Firefighter Activities

Firefighters deal with smoke, heat, unpredictable hazards and other life-threatening situations. Emergencies can come at any time, and firefighters must practice donning the appropriate gear and getting into their emergency vehicles quickly. Because firefighting is a physically demanding job, a physical fitness regime and healthy eating are part of the job.

  1. Healthy Eating

    • Healthy eating is essential for firefighters. While purchasing healthy foods may be tough on a firefighter's budget, it is not impossible. Instead of serving whole cuts of meat, consider making dishes like kabobs or stir-fry's where vegetables can be added to the meats. Meals do not always have to have meat. Beans, rice, legumes or couscous can also provide the protein firefighters need. Substitute whole grains for refined products such as bread, rice and pasta. Eating a colorful variety of fruits and vegetables is also important.

    Cardiovascular Exercise

    • Firefighters need a healthy cardiovascular system to perform their jobs. Regular, frequent cardiovascular exercise improves circulation and helps the body use oxygen more efficiently. It also improves balance, muscle tone and strength. Firefighters should find exercises they enjoy. Using the treadmill at the station is fine, but sports and other outdoors activities motivate some people more. People who enjoy their workout are more likely to train consistently and reach their goals.

    Strength Training

    • Firefighters do a large amount of lifting in addition to wearing gear that sometimes weighs more than 80 pounds. They haul equipment such as hoses and ladders and sometimes have to transport victims who may be very heavy. A beneficial weight training program for firefighters should include a variety of exercises, such as the squat, power clean, bench press and dead-lift. For women firefighters, building upper body strength is especially critical.

    Indoor Rock Climbing

    • Many firefighters find that rock climbing is an especially beneficial sport. Most cities have at least one indoor climbing center or gym. Climbing uses the whole body and is good for developing a firefighter's balance. As a climber's skill advances, the benefits of climbing increase because the climber's core muscles get a better workout. Climbing also builds upper body strength and one hour of solid climbing can burn up to 400 calories.