Essential Exercise to Get Fire Rescue Fit

Balance, coordination, power, strength, cardiovascular recovery....all essential fitness traits of the "fit for duty" Fire Rescue Athlete.   If you are a Fire Rescue Athlete (or not) you need to plan your workouts to address each of these traits.  One of the most overlooked is balance and coordination.  As a trainer I get asked how and when is the best time to train for balance?  As a firefighter I get asked why do I need to train for balance?  The last thing you want to happen as you climb a ladder or lift a patient is to lose your balance; this often leads to injury or possible death.  

You can easily modify current exercises to challenge your balance by changing your stance (going from two legs to one), standing on a balance board or BOSU, changing your angle of movement (incline or decline), and/or using a stability ball instead of a stable object.  Another option is to add single-leg exercises into your active rest.  Take a look at the video below, I think the single-leg squat touchdowns is one of the best exercises for improving balance and coordination on the fire ground. 

Click on the video below

Try to incorporate this exercise into your workout.  I like to perform a dumbbell deadlift (click to see this exercise) then as an active rest I will try to perform 8-12 reps each leg.

Give it a try!

Stay safe and Healthy,

A Zamzow

Hey if you need a little motivation check out "Motivational Mondays" on the Fire Rescue Fitness Facebook Page (click here).