Fit to Dive: Entry 4!

Weight: 18.7

This week has been successful. Jay has stepped up the workouts and brought in much more balance on the Bosu & Ball. This helps to strengthen my core and work my abdomen. Each session starts with a 5 minute warm up and then goes straight into legs or arms (depending on the week). Leg workouts consist of squats, lunges, moving up and down a small step and often squatting on one leg (definitely great for a laugh) - I find the slow movement while remaining balanced hard to control, not to mention causing a lot of soreness the following day. 

Arm work outs include push ups, triceps push-ups (really tricky and currently I have to do them from my knees). Slam ball is another arm work out that is surprisingly hard. Throwing the ball to then run, pick it up and repeat for 1 minute is exhausting.

This week Jay undertook a brief check to measure my progress. The first time we met I could do 20 push-ups in 1 minute. This week I was up to 31. Step ups were also up, going from 30 to 45. I can also see improvement in my breathing, managing not to get out of breath as quickly and feeling generally fitter and stronger. It's definitely a great motivation to keep going. 

Next week I am off to the Red Sea for a week’s diving. Normally I drop some weight while diving for a whole week so hopefully I can keep on track while I'm away. Jay has already given me a strict workout to do while I'm on the boat! 

When I look back to a year and a half ago when I was 20 stone 6lbs, I realise how far I've come. Now I'm almost two stone lighting, running up the stairs and thinking about what I'm eating - it's a life change for the better. 

I'm still going out for meals and having the odd Big Mac but everything is in moderation. A balanced diet with exercise is helping me achieve my goals. 

Catch Up!!

This week has been very busy! With the Tuesday pool night where Ian H finished his Open Water course with Chesney and Adam who will be going to Open Water on 11^th/12^th April! DCY was working with Ryan and Rhonda started a new Open Water Course with Lawrence and Michael who decided to do the E-learning and then come to us for the pool work. It was great to see James Smyth back helping out as well. We also had a lot of students in from South Essex College who are doing their Open Water courses. https://youtu.be/JdSt8qDbt68

 Then on Wednesday we were in South Woodham Ferrers as part of our holiday program which we will be running throughout the school holidays. Thanks to John who helped out! One of the kids decided she really liked it and came back the next day to join in with the Seal Team. They were doing Search and Recovery using lift bags and search patterns. This is one of the many aqua missions that the kids can do.  Rhonda finished her Open Water course with Gaynor and Tracey. Rachel completed her swims and Nicole and Janie did their kit exchange. Janie has now completed her Dive Master course and is waiting for her cert card.

On Friday, we had a busy day in the Dive Centre checking all equipment and organising Gillwell 24 which is an event we do every year for scouts. This year we’re aiming to complete 600 DSD’s. Thanks to all of the staff who have agreed to help~!

Then onSaturday, Ian H and Levi were moulding some more lead whilst Ian.S was in the pool with his student on a 1:1 basis. Janie was in the shop sorting through all of the admin. Rhonda was in Open Water with her 3 students who did very well!

Here’ the link for PADI E-leaning, just in case some of you are interested! https://apps.padi.com/scuba-diving/elearning/

Fit to Dive: Entry 3

The goal at first was simply to lose weight, but slowly the goal has expanded. I want to be able to walk upstairs without having to stop half way for a break… and of course get into my dry suit a little easier. It’s less about weight loss now and more about my general health and fitness.

When diving, I have always been the one using more air than my buddies, resulting in me giving the hand signal to turn the dive around and head back. With some dedication, this could be the year that changes. 

Being a master instructor, I should be setting an example of how to lead a healthy and active lifestyle. This is not to say that you have to be active to dive… quite the opposite. One of the great things about diving is that anybody can take it up. At Orca, we have taught individuals with various disabilities and it has never stopped them getting in the water. However, setting a good example is conducive to encourage other divers to live a healthier life.

With regards to the weight loss, this week was less successful than last. I lost 1lb, but with a big weekend full of food, it’s still 1lb in the right direction. The fitness sessions with Jay are progressing. The pain the following day is no longer as unbearable and Jay mixing up the work outs make them much more engaging.

One incredible progression I’ve made this week, is that I can now tie my boots up without straining. I’m sure for those of you that are similar to me, you’ll understand this… but it really is a milestone.