“Fit Divers are safer divers, tend to dive more often, and are more likely to advance dive training”. This has been a consistent message of Gretchen M. Ashton since she started ScubaFit® in 2006. “An infographic is fun way to remind divers of the importance of physical fitness for diving and help divers implement fitness into a diving lifestyle”, says Gretchen. Top 10 Fitness Tips for Scuba Diving has been a popular dive club presentation and the poster is a great way to help dive centers bring a positive fitness message to diving clients and staff.
Gretchen Ashton
“Over the past 10 years, we’ve worked to create awareness by writing more than 130 articles, stories and blogs in online and print diving publications; including our own FitDiver® Magazine. Our early research involved reporting on data demonstrating a health profile of the diving community and making recommendations for overall health and wellness. We then researched and created our performance-based programs. To educate divers and personalize fitness programs, we developed the ScubaFit® Diver Course which is approved by PADI® as a distinctive specialty, is independently available to all dive agencies, and is approved by International Sports Sciences Association for continuing education for personal trainers. We co-submitted the specialty as a fitness professional and diver, along with Stephen C. Mendel, multi-agency dive professional, to role model collaboration for the benefit of the diving industry and to improve the safety and longevity of all divers.
“We utilize a four phase FitDiver® program to help divers determine current fitness level and carefully advance workouts to match the type of diving performed. DiveFit® programs are customized for adaptive divers and divers recovering from an injury, illness or accident. Our SurfWalking™ exercise sessions are conducted on the beach in the surf or in a pool to condition divers and supplement aerobic and strength routines. Nutrition is always an important component of a balanced exercise program and is incorporated along with stretching and other modalities for improved flexibility.”
Gretchen is presenting “Healthy Diver 2017” at the Scuba Show in Long Beach, California on Saturday, May 6, 2017 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Room – Seaside 3.
For more information about the ScubaFit® Diver Specialty Course or to order an Infographic Poster (at cost), visit www.scubafit.com or contact Gretchen directly at scubafit@gmail.com or (760) 271-6069.