• Home
  • About FFTB
    • The Mission
    • Start Here
    • Disclaimer
  • The Team
    • Contributors
    • Photo Contributors
    • Guest Contributors
    • The Original Crew
  • Contact
facebook
twitter
youtube
google_plus
email
  • Start Here
  • PODCAST
    • About The Podcast
    • Podcast Episode Pages
    • Podcast on iTunes
    • Podcast Official Sponsors
    • Podcast Sponsorship
  • 5 Min Clinics
    • 5 Minute Engine Co Clinic
    • 5 Minute Truck Co Clinic
    • 5 Minute Officer Clinic
    • 5 Minute Clinic Series
  • Product Reviews
  • Articles
    • Eng Co
    • Truck Co
    • Co Officer
    • Safety & FF Rescue
    • General
      • Social Media/ Public Relations
      • FF Communications
      • Art & Science of Firefighting
      • Life Skills
      • Hazardous Materials
      • Rescue Operations
      • Special Operations
        • Marine Operations
        • Airport Fire & Rescue Operations
  • Health & Fitness
  • FF Mindset
BREAKING NEWS
3 Rule Outs of the Medical Patient
“TOP 10” Fire Station Functional Fitness Training Equipment – Part 2
“TOP 10” Fire Station Functional Fitness Training Equipment – Part 1
Keys to Conducting Comprehensive Feedback to Firefighters
3 Keys to Truck Check Success
The 3 Best Types of Workouts for Firefighters – Part 3
PWR Training Sandbag – Product Review
The 3 Best Types of Workouts for Firefighters – Part 2
3 Ways Firefighters can Reduce the Chance of a Back Injury
The 3 Best Types of Workouts for Firefighters – Part 1
Practice How You Play
How to Execute the Proper Kettlebell Swing
What Every Firefighter Needs to Know About NFPA 1583
5 Exercises to Improve Grip Strength for Firefighters
6 Ways Firefighters can Use Exercise Progressions and Regressions
3 Workout Tips for the Volunteer Firefighter
074 – Introduction to Firefighter Functional Fitness
Firefighter Functional Fitness – 7 Tips for Planning Weekly Workouts
The 3 Cornerstones of Firefighter Fitness Success
8 Must-Do Exercises for Serious Firefighter Functional Fitness

Firefighter Functional Fitness – 5 Tips for Motivation

Posted On 22 Apr 2016
By : Firefighter Functional Fitness
Comment: 0
Tag: Firefighter Fitness, Firefighter Functional Fitness, fitness, health, Motivation

F3 banner FFTB

Firefighter fitness success depends on our attitude, personal accountability, and action.  But when it comes to working out, we all know that the most common barrier is lack of motivation.  Nearly every firefighter agrees that being fit for duty is a fundamental requirement of the job.  Although it would appear that this core tenet of firefighting would be enough motivation to make our fitness a priority, reality says otherwise.  

Wherever you are in your fitness journey, all of us will experience times when we just feel like sitting on the couch and watching T.V. instead of exercising.  So, how do we find the motivation to break through this feeling of complacency?  Here are 5 simple tips that will motivate you to get up and get moving.

#1 – Exercise When the Timing is Right

Work out when you are most motivated to work out.  There are no rules that dictate when you should exercise.  You will get the most benefit from your workouts when you are mentally and emotionally “in the game.”  Some of us like to exercise in the morning, some in the afternoon, and others are most motivated at night.  Do what works best for you and your schedule.

#2 – Add Variety to Your Workouts

Incorporate variety into your workout regimen.  Use a combination of standard exercise equipment, firefighting equipment, bodyweight exercises, as well as cardio, flexibility, stability, and plyometric training to keep your workouts fresh and well-rounded.  Whatever you choose to do, make sure that they are functional and improve your performance as a firefighter.

F3 Gym mat sled push

#3 – Push Yourself with Positive Peer Pressure     

Work out with a friend or a group.  If at the firehouse, work out as an entire crew.  This goes a long way towards building camaraderie and teamwork.

Set up specific times to meet with your workout partner(s).  This fosters positive peer pressure and allows less leeway for backing out.  Also, encourage them when they need it, and let them push you when you need the extra motivation.

#4 – Use Your Strengths as Motivation

Let your fitness strengths motivate you.  Everyone has an exercise or routine that “fires you up.”  Remember, your strengths are what got you to where you are now, so don’t ignore them.  Use them to keep moving forward while you make an effort to improve on your weaknesses.

#5 – Enjoy Some Rest and Relaxation

Every so often, take a week off.  There are both physical and mental benefits to this—It allows for a full body “reset” physically, and it keeps us from becoming either burned-out or bored of a particular regimen.

Staying motivated is no easy task.  At the end of the day, we are still human.  No matter how committed we are, we have our good days and bad days.  But the bottom line is, being physically fit is critical for all firefighters.  It is up to each and every one of us to set the example and lift each other up.  Too many people depend on us for us to take any other approach.
Take your fitness and health to the next level with Firefighter Functional Fitness.  Visit FirefighterFunctionalFitness.com to learn more.

F3 book banner

About the Author
Dan Kerrigan & Jim Moss are the co-authors of Firefighter Functional Fitness. It is the essential guide to optimal firefighter performance and longevity. It provides all firefighters with the knowledge, tools, and mindset to maximize their fireground performance, reduce their risk of injury and line-of-duty death, and have long, healthy careers and retirements. Go to FirefighterFunctionalFitness.com to learn more. Twitter | @FirefighterFFit
  • google-share
Previous Story

Firefighter Functional Fitness – 4 Tips for Getting Started

Next Story

5 Healthy Snacks for Firefighters

Related Posts

0

3 Rule Outs of the Medical Patient

Posted On 10 Nov 2016
, By Joseph Devito
0

“TOP 10” Fire Station Functional Fitness Training Equipment – Part 2

Posted On 07 Nov 2016
, By Firefighter Functional Fitness
1

“TOP 10” Fire Station Functional Fitness Training Equipment – Part 1

Posted On 04 Nov 2016
, By Firefighter Functional Fitness
0

The 3 Best Types of Workouts for Firefighters – Part 3

Posted On 20 Oct 2016
, By Dr Karlie Moore
0

PWR Training Sandbag – Product Review

Posted On 18 Oct 2016
, By Jim Moss

The 3 Best Types of Workouts for Firefighters – Part 2

Posted On 13 Oct 2016
, By Dr Karlie Moore

Search Site

Archives

DOWNLOAD FREE REPORT

Popular Posts

FirefighterToolbox Podcast

FireFighterToolbox Podcast (Internet Radio Interview Show)

48 Comments

Top 6 Reasons To Use A 2-1/2" Handline

29 Comments

The Role Of The Second Due Engine - Part 2

18 Comments
Copyright 2013-2017 FirefighterToolbox.com All Rights Reserved.