Emergency jobs take a lot of energy out of emergency service workers. Firefighters can replenish all that through a well-rounded diet and plenty of exercise. Here’s a guide to help you stay healthy and active as a firefighter.
Always Hydrate
Hydration is the most important element in any hands-on job. From heavy lifting to running in and out of buildings, these tasks tire out workers fast. Since you’ll be in some hot spaces, your body will lose water quickly. Keep a stainless steel water bottle with you help maintain your performance.
Workout Often
Working out is a big part of any laboring job. However, for firefighters to be fire-rescue athletes, they need the best workouts to get them into shape.
Firefighters should aim to work out three to four times a week. Focus on things like stretching, foam rolling, and yoga. If you are exercising while working, do a light cardiovascular workout.
You should also think about doing these workouts:
- Planks
- Deadlifts
- Squats
Eat Mindfully
Similarly to working out like an athlete, you need to eat like one, too. You could call firefighters fire-rescue athletes since they strive to stay in shape daily. Many wonder where they get that energy from. Truth be told, it’s from eating lots of lean protein and fibrous foods. While on a diet like this, it’s recommended to avoid too much sugar.
Since sugar creates more opportunities to crash sooner, high amounts of protein helps to keep you going, and the fiber helps your body digest foods better. Avoid eating out; instead, pack meals ahead of time to avoid going hungry at work.
Manage Stress
This job is demanding, and it’s essential to keep your mental health up. If you find yourself surrounded by stress daily, it’s necessary to reach out to your higher-ups and ask for help. Many will say to see what triggers you and find solutions to cope with it.
Try meditation, yoga, or a walk to cool yourself down before work. You could also create a private sanctuary in your home to help you calm down before returning to work.
Clean Gear Daily
Another way you can even handle stress on the job is to clean your firefighter gear. Keep yourself busy and away from conflict by creating a daily cleaning schedule for your equipment.
While cleaning, focus on your essential pieces, such as your head gear and face masks. Before cleaning, make sure to adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure you’re properly cleaning your gear.
After learning how firefighters stay active while working, you’ll have a better idea of how to help your co-workers stay in shape in and out of the firehouse. Keep yourself in shape, too, before heading to work.
Susie Young Baxter, CEO, has published PanoramaNOW Magazine for 31 years. Her hobbies are Camping, Boating, Hiking, Nature, Gardening and Outdoor Activities. She is an Artist, Graphic Designer, an Avid Seamstress, Dabbles in Homemade Crafts and Landscaping. Since her Father was a Health Teacher, she also likes homeopathic Health Solutions. Since blogging started over 10 years ago, PanoramaNow has been added to Newsbreak – a national news affiliate.
