Professional diving is one of the most physically demanding activities, requiring a high level of fitness to maintain optimal performance while diving. This sport requires strength, endurance, flexibility, and breath control to meet the challenges posed by the aquatic environment. In this article, we will review the importance of fitness for professional divers and the most important exercises that help improve underwater performance.
A diver needs precise breathing control while diving to keep oxygen consumption as low as possible. Cardiovascular exercises such as running, cycling, and swimming help improve lung capacity and the body's ability to utilize oxygen efficiently, increasing the time you can stay underwater without rapidly exhausting yourself.
Strength and flexibility exercises help improve joint mobility and reduce the risk of injury . Diving in harsh environments such as caves or extreme depths can put stress on joints and muscles, making regular training essential to avoid injuries such as muscle cramps or back pain from carrying heavy equipment.
Buoyancy control is one of the most important skills a diver must master. This requires strong core muscles , especially in the abdominal and lower back areas. Pilates, yoga, and stability exercises help improve underwater balance and prevent excess oxygen consumption due to unnecessary movements .
Deep diving poses significant physical and psychological challenges, such as water pressure, low temperatures, and dealing with emergency situations . Good physical fitness helps improve a diver's ability to control heart rate and manage stress when encountering strong currents or unexpected conditions .