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In part 2 of this article series, we will cover the remaining “Top 10” pieces of functional fitness training equipment for the fire station. If you missed part 1, you can read it here. 6. Firefighting PPE Firefighting gear including turnout coat and pants, helmet,...

One of the excuses we hear most often when it comes to avoiding fitness is that “proper equipment is not available.”  Well, when it comes to Firefighter Functional Fitness, this is far from accurate. In this article series we’ll share with the best pieces of functional fitness...

Overview/Description of the PWR Training Sandbag The PWR Training Sandbag is an exercise sandbag that helps firefighters (and non-firefighters) improve their functional fitness.  It consists of an outer canvas shell with 3 inner tubes which can be filled with kitty litter...

  One of the things we hear the most from firefighters and fire chiefs when it comes to establishing a fire department fitness program is that they do not know where to start, nor do they know what to include.   Firefighter Functional Fitness: The Essential Guide to Optimal...

Think about it—nearly every fireground task we perform requires the use of our hands. Pulling hose, hooking ceilings, carrying heavy equipment, dragging victims, firefighters, and objects—the list goes on and on.  Similarly, when engaging in functional strength training, most...

For some firefighters, it may be difficult to know which exercises are specifically functional for the job.  Knowledge of basic exercises is good, but being able to apply progressions and regressions are key to getting the most out of each workout.  A progression is used to make...

There are no two ways around it: all firefighters love to eat.  Regrettably, most of us tend to eat the wrong foods and, they do not “love us back.”  Between negative peer pressure from fellow firefighters and “thank you” gifts from well-meaning citizens, junk foods, donuts, and...

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...

“Get the fundamentals down and the level of everything you do will rise.” -Michael Jordan We have heard from plenty of firefighters who want a make positive changes in their fitness, but they have no idea where to begin.  If you haven’t participated in a regular exercise regimen...

In the first article in this series, I cleared up some myths about stretching including when firefighters should not stretch and when they should. Next, I explained which stretches firefighters should NOT do, and lastly some great stretches for firefighters to do to avoid injury....