Need help getting my guys motoviated!!!

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Permalink Reply by Rick Decorie on January 29, 2009 at 6:35pm

You can try something fun like creating your own version of "The Greatest Loser" or something like that. Or create some type of reward system for those attending the fitness program. The other end of the sprectrum would be establishing SOP's/SOG's regarding fitness on duty in conjuction with rules/regs about fitness for duty. Check the IAFF website for ideas too, as well as doing a search for firefighter fitness and related SOP's/SOG's and rules/regs. Some departments have made fitness mandatory, establishing workout times and everything. Other departments make it voluntary but still have a place to work out. Don't forget to look at the nutritional side of it as well. Lose the morning donuts and ice cream for desert. I recommend "the Healthy Firehouse Cookbook." It is full of healthy recipes that I've used in my station. Good luck.

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Permalink Reply by Janelle Foskett, FireRescue magazine on January 29, 2009 at 6:56pm

Hi David,
I edit the fitness columns for FireRescue magazine, written by Jeff and Martha Ellis. When I read your comment, I immediately thought of two columns they wrote specifically about motivation. The first one addresses the mental hurdles that get in the way, and provides some of the basic info your vollies will need to get back into both aerobic conditioning and strength training--the basics, which is exactly where they should start if they are pretty out of shape. The second article offers some great ideas for organizing group workouts: intervals, a variation on "Follow the Leader," circuit training, and using the Web site www.crossfit.com.
I attached both articles in PDF format if you'd like to read them. Hope they help!

Attachments:

• May2007-FireRescue-Fitness.pdf, 554 KB
• June2007-FireRescue-Fitness.pdf, 823 KB

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Permalink Reply by mcl_fireman 911 on February 22, 2009 at 3:15pm

Another option that you have is to order the p90x fitness system. All you need is a set of dumb bells and a pull-up bar which you can order from them. They provide you with a nutrition plan and everything, they even give you a 30 day free-trial. If you don't like it in 30 days then you can return it for a full refund.

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Permalink Reply by Chris Downham on May 7, 2009 at 9:43pm

I'm in agreement with mcl_fireman. The p90x program is a excellent program even if its just used as a beginning educational / motivational tool to show the guys where they are at physically, and a method to improve even if its just nutrition wise.

My only concern personally with getting into a heavy weight routines or crossfit (amazing program) is the paticipants level of experience with working out. Some of the crossfit movements can be very technical.

Great ideas all around though.
Best of luck

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Permalink Reply by david clark on May 11, 2009 at 12:02am

thanks since i last posted i have gotten two more guys in the gym which is good im still having trouble getting a majority of our como dept to see that being grossley over weight is a hazard to themselves other firefightes and the victems were supposed to help and the worse part is that with a chief that weighs well over 300 lbs its hard to get a change stirred up

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