Noob Question about maintaining a nice arch..

[Prodigus 0]

So... I'm just getting into the sport and I am absolutely hooked. I wish I hadn't waited so long to get into it but hey, you're only as old as you feel right?

Which brings me to my skydiving fitness question. Does having or not having a nice paunch on you make a difference when trying to maintain a good arch? I mean, I know that I could be in better shape but I'm just wondering if I lost a few around the middle would it make maintaining my arch easier.

Probably a silly question but sometimes my mind just asked silly questions.

[AggieDave 6]

Having a certain amount of physical fitness will certainly help you in skydiving. However, you don't have to grace the cover of M&F to be a good skydiver.

Flexibility is a desired conditioning trait for skydiving.

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[Prodigus 0]

Well that's a relief because I don't see that EVER happening. I'd rather spend my time at the DZ than the gym...

Thanks!

[DeNReN 0]

As Dave said..flexibility is a good trait for skydiving.

You will delevope certain flexibility in the midsection and lower back from arching if you persue the sport and learn to fly on your belly.

When I started I was quite skinny and as I aged I developed a mighty beer gut...hard to say if it helps with my arch...but it certainly does not hurt

Ask your instructors serious questions and take everything here with a grain of salt....or a case of beer if you are like alot of us

Enjoy the ride and stay for a while it only gets better and better

[regulator 0]

I weigh 150 lbs soaking wet and I'm 5'11. If I don't arch like a mo-fo on exit I will surely become unstable. I think since I'm so light and I often have to arch harder in order to keep up with others similar in weight and will float more if my arch isn't as defined as it should be. I think there may be some merit to having a little more in the midsection area to have a more comfortable arch.

[Prodigus 0]

Sweeeeet!! So, I finally found a good use for my belly and as I progress I'm naturally going to start getting more limber and arch better.

My week is looking up!!

Thanks!