functional firefighter fitness

Reducing Sugar in the Firehouse…

By Aaron Zamzow (ZAM) | Nov 19, 2015

Ohhh sugar!  It seems to be a common staple at any firehouse, especially around the holidays- donuts on the table, cookies on the counter and ice cream in the fridge.  But because its there doesn’t mean you should constantly indulge.  It’s been pretty well documented that sugar can have a harmful effect on the your…

Combating Firefighter Obesity…

By Aaron Zamzow (ZAM) | Nov 14, 2015

This is scary…We need to change. Rates of overweight and obese individuals in the fire service are higher than those found in the general public, according to a new study. Researchers looked at the body composition of both career and volunteer firefighters across the nation, with overweight and obesity rates ranging from 73 percent to…

FRF Veterans Day Challenge Workout

By Aaron Zamzow (ZAM) | Nov 11, 2015

Today I have a special workout to honor America’s true heroes….our Veterans.  Thank you for your service and sacrifice! This workout is 11 minutes of strength exercises followed by an 11 minute cardio interval (11-11 for Veterans Day).   The exercises can be changed based on available equipment and level of fitness.  Of course, make…

Essential Exercise to Get Firefighter Fit

By Aaron Zamzow (ZAM) | Nov 10, 2015

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…

Firefighter Cardio Workout (#2)

By Aaron Zamzow (ZAM) | Nov 6, 2015

A couple weeks ago I posted a cardio interval workout that can be performed at the firehouse with in about 15 to 25 minutes with minimal equipment.  Do to the great response (please keep the comments and emails coming) I put together another workout.   Once again this is an option for a firefighter/medic that has minimal…

Firefighter Fitness and Metabolism… Part 2

By Aaron Zamzow (ZAM) | Nov 4, 2015

How to Make Your Body Burn More Calories. Here is the low down on weight gain/loss. Metabolic Rate is the rate at which the body burns up calories. A body that consumes 2500 calories a day, and burns 2500 calories a day will stay at the same weight. A body consuming 2500 calories daily but…

Eating Lean in the Firehouse- Rule #1

By Aaron Zamzow (ZAM) | Nov 3, 2015

Cooking for a group of hungry firefighters is not easy– if you don’t cook something tasty you will hear about it from your crew…for a long time.  To help firefighters, EMTs and Medics get their nutrition in check, I created the SOPs to Eating Lean in the Firehouse.  Here is one of the Rules to…

Firefighter Fitness and Metabolism

By Aaron Zamzow (ZAM) | Oct 31, 2015

What is Metabolism? You may often here around the firehouse someone say “I have a slow metabolism.”  Usually these individuals are a little on the larger size and often like to joke about their size.  Unfortunately, these people are at a very high risk to keep the trend of heart related Firefighter fatalities in tact. …

Snacking Around the Firehouse

By Aaron Zamzow (ZAM) | Oct 28, 2015

Everyone (especially around the firehouse) loves a good snack. But what actually is a “good” snack. If you ask some, they will define a good snack as something that tastes great but doesn’t fill you up like a meal.  If your stomach starts rumbling and lunch is still two hours away, you’re going to need…