volunteer ff fitness standards

[ffemspa]

Many members are pretty big. Not that they are not strong, but big hampers their stamina. Sucking a 30min bottle down in 15min is not acceptable. We have a gym, but it has outdated equipment that no one uses. Any ideas from anyone?

[Bones42]

Walk, jog, climb stairs, situps, pushups, ride a bike, row a boat.

[HeavyRescueTech]

As much as I'm ashamed to admit it, many firefighters (more volunteer that career) become "a little soggy around the midsection" as time goes on.

first thing to do is have annual physicals. make sure a doctor clears them to pack up and work as interior FFs

you can do biking, jogging, and about a million other thigs to get your cardio level up to lose the weight. but you got to make sure it gets done.

and we wonder why so many firefighters die of heartattacks

[madmaxx]

Strength & power training should be done to build functional strength. Train the nervous system, and you won't build muscle like a bodybuilder. There is some research available that is saying mild cardiovascular benefits can be gained by resistance training. Try adding circuits of about 5-7 exercises (a mix of DB's and calisthenics) at the end of your workout to get your heart rate up and build muscle endurance. To maximize your lung capacity, improve your overall cardiovascular endurance, and help keep body fat at manageable levels, cardio exercise in the form of running, rowing, cycling, etc. must be done.