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Comment by Firefighterfitnessonline.com on July 6, 2011 at 8:32pm

For Adam: Hi adam, first how long do you have to train? As Joel stated, high altitude is effective, but also if not done correctly can hurt you as well. I am a full time CSCS with the Sacramento Fire Department and work with over 800 firefighters on fitness.
The most effective means of getting into shape would be to perform high intensity intervals. This can be done on a Airdyne Bike, running, or on a rowing erg. The idea is simple: Go hard for a period of time then allow the body to rest, repeat.....
The most effective thing will be monitor your heart rate. You do not need any fancy monitors - just a watch.
For example: run hard for 2 minutes, take a pulse count, if your HR is at 121 you are ready for the next 2 minute run.If not, wait until it is down around 121 (Bill Bowerman method). Perform this 10 times.
Long slow distance will not be very effective, so my recommendation is to stay away from it. Stay with intervals or circuit training with weights - both have scientifically been proven to be better for increased cardio response and fat loss (Which will also help improve your VO2).
Hope that helps
Check out more info on Firefighterfitnessonline.com

Comment by Joel C Kelley on July 6, 2011 at 2:41pm

For Adam: I s there any way you can train at altitude? Having lived in mountain states, I can tell you this is a great way to develop a lot of cardio health very quickly. As you acclimate, you put on a lot of Red blood cells, which enhances your ability to transport oxygen. Acclimation to altitude is a huge benefit in our training health.

Comment by adam brightman on July 6, 2011 at 12:35pm

hi i'm a volunteer and i'm going to be trying out for career in the fall hopefully....i need help with my cardio its pathetic the shape i'm in now.... any ideas of improving my cardio quickly?
thanks
adam

Comment by Ryan Provencher on July 2, 2011 at 5:44pm

Our department was introduced to TACFIT in 2005 when Scott Sonnon proposed a Fire vs. Police tactical fitness competition. A few of us adopted this "tactical approach" to fitness and had great results. We conducted an informal study of TACFIT in our department. The results can be found here:

http://tacfitfirefighter.com/2011/03/08/tacfit-study-for-whatcom-co...

We've been working closely with Coach Sonnon over the years and we are currently developing a new division of TACFIT called "TACFIT Firefighter".

Check out www.tacfitfirefighter.com for more information.

Comment by Joel C Kelley on July 1, 2011 at 9:13pm

For Lee Ashby:
Sometimes we "bonk". No matter how fit you are, the stress you describe can happen to anyone. While a good fitness program is essential to good performance, we need to know the signals our bodies send to us. I hate to plug products here, but I will. I keep several packets of "Emergen-C" in my wildland pack. These little electrolyte bombs have saved me on too many occasions to count. Available at most health food stores, they are a cheap way to help prevent critical dhydration and low potassium levels. Even better, they are low in sugar and contain a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals.

They even taste good!

Comment by Firefighterfitnessonline.com on June 30, 2011 at 8:13am

Firefighterfitnessonline.com also has a mentorship program where we would come out to your dept and train your firefighters on the latest topics in tactical training. Our professionals are some of the best in the industry and have worked with many fire departments across the nation, as well as the military special forces. This program is a week long course with 3 instructors per 30 students. We would love to help you in any way.

Comment by Firefighterfitnessonline.com on June 30, 2011 at 8:09am

HI Lee
I would recommend TACFIT. You can find out about them at firefighterfitnessonline.com. I believe there program may be the most suitable for you. It would also compliment any fitness program you may currently establish such as IAFF-Wellness Fitness Initiative, etc. Firefighterfitnessonline.com also offers groups memberships as well. If you are interested just contact us.

Comment by Lee Ashby, Jr. on June 29, 2011 at 10:46pm

Hello all, was wanting to find out if anyone has tried, currently use the TACFIT program in thier fire department?
I am a Volunteer Fire Fighter in Texas, and after being rushed to the hospital with heat exhaustion, dehydration, and dangerously low potassium level, that caused me to fall out during a wildland fire, I started looking at a few things in our County Fire Service, only the Commissioned Fire Fighters are getting fitness training at the city fire department, only a handful have gym memberships but dont get a chance to use them when we are running mutual aid calls with each other to help knock down these wildland fires as well as other calls in between. I have looked at a few programs for in house training, TACFIT seems to have the best approach, just want to see if it is worth it. Any advice or directions would be helpful to help spread a workout training session throughout our county fire service here.

Comment by Firefighterfitnessonline.com on June 26, 2011 at 9:15pm

Hi April. I would be happy to help you out. I am the strength and conditioning coach for the Sacramento Fire Department. I would need a little more info, such as resistance training (what energy development system). If you want specific information or article on firefighter fitness/training go to firefighterfitnessonline.com
let me know how I can help.

Comment by April Iachetta on June 26, 2011 at 6:00pm

what is some risistance training that would help keep in shape for firefighing

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