Firefighter Functional Fitness: The Essential Guide to Optimal Firefighter Performance and Longevity

This book is unlike anything I have ever read before. Firefighter Functional Fitness isn’t a book that just tells you what to do and how to do it, but also why it’s important. The way Dan Kerrigan and Jim Moss have written this book levels with firefighters without sugar coating. It’s relatable! When you can actually see the bigger picture than the number on the scale it really changes your motivation. You’re out there to help people! How can you save someone else if you can’t save yourself. Without being physically and mentally fit for the job causes a risk not only to you, but the victims and your brothers and sisters. To not be fit for the job is irresponsible. What I love about the functionality of this book is that it doesn’t just list a bunch of exercises. Any physical activity mentioned in this book is something relatable to something you may do on scene...aka Functional Fitness.This book covers many topics, such as the four pillars and the Big 8! This book isn’t just straight text. It was carefully thought out and presents itself with pictures, diagrams, quotes, tips, facts, and an incredibly detailed table of contents.I myself am an EMT Student and plan to attend the fire academy shortly after. I decided to take the chance and order this book to get myself fit before I attend. At the end of the day, you can never train too much for a job that can kill you! It’s not about looks, it’s about getting the job done. The authors also have an Instagram page and a website. They care about their work and care about you.BOTTOM LINE: You got this far in my review and you came across this page for a reason. This is a sign. Whether you are training for the academy, a probie, been a firefighter for years, or are just looking for a way to better yourself. You’ve found it! Hands dow: no regrets! Only more motivation and determination!

Overall, this book has great information and suggestions for firefighting. It's a book that is easy enough to understand (for all those non-exercise physiologists and dietitians) for potential recruits through experienced firefighters. As a student and practitioner of firefighter fitness/wellness, I can tell you that the information provided in the exercise section of this book is backed by more studies and research than you might expect! There are dozens of pictures depicting proper body mechanics from lifting to stretching. Something I was surprised to see were old-school style of static stretching along with a number of fantastic yoga-style compound stretches! On the nutritional side, it does a great job of emphasizing a balanced diet and hydration (majorly lacking sometimes!). However (my only gripe), some of the statements about saturated fats (especially those from animals) are questionable.This book is well thought out and should be read through at least once. It's to the point, easy to read, and will hopefully convince potential and active-duty firefighters to enhance their fitness and well-being!

I came across this book in one of those Instagram rabbit holes that you go down. I was curious what the authors had to say about nutrition (I have a degree in this), so I bought the book. I liked that they took a realistic and practical approach to eating and so found myself reading other sections of the book as well. I am not a firefighter, and don't expect that I ever will be, but I found much to apply to my own life regarding physical health and having a positive mindset. Additionally, it gave me an appreciation for the challenges and sacrifices that firefighters face and make every day. I think anyone who wants to improve their physical and mental health could benefit from giving this book a read.

I've been waiting for this book for over a year. I've been a follower of the authors prior to buying their book. They are both highly respected and regarded in the field. What makes it great is that it's written by Firefighters for Firefighters. As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another (Proverbs 27:17). I enjoyed the straight forward approach. It flows well and was enjoyable to read. Covers the Why, What, and How, to proactively approach your conditioning and fitness. Easy to follow, Big 8, 4 Pillars, 10 Commandments, and a call to action. I like that there is no special equipment needed, you can do this with what's already at the firehouse. Chapters with tips on lift, carry and drag (Injury prevention is so important). Nutritional tips that are realistic and easy to incorporate into your routine. I am sharing with my brothers and sisters, I highly recommend this for all firefighters.

An outstanding book, perfectly aligned to the needs, requirements and solutions for fitter, stronger and healthier firefighters. I recommend this book for all firefighters, whether you are just starting your fitness program or need to take your workouts to the next level. This should also be required reading for all chiefs and training officers to help design, implement and manage your fitness and health program with your department and firefighters. The organization and development of the program makes it easy for beginners to follow, and for experienced firefighter-athletes to add new variations and challenges. The chapters on nutrition and hydration will be helpful to everyone. As a Combat Challenge and OCR competitor I found the program to be helpful in improving my performance and as an older fire chief (60) key components for long term health and longevity in the fire service. Bill Gaughan. Asst. Fire Chief,

This book has great information who wants to start working out or has been and is looking to add more to their workouts. The book highlights functional fitness that tailors to the fire ground operations. They want to establish a foundation that will build up your level of cardio endurance to real life situations on the fire ground to make you preform at the highest level. They encourage you to change your lifestyle to purse greatness. Highly recommend this book to anyone.

This is a great resource for anyone wanting to be anything other than "show" fit. Not for body builders or Olympic athletes, but for the rest of the world where every day strength and stamina win, this is a great book. I have the Kindle version on my phone and a hard copy as well!

Fantastic read with applicable methods for a firefighter of any rank and physical condition.I will be passing around the watch for sure.

Traz elementos essenciais para a atividade de bombeiro!Recomendo a leitura e aplicação das atividades no dia a dia do serviço.

Ein wirklich tolles Buch!Speziell auf die physischen Ansprüche, die an einen modernen Feuerwehrmann gestellt werden, ausgelegt.Viele Tipps zb auch zur optimalen Hydration.

Absolutely great book, really helped me get my fitneas levels up and easy to follow.