Before I got into the fire service (almost 20 years ago), I worked with athletes, some amateur, some pro.\u00a0 \u00a0The main goal of the training was to create workouts that would improve performance (and in some cases body aesthetics).\u00a0 The first thing we would do is evaluate the motions and muscles needed in their sport, then provide exercises that would challenge and improve them.\u00a0 These, in essence, are the basics of “functional training.”\u00a0 So, when I talk about “functional” firefighter fitness, I am referring to the physical aspects we, as firefighters, need to do our job.\u00a0 Therefore, in order for an exercise to be “functional” for firefighters, it must effectively train us to meet the demands of the fire and rescue ground.\u00a0 Would you agree?<\/p>\n
Would you also agree that the older traditional weight<\/em>–lifting machines and exercises seen in most firehouses do not \u2018functionally\u201d address the physical challenges we as fire rescue athletes need? <\/em>\u00a0I routinely go to different firehouse gyms and see the old universals and leg press machines and someone benching (of course).\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/em>\u00a0Now, we can argue all day about whether or not the leg press machine and bench press are good exercises; all I have to say is that if you are on the fireground and pushing hundreds of pounds off your chest or back, you have other things to worry about.<\/p>\n As stated above, we need to incorporate exercises in our workouts that help us move more efficiently and effectively on (and off) the fireground, and the leg press and bench press are not the best options.\u00a0 \u00a0If you are not training like a fire rescue athlete, you should.\u00a0 Here are three exercises you should incorporate into your workout program to make a huge impact on your performance.\u00a0 Take a look at the video and try to incorporate these exercises or variations into your workout program.<\/p>\n