GET FIT FOR DIVING
By Gretchen Ashton, CFT, SFT, SFN, NBFE
A diver certified at 20 years of age has the potential for more than 50 years of scuba diving. During this
diving lifespan many biological changes will occur. Beginning in early adulthood all body systems begin
to lose capacity; muscle strength decreases, cardiovascular
capacity diminishes, and body composition changes. Clearly
illness should not be confused with aging, however, changes in
the body due to aging are of the greatest concern when combined with illness, injury or a sedentary lifestyle. There are
many theories of aging, but only physical activity is wholly
agreed to reverse the effects of aging. As with diving, there are
also risks associated with exercising. Fortunate ǒF