I would recommend training for it. Not that it is absolutely necessary if you're in decent shape, but you'll get more out of it if you are in great shape. And if it motivates you to get into killer shape, and stay that way (what the training organizations call your "physical readiness" and urge you to maintain as a Rescue Diver), all the better.
The course is demanding, and taxes both your cardiovascular and your muscular fitness. In addition, it also makes diving specific demands, such as your swimming ability.
My recommendation, and one I have given to numerous students taking the class, is this:
Do some form of resistance training. Focus on functional stuff like squat, deadlift, lunges, pushups and pullups, rather than biceps curls and lateral raises. Circuit training or Crossfit is great for diving. If you're unsure of the exercises, get a good trainer to show you. Do this at least twice a week.
Do some form of cardiovascular training. Do this two to three days a week. Mix it up. Running is good, rowing is good, cross-country skiing, if you live in an area that gets snow. Martial arts, soccer, and the like works, too. Every week, try to make at least one of your cardio sessions a water-based one. Swim both with and without fins, and really push yourself.
Don't forget to stretch. Traditional stretches work fine, or you can take a yoga class every now and again.
Remember the old army saying: hard training makes for easy fighting.
Enjoy your Rescue Diver, it's a lot of fun!
The course is demanding, and taxes both your cardiovascular and your muscular fitness. In addition, it also makes diving specific demands, such as your swimming ability.
My recommendation, and one I have given to numerous students taking the class, is this:
Do some form of resistance training. Focus on functional stuff like squat, deadlift, lunges, pushups and pullups, rather than biceps curls and lateral raises. Circuit training or Crossfit is great for diving. If you're unsure of the exercises, get a good trainer to show you. Do this at least twice a week.
Do some form of cardiovascular training. Do this two to three days a week. Mix it up. Running is good, rowing is good, cross-country skiing, if you live in an area that gets snow. Martial arts, soccer, and the like works, too. Every week, try to make at least one of your cardio sessions a water-based one. Swim both with and without fins, and really push yourself.
Don't forget to stretch. Traditional stretches work fine, or you can take a yoga class every now and again.
Remember the old army saying: hard training makes for easy fighting.
Enjoy your Rescue Diver, it's a lot of fun!