(ContentDesk) June 28, 2006 -- Exercise Physiologists, Jessica and Jaime Adams, have created a fitness program designed specifically for scuba divers. Fit for SCUBA is currently available for sale at www.bbotw.com, amazon.com and will soon be available for purchase through Divers Alert Network.Divers are concerned with safety; they have buddies, follow dive plans, keep dive logs, and complete routine gear maintenance. However, many divers neglect their most vital piece of equipment&their bodies. Due to common misconceptions, scuba diving has been highly ignored by the fitness industry. Dive gear alone places an additional load on the body.

The physical demands of entries and exits must also be considered. Above all, scuba divers must always be physically and mentally prepared for challenging conditions that may arise in this dynamic underwater world. Almost every diver has a story about a difficult exit from the water or a challenging current. Fit for SCUBA is a tool for becoming a safer, more fit diver. The simple instructions and illustrations in this manual can help improve diver fitness.

Participating in a fitness program may improve diver's confidence, and quality of life. The authors have provided a fitness plan for divers to follow.Fitness should be a regular part of life, in order to maintain these improvements. Exercise should be just as much a part of a regular routine as taking a shower and brushing your teeth. The best program for each diver is one that will be realistically maintained for years to come. For this reason, Fit for SCUBA contains a set of exercises that can be done at home as well as a set of exercises for the gym.

This program should be a part of every diver's daily routine, regardless of location.Although most divers would probably like to be immersed in water every day, the reality is that most are forced to be weekend warriors due to the commitments of daily life. Unfortunately, this lifestyle may cause the typical recreational scuba diver to only be active on weekends or dive vacations. This type of exercise schedule results in minimal training and may lead to injuries. It also does not prepare divers for the unexpected challenges that may be encountered during a dive. An increased level of comfort in the water will set the tone for a more enjoyable scuba experience.

Increased energy can be utilized during dive vacations both in and out of the water.A proper fitness program will prepare divers to more effectively deal with the challenges that may arise during a dive. Improved muscular strength will minimize the stress of pre- and post-dive equipment handling. Entries and exits will also be completed with greater ease. Increased muscular and cardiovascular efficiency may improve diving comfort and confidence. Improved strength, flexibility, and balance will add comfort to maneuvering around a rocking boat, particularly when wearing your gear.

Divers will benefit from increased confidence in personal capabilities allowing a more relaxing and enjoyable underwater experience. Fit divers will also experience a boost in overall energy levels! Some additional benefits of exercise include:"Improved cardiovascular health"Weight control"Lower blood lipids"Decreased blood pressure"Increased bone density"Psychological benefitsHealth one of the essential commitments in every person's life. For a more relaxed scuba diving experience, divers will benefit from a conditioning program which improves flexibility, strength, endurance, and balance. The human body is a unique machine that responds directly to training. The human body is the only piece of equipment that is irreplacable, so divers must take care of it!This fitness program has been developed with the needs of scuba divers, in mind.

Strength is developed in areas of the body that are utilized during a dive. Fit for SCUBA provides guidelines for divers to create a fitness programs that meet the needs of each diver. No single fitness program exists that will be successful for each diver. This book provides the tools to create a program that will fit individual lifestyles and yield the desired results. A successful fitness program takes planning as well as commitment, just like a successful dive!It is every diver's responsibility to be proactive in preparation for a safe and exciting scuba diving experience.

Provided one is physically fit, no upper age limit exists for scuba diving. Fortunately, diving can be a life long activity if the proper level of fitness is maintained. Fit for SCUBA supplies the knowledge to create a program which will allow scuba diving to be a life long physical activity. Divers should retire from work, not from diving, so maintaining a level of fitness which allows safe appreciation of the underwater world is paramount. Divers can make the most of each diving experience by improving fitness&.and may even add years to their lives..