The Nest

  Firefighters may not have the physique of pro athletes, but that doesn't mean they're not fit. Take a moment to visualize a firefighter in action. Picture someone carrying a heavy ax with a big coat and large helmet? Did you notice the thick SCBA tank on their back, or the big boots? Well, the ax weighs close to 20 pounds, and the SCBA tank can weigh up to 50 pounds, depending on how full it is. Imagine carrying all of that while sprinting through a fire! Your local firefighters may not step onto a bodybuilding stage anytime soon, but it doesn't mean...

For these six men and women, fitness is a calling, a lifestyle, a sport, and a survival strategy. Learn from people who risk their lives to protect ours. 1. ARMED FOR BATTLE: OFFICER DANIEL BANKS As Officer Daniel Banks tells it, every bar in America is littered with guys who think they're MMA fighters because they watch it on TV while sucking down beers. But the police chief in Tripoli, Iowa, knows all too well that not every adversary is a big-talking wannabe. He takes no one for granted. "Many prison inmates weight train two or three times per day, 365...

By Lorraine Hutchinson The year 2012 was the best of times and it was the worst of times for me. In May 2012, after graduating from National University, it seemed that my busy life           would slow down and I could catch my breath. In addition to going to school I was             managing the Logistics Division of the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department. As the           Deputy Chief of that Division, it was my responsibility to manage the process of               purchasing,...

  Law enforcement officers must be physically fit for many reasons including for job performance, reducing the risk of future diseases, stress reduction, and shift schedules. A healthy lifestyle for law enforcement officers should include exercise, proper nutrition, stress management, substance-abuse prevention, and health-risk management. Police work takes dedication and a commitment to excellence in every aspect of an officer’s career and life. Physical fitness and health is a significant factor in achieving that excellence. Following are some of the issues regarding the health of police officers and examples of physical fitness routines that can help reduce the problems associated...

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 the job.  Although it would appear that this core tenet of firefighting would be enough motivation to make our fitness a priority, reality says otherwise.   Wherever you are in your fitness journey, all of us will experience times when we just feel like sitting on the couch and watching T.V. instead of exercising.  So, how...