I was a triathlete for a number of years and I found that warming-up before a race is very different from warming-up before skydiving. I also hung around exercise physiologists during that time and they always had great advice about training. When flying on my belly, which can be practiced on the ground, I found it initially difficult to hold the position. This is somewhat of an isometric exercise but it was about the only one that was recommended at the facilities. It feels very different on the ground then it does in the air.

I tried doing somewhat of a cross between a hand stand and back bend against a wall for sometime. I would do this several times and it seemed to warm-up my upper torso and stretch my stomach and hips before a jump. The position would probably be frowned upon by many health professionals due to potential stress on the spine, but it was the best thing I could think of to do.

It is interesting that you mentioned static holds as they are somewhat static positions with rather quick adjustments best performed if relaxed. There is a saying I have heard many skydivers say which is, “Doing nothing is an active motion.” I found this to be absolutely true since attempting to make no adjustments in one’s position during a skydive has active and immediate consequences. It just adds to the fun.

Although I agree the isometric exercises are good way to go, how does one improve the more subtle motions involved in the continual adjustment during a jump? Perhaps this is not something that can be simulated on the ground without a wind tunnel. Lastly, do you have any specific isometric exercises you can recommend that would assist in the dives?

As I learn more, I can offer you some insights on how to condition yourself for it. Obviously I don’t skydive. But the benefit of my training is that I can tell you exactly how the body needs to work in a given situation…that includes a freefall from thousands of feet up.

From what I gather so far, it seems that skidiving requires much in the way of static holds. To me that means you need to contract your muscles isometrically (i.e. you hold a position for a long time against gravity and wind force). That being the case, your workouts would involve lots of isometrics, especially in the back muscles.

Let me know if this sounds about right. As I learn more, I can give you some more specific tips on how to workout and warmup for your dives.