on my body, etc. Any less exercise than this and I'd personnally be a little worried.
matt_unique
Guest
groupertrooper:
Definitely an important factor to consider. Cold water tech diving with heavy equipment is not for the faint of heart as they say. I think a good SAC rate is a good indicator of your shape. Of course the ability to lift your own gear around, the ability to do a decent surface swim without being out of breath, and having a measure of flexibility. The last point relating to the flexibility needed to reach your valves/manifold while wearing your thermals and drysuit. I don't know how applicable this would be but can you reach one arm behind your head and touch your other hand along your back for example?
--Matt
South Pacific Diver
Guest
I hear alot about SAC rate as being a good evaluation of fitness level for technical diving. Certainly a good SAC rate will lessen your gas requirements, but there are other considerations as well. People who lead a somewhat seditary life style, smoke or are in just average shape tend have a less effecient exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. They tend to retain CO2 which can lead to serious problems, especially when a dive becomes strenuous at depth.
Take into account that on a given tec dive especially on deep air there is already a certain amount of narcosis whether you realize it or not (remember the martini effect).
A CO2 build up in the body multiplies that 10 fold. Also high CO2 levels can cause rapid shallow breathing (basically feeling starved for air). This can cause even higher levels of CO2 and lead to passing out at depth.
There are hundreds of other reasons for maintaining good health, but they become especially important when thinking about moving into the tec relm.
Take into account that on a given tec dive especially on deep air there is already a certain amount of narcosis whether you realize it or not (remember the martini effect).
A CO2 build up in the body multiplies that 10 fold. Also high CO2 levels can cause rapid shallow breathing (basically feeling starved for air). This can cause even higher levels of CO2 and lead to passing out at depth.
There are hundreds of other reasons for maintaining good health, but they become especially important when thinking about moving into the tec relm.
Nomaster
Guest
The "Cooper Test" is running, is there an equivalent swimming, bicycling or other test that doesn't pound the joints?grazie42:
Tennis, running, and skiing took care of my joints years ago... maybe genetics helped out a little too.
Tom
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