Squats with a little weight, whether in a backpack or using some apparatus at a gym, is exactly what's needed. Add weight gradually. Stop if your back hurts. But you already knew all that. 
Recently certified at age 58
- Thread starter Tanya Cavaness-Heldman
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Good for you Tanya Cavaness-Heldman!
Just diving by itself has a way of making us stronger. Especially here in So Cal... surf entries, steep trails, no valet service on the dive boats.
If you stick with it, it will get easier, and you'll get tougher.
I'm 57 and I'm stronger, in better shape, and smarter than I've ever been in my life. I don't run, belong to a gym, or lift weights. I just eat healthy, dive almost every weekend, and carry my own gear.
It's great to be top of the game at our age.
... and the things I've seen in the underwater world!
Best of luck to you.
K
Just diving by itself has a way of making us stronger. Especially here in So Cal... surf entries, steep trails, no valet service on the dive boats.
If you stick with it, it will get easier, and you'll get tougher.
I'm 57 and I'm stronger, in better shape, and smarter than I've ever been in my life. I don't run, belong to a gym, or lift weights. I just eat healthy, dive almost every weekend, and carry my own gear.
It's great to be top of the game at our age.
... and the things I've seen in the underwater world!
Best of luck to you.
K
Last edited:
billt4sf
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Squats with a little weight, whether in a backpack or using some apparatus at a gym, is exactly what's needed. Add weight gradually. Stop if your back hurts. But you already knew all that.
That's probably good enough but if you already have back issues (and who doesn't?) I still suggest getting good form from a PT. (Especially if they are good-looking.)
- Bill
george_austin
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Yes, the sandbags in the back pack thing helps as does a little hiking with ankle weights or a sandbag or two thrown in to a backpack.
Any diver or crew is going to help you carry gear - there's not even a question about that.
I don't even know anyone who doesn't have back or age issues.
I'm 59 and have had a great summer beach diving in Laguna but I minimize what I use on a dive - less gear equals less weight. I dive a 2 mil shorty in this 72F water, steel tank, lightweight reg. no weight belt. Mask fins and snorkel! - and a big knife
I fly up those stairs in that gear.
It gets easier after getting a little used to it.
Any diver or crew is going to help you carry gear - there's not even a question about that.
I don't even know anyone who doesn't have back or age issues.
I'm 59 and have had a great summer beach diving in Laguna but I minimize what I use on a dive - less gear equals less weight. I dive a 2 mil shorty in this 72F water, steel tank, lightweight reg. no weight belt. Mask fins and snorkel! - and a big knife
I fly up those stairs in that gear.
It gets easier after getting a little used to it.
JamesBon92007
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Yes, the sandbags in the back pack thing helps as does a little hiking with ankle weights or a sandbag or two thrown in to a backpack.
Any diver or crew is going to help you carry gear - there's not even a question about that.
I don't even know anyone who doesn't have back or age issues.
I'm 59 and have had a great summer beach diving in Laguna but I minimize what I use on a dive - less gear equals less weight. I dive a 2 mil shorty in this 72F water, steel tank, lightweight reg. no weight belt. Mask fins and snorkel! - and a big knife
I fly up those stairs in that gear.
It gets easier after getting a little used to it.
The knife is probably why you don't need a weight belt
george_austin
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The plastic sheath is floaty! Grrrrr.
get some gym time going!
i'm 59 and work as a DM and instructor. So I haul my own gear, other people's gear, load and unload our boats, etc. get a trainer and do some weight training.
i'm 59 and work as a DM and instructor. So I haul my own gear, other people's gear, load and unload our boats, etc. get a trainer and do some weight training.
EricTheDood
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Yeah, someone who hasn't had the sharp, burning, near constant pain down their thigh doesn't get it. Stretching helps, as does deep tissue massage. And Icy Hot with Lidocaine (this stuff is magic).
KevinNM
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I developed sciatica a few years ago. I suddenly was having occasional issues walking along with some pain. Laying off the squats and deadlifts for a while along with PT and the chiropractor got it resolved. Then worked on proper form when I restarted. It sucked, but was fixable.
If it's due to a bone spur or other spine problem then it isn't so easy to deal with without a neurosurgeon with a knife.
If it's due to a bone spur or other spine problem then it isn't so easy to deal with without a neurosurgeon with a knife.
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