While freedivers have a lot in common, everyone has their own motivation. Although subjects such as free diving method and technique are discussed very often, the benefits for our health are less discussed. So what can be the health benefits of free diving?
It reduces stress
One of the most important parts of freediving is relaxation. Good and safe diving involves relaxation, which keeps our oxygen consumption rate low, making it longer and more enjoyable. Freediving courses also focus on stretching/relaxation exercises and isolating real-world stress from training in the water. A 2013 study notes that "freediver athletes score lower on anxiety, stress symptoms, and negative emotions compared to non-athletes."
Beneficial for our joints
Many land-based sports put stress on your joints. Activities in water can reduce the load on the joint, prevent swelling, and even increase flexibility. The hydrostatic pressure exerted on your body underwater may help with this.
Our flexibility increases
Flexibility of the rib cage and diaphragm is required to take a big breath and avoid deep injuries. Stretching techniques to increase thoracic flexibility are often taught in intermediate and advanced freediving courses, and full-body stretches are performed prior to open water sessions to minimize the risk of injury. Many free divers also do yoga to stay fit and gain flexibility.
Higher self-confident
Freediving courses also focus on self-confidence. Confidence, safety and relaxation are important for a good dive. The 2013 study we mentioned before suggests that free divers have higher self-confidence and more motivation to deal with stress.
More safety on the water
Freediving courses sets safety a priority and teach students training rules and rescue scenarios for a safe practicing. The more confident you are in the water, the greater your ability to anticipate risk, avoid panic, and help someone in trouble.
Better focus
When you work towards achieving a goal, you need a lot of concentration and focus. In freediving, there is always a target to concentrate on such as depth, distance or focusing on a different discipline. To do this, your body and mental state must be stable and in harmony.
Increased oxygen efficiency
Oxygen efficiency is a fundamental principle of freediving to prolong our dives. We constantly activate the mammalian diving reflex, which triggers our body to use oxygen more efficiently. Deep divers who train intensely have been shown to have a similar blood composition to those who live at high altitudes.
Fitness
Freediving requires many different movements. Such as swimming somewhere, providing safety, adjusting the line, descending to various depths and different diving techniques. In addition to all these physical activities, freedivers also do additional exercises on land to improve their fitness.
More efficient use of lung capacity
Freediving requires us to work to fill our lungs to maximum capacity. Numerous stretching and exercise methods help free divers to better use their lung capacity.
Healthy eating
What you eat the night before or in the morning before freediving is important. Consuming large amounts of food before entering the water will make free diving more difficult. In free diving trainings, not only technique and performance are taught, but also balanced and healthy nutrition advice. This will not only help you freedive, but also help you eat healthy in general.