Any advice?

[Darcyf5g]

Hello, I have just applied to volunteer at my local fire Dept. I have yet to go through testing to get in. After that the training will start. I would like a womens perspective on the physical aspects of training etc... I am in my 30's and I am doing some strength training now. Any advice from you gals would be appreciated.

Thanks :D

[AnneThomas]

Hi Darcy - I've helped many applicants both male and female train for the physical agility exam. In general I'm guessing that you need most to work on strength training because of your age and gender. Lifting weights is a great start. Don't just lift light weights and go for "tone" though, you need to lift heavy weights and really build strength. Start easy though if you're new to weight lifting. Get a trainer to set up a program for you.

You'll also need endurance to do the job. Light jogging or stationary biking won't usually do it. You need to train to perform for short periods at a high intensity. Try "interval training" where you sprint for a distance then jog or walk slowly and then sprint again. The distance you sprint should be anywhere from 100 yards to 400 yards and you should do it at least 6 times. Running sprints up hills is another great way to train. If the physical agility test you will take involves running up stairs while carrying hose or a weight vest, you've got to train specifically for that. Find some stairs (high school bleachers?) and put some weights in a backpack (20 - 40 lbs) and run up and down those stairs. Stair running alone will make all the difference in the world.

Good luck. It's a tough job for a man or woman but well worth the effort.

[Darcyf5g]

I appreciate the advice. I have set up sessions with a trainer and I am keeping my eyes open for a good set of stairs since the test does involve running stairs with hose. I know I have my work cut out for me, but this is something I really want to do, so I am going to give it my best shot!

Darcy

[captstanm1]

Darcy....from a different perspective... upper body strength and leg strength...

Good luck....

[volunteercareer]

Work on your grip strength also. It will help with a lot of fireground activities! If the physical agility test involves the hose hoist it will definitely help. Overall strength training and aerobic excercise.

I became a career FF at 35 and after going through physical therapy for a back problem. Of course, the back problem was from sitting in front of a computer as a graphic arts specialist. Needed a career change into something a little more physical.

You can do it.

I love it and haven't looked back in four years.

I started out as a vollie 10 years ago and am still volunteering along with getting paid.

Good Luck! Keep us informed of your progress!

-KGM

[Darcyf5g]

Captstanm1, your perspective is welcome and appreciated as well. In fact advice from anyone would be helpful. :)

Thanks KGM, I will give progress reports.

Take care and be safe!

Darcy

[LOCOGAL]

Hey Darcy,

Hope the training is going well. I found that not only focusing on upper body strength by lifting "routine" muscle groups but to add specific tasks to the training. I would use muscle groups with addded weights performing similiar exercises as the job. (ie. saw starting, ladder raising, ceiling pulling, chopping, and dummy dragging)
All of these can be created in a gym, being creative of course. The other thing that helped was tapping into the next level. What I mean is the "pushing through" phase. When people hit fatigue, generally, they stop. I found in myself the next level, the additional strength and endurance I had to keep going further and harder each time. If you use this in your training, you will be able to call on it when you have nothing left ( you think ) It is a huge asset on this job in general, and has been an exciting training tool from those "rookie days" forward.

Good Luck.

Cpt K Lemon ATC

[Darcyf5g]

Hi Locogal,

I am still waiting to find out when the testing process is going to start. I liked your advice about "pushing through" I put it to practice on some of my standard exercises and found that I was able to do more. Thanks

Darcy

[KellyParsons]

Hi Darcy - I see from your profile you're in Washington state. I'm a female firefighter on the east side of the state. I think Washington State is a great place to be a female firefighter. We have a good number of women fighting fires here I haven't encountered any real discrimination. There are exciting opportunities for women in this field that didn't used to be there.

Train hard, but realize that mental strength can carry you though when your body gets tired. LOCOGAL is right about training to push yourself. Try doing as many pushups or pullups as you can after a good weight lifting session. That's when you can really push through and increase your strength.

If you're from the east side and want to let me know where I'll give you advice specific to your department. In my search for a full-time position I've gotten to know most every department on the east side.

Good luck!

[Darcyf5g]

It's nice to hear from a fellow Washingtonian. I'm on the west side, or should I say the "wet" side :D

I don't know how familiar you are with the west side. The Dept. I've applied to has 2 women in the crew that I know of. It is a Snohomish Co. combo Dept. with 2 volunteer stations, one of which is just down the road from me.

As far as training, I'm finding the upper body to be my weak area. If you, (or anyone else reading this thread) have any tips to help, I would appreciate it.

Thanks Kelly and take care

Darcy