Workout/Training Programs

[gmccrea]

Does anyone know if there is anyone who has setup a workout program specifically designed for firefighting skills, in the Duncan BC area?

[bloggins]

Combat Challenge training is about as close as you're going to get. Some of the folks on the course who are making the biggest gains are doing "crossfit football." I was never a huge fan of crossfit because it didn't really fit with what my goals were. Crossfit Football, however, is basically a two tiered system that includes explosive movements along with a good foundation in strength training- which was EXACTLY what the doctor ordered for me. Google it- there's a new workout every day with integrated rest days as well... both in and off season.

As for whether or not you're going to find that program that includes "5 sets folding hose, 3 sets washing trucks, 5 sets flow testing hydrants, 4 sets business inspections, 10 set nuissance alarm, 5 sets medical assists..." Well- that's not really a workout. That's just work.

[gmccrea]

Thanks for the information.

[JayG]

I think the reason CF Football works well is because it develops the athletic qualities required of firefighters. While there is no doubt that training the combat challenge or CPAT regularly will definitely develop some serious physical capacity for firefighting, especially if you increase the weights beyond the minimum, doing actual firefighting tasks is not required to develop the physical capacity needed for firefighting.

Firefighters need strength, as they are often required to move heavy loads such as generators, pumps, ventilation fans, extrication tools, etc. This may not be as much an issue for career because there is enough manpower to get more than one person on a heavy piece of equipment, but often volunteer departments lack the manpower of two or three people just to move a generator.
They require aerobic endurance as most tasks are undertaken at an elevated heart rate.
They require strength endurance as moderate to heavy equipment may need to be moved repeatedly.
They require stamina as they need to keep going until the fire's out. Again, more an issue for volunteer departments without as much manpower and thus shorter breaks.
They require agility as they may be required to get out of a dangerous situation quickly while maneuvering around debris.

These physical attributes can be developed by doing firefighting task specific challenges, but they can also be developed by any program that develops these traits and uses exercises with a high carryover to other activity. Examples would be circuit training with moderate to heavy weights and higher reps with short or no rest periods and using compound movements. That type of workout can develop muscle endurance, aerobic endurance, and stamina. Any strength program using compound movements will develop excellent strength. Agility can be developed with a regular but quick fifteen minute agility session practicing starts, stops, direction changes, etc. in a rapid fashion.

So the take away would be that it is not necessary to do task specific training in a physical fashion to develop the required capacity. As long as you know the physical traits you require, you can develop them in more conventional means and get lot's of transfer to firefighting.

[Udollf]

I appreciate you for posting this informative thread for the workout and training program.
I think this post is very helpful for the beginner.

[Udollf]

I appreciate you for posting this informative thread for the workout and training program.
I think this post is very helpful for the beginner.

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