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As important as muscular strength and cardiovascular capacity are in staying functionally fit, flexibility is equally critical to firefighters.  Case in point: Studies have shown that around 44% of firefighters will suffer a sprain or strain at some point in their career, and...

When we get dispatched to a medical call, we should use 3 rule outs to prevent us from getting tunnel vision and to assist in finding the underlying medical problem. Think of three medical problems that the patient complaint may be caused by and use those rule outs to help get a...

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...

  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...

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...

Firefighters frequently ask us the best methods for losing weight, and with good reason.  The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) recently published the document Addressing the Epidemic of Obesity in the United States Fire Service.  It details the fact that more than 70% of...

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...