Is blowing raspberries good for scuba divers?

Posted on January 30, 2014 by admin

Is blowing raspberries good for scuba divers Blowing raspberries is very different than blowing bubbles while scuba diving but can still be a lot of fun. Most of us probably don’t remember the first time we blew a raspberry as part of discovering our mouth at the age of just four to five months old. We most often blow raspberries to make others laugh because of the sound and the tickling sensation. It is usually an intimate gesture as it involves using the lips and tongue on another person’s belly to make a “pbbbt” sound. Although it originated in cockney slang, blowing a raspberry is widely and cross-culturally understood and practiced.

Similar breathing techniques are practiced during childbirth, by woodwind and brass musicians, yoga enthusiasts, and to help relieve shortness of breath. It is sometimes referred to as circular breathing. It requires breathing in through the nose and controlling the breath that is stored in the cheeks as it passes through pursed lips. In fact, this technique is used when playing the Digeridoo which might come in handy for divers visiting Australia. Blowing raspberries is often used to warm up for vocal performances such as singing and public speaking.

During SCUBA activities when divers are mouth breathing, circular breathing by inhaling through the nose is not possible and blowing raspberries into a regulator isn’t necessary. However, on dry land the technique may be one more way divers can develop breath control for relaxation underwater and optimizing use of air while diving.

The term blowing raspberries also references a raspberry tart and a sound of derision. But there is nothing condescending about the raspberry. It is an excellent source of good nutrition. Although a leaner belly may diminish the sound of blowing raspberries, eating raspberries may help divers maintain a trim waistline. One cup of raspberries has only 65 calories, 5 grams of sugar, 15 grams of carbohydrates, 1.5 grams of protein, 0.8 grams of fat, 8 grams of fiber, 186 grams of potassium, calcium, magnesium, vitamin B6, Iron and Vitamin C. Nutritional properties of raspberries are also thought to help prevent cardiovascular diseases and inhibit the growth of cancer cells.

Divers can stay healthy and have fun eating and blowing raspberries.

Red Kuri Squash and Pumpkin Soup

Posted on October 15, 2012 by admin

Red Kuri Squash and Pumpkin Soup

In the most recent issue of the FITDIVER^® newsletter I shared a winter squash recipe for Spaghetti Squash. Here is another winter squash recipe for you.

This beautiful Red Kuri Squash makes a nice soup turreen for my pumpkin and red kuri squash soup.

1 small white pumpkin
1 small orange pumpkin
1 medium to large Red Kuri Squash
8 ounces of vegetable juice (like V8) and 1 cup of water OR 2 cups vegetable broth
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon allspice

Cut each squash in half and remove seeds. Lay squash halves flat side down in 1/2 inch of water on an oven sheet or microwave safe cooking tray. Bake at 425 degrees in the oven for about 30 minutes. Only takes 15 minutes on high in the microwave. Clean squash from the skin with a spoon and discard the skin. Place the squash in a blender, add 8 to 12 ounces of vegetable juice and 1 cup of water OR 2 cups of vegetable broth. Season with 1/2 teaspoon each of black pepper, salt, nutmeg and allspice. Blend until soup consistency. This is a savory soup and is very good cold or hot, but not in between.

FitDiver^® Mobile App for Scuba Diver Fitness

Posted on March 23, 2012 by admin

FitDiver Mobile App: A Treasured Chest

“Navigating the waters of fitness for scuba diving may seem daunting however, these tried and true exercises for the major muscles of the upper body are as certain as the tides to develop A Treasured Chest.”

ScubaFit^® debuts the first in a series of mobile fitness applications for scuba divers. To purchase the application click here. Available now in the Android Market, and soon in the Apple market, search for it by “fitdiver” or locate it in “scuba diving” or “fitness”. Link to the application through the website at www.fit-diver.com. Divers may also find FitDiver^® on Facebook and Twitter.

“It is the only fitness application for scuba divers you’ll find, but we have more on the way,” says Gretchen M. Ashton, CFT, NBFE, and founder of ScubaFit^®. This project compliments the PADI ScubaFit^® Diver Distinctive Specialty Course, co-authored by Ashton. Gretchen explains, “While all divers now have access to our specialized workouts, the exercises will be most meaningful for divers who have completed the ScubaFit^® Diver Distinctive Specialty. Both instructors and students have the greatest understanding of the benefits of physical fitness for divers and the applications function as an extension of the certification. The workouts encourage all divers to embrace a healthy, fit and active lifestyle.”

FitDiver^® Workouts are based on sound research including a health profile of the diving community and the unique physiological demands of the underwater environment. Scuba diving is often considered moderate-intensity activity. Yet, there are differences in the physical requirements for diving depending on the type of diving and the conditions. Diving may be recreational, technical, industrial or military. Conditions vary greatly in water temperature, visibility, currents and surf. Further, other stresses on human physiology must be considered in an underwater environment. Along with the proper gear, divers must also prepare with proper training, including physical fitness, for safety and performance. The ultimate physical fitness recommendation for scuba divers is to be in excellent health; free from disease, medical conditions and injury. As we go through life, we often have difficulty maintaining this clean slate. It is important for divers to know how to become and remain physically fit, prevent illness and injury, and rehabilitate and manage conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart problems, and obesity.

In addition to improving health and quality of life, physical fitness for scuba diving:

Improves transportation of oxygen to muscles
Reduces amount of air used
Extends bottom time
Increases physical endurance and reduces fatigue
Facilitates carrying less weight
Improves mental acuity
Reduces the risk of decompressions sickness (DCS)
Improves agility on boats and uneven terrain
Improves comfort and movement on the surface and underwater
Improves fin-kick efficiency and diving performance

Certain to capture the interest of scuba divers, the featured exercises were photographed at the Ponto Beach Overlook in Carlsbad, California, with the beautiful Pacific Ocean as a backdrop. This location is an excellent site for running stairs with the spectacular view as a reward.

The application(s) are developed, designed and marketed with the expertise of Phrogger Interactive, Designs by Brie, jb design, and Loren Kurz, Fitness Model. For more information contact: gretchen@fit-diver.com.