At a Firehouse Near You

Captain Mike Stefano, retired FDNY and author of The Firefighter's Workout Book is available for firefighter fitness seminars, lectures, and workshops nationwide. His ability to break down complex training information and make it easy to understand and execute is unparalleled. Mike's seminars will allow you to experience the difference between real firefighter training and just spinning your wheels. Captain Mike's next workshop is scheduled for May 22, 2008.
>> FIREFIGHTER FITNESS WORKSHOP SCHEDULE


THE FACTS
Last year we lost 115 members in the line of duty. Almost half were victims of a cardiovascular incident, while most departments have NO formal fitness program. At best, resourceful members throw together a gym on their own. I urge you to petition your department to do something about this lack of concern for something so important.

Would a professional athlete not prepare for game day? Brother and sisters, you're being done a grave injustice with the prevailing let's-not-rock-the-boat attitude. It's time to face the statistics and begin to implement sensible changes that address issues firefighters face when preparing to get in shape for the job they love.

My Fit For Fire training goes right to the heart of what you need, STRENGTH-ENDURANCE, as one entity, useless if separated.

WHAT IT TAKES
Standard fire department, portable ladders can out-weigh the rescuer, and extend to a top-heavy 35 feet (3 stories) in length. When in full extension this represents a substantial load that's hard to control, especially when distraught occupants are grabbing for the tip. And that's before climbing the ladder and carrying down an injured, unconscious victim.

Hand-held high-pressure hose lines can pump out over 200 gallons of water per minute, and back-pressure can be severe (up to 250 PSI). It takes two powerful individuals to control one line. What is in essence a giant water gun (bazooka might be more appropriate), must be advanced and operated simultaneously, no easy feat when crouched down, or duck walking below high heat.

Typical residential apartment door feature multiple locks and are very often made of steel. Hydraulic forcible entry tools are not to be relied upon, as every firefighter must posses the know-how AND explosive force to pry open locked doors by hand. Skill, as well as brute strength and adequate endurance is a major asset.

These are just a few examples of what we're asked to do every day. Is the rank and file up to the task? Are we as firefighters doing our best to prepare for that inevitable big job? Adrenalin pumping, heart pounding, firefighters always seem to get the job done, but at what cost?

The body must strike a balance between strength and endurance. As firefighters, we NEED a good measure of both. My Fit-For-Fire training protocols feature intelligently crafted fire-specific workouts that build this seemingly elusive quality of strength / endurance, the missing ingredient in most other programs.

Don't flounder in the gym performing endless low rep sets of bicep curls. Explore something new, unique, and specific to firefighting, based on years of practical experience training New York City's bravest.

There's no time like the present. Be proactive and let's protect the members the only way we can, with an intelligently crafted, firefighter-specific conditioning system. Let me show you how it's done. If you're interested in workshop and training options, fill out the simple form at left, or email directly at: michael.stefano@gmail.com.