The 5 Worst Exercises for the Fire Rescue Athlete

Fire Rescue Athletes (firefighters, EMTs and paramedics) must be physically ready to act. The job entails lifting heavy objects (or people), climbing up stairs, dragging hoseline, hoisting ladders, along with other physically taxing movements. It is evident that in order to effectively do our jobs we must have a strong, balanced body. Workouts and especially exercises must then match the demands of the job and prepare the body for such stress.

Now, I know that I am going to get a lot of “flack”

for writing this article but I feel that it needs to be done. Exercise is meant to help you, right? Unfortunately, there are certain “exercises” that are very commonly used in most Fire Rescue Athletes’ workouts that are actually harmful. These exercises are being performed in firehouses (and gyms) all over the world and actually bad for your joints and are pretty much useless when it comes to building functional strength or losing fat. These five exercises were selected because they create muscle imbalances, have minimal functional benefit to the fire rescue athlete, and/or put joints into an unsafe position.

1 Comment

  1. TopGun8993 on March 14, 2014 at 4:37 am

    Thanx Zamzow, I currently do NOT perform any of the exercises you mentioned (although I have in my past). The older I get, the more I implement job related exercises to my workouts. I have noticed a difference in my job performance when I am doing a combination of cardio training, weight lifting, and circuit training. Firefighting is not a job for power lifters or distance runners…..its a well

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