IGNITE Podcast – Performance Redefined

EP007 – Matching a Fire Fighter’s Mobility with their Demands (Movement Hygiene and Other Interventions).

Many factors that increase fire fighters’ risks are non-modifiable, because they can’t be changed (are “part” of the job), or change so slowly that they aren’t within a fire fighter’s control. Some factors however, such as mobility, are modifiable within meaningful limits, and can yield strong positive effects to a fire fighter’s health and longevity. In this episode, we pick up where we left off in EP006, and discuss the various interventions that can help address the mobility needs of fire fighters . Throughout the conversation we build on the big conceptual “rocks” of mobility, and emphasize the importance of using sound reasoning and judgment when embarking on improving mobility capacity.

EP006 – A Conceptual and Practical Introduction to Mobility for the Fire Fighter.

Most fire fighters have come across the term “mobility” being used as a reference to an individuals ability to move; whether freely, or in a restricted way. This is a good starting point, however mobility can be better defined conceptually and practically for the fire fighter, and this is what we aimed to achieve in this episode. Along with defining important terms under the umbrella of mobility such as passive mobility, active mobility, and control, we discuss how movement can be impacted (positively or negatively) by someone’s mobility. Our objective was to produce a comprehensive mobility primer for fire fighters, so they can appreciate WHY mobility is important within the large context of fire fighter health and wellness.

EP005 – Reflections on Integrating Physical Activity and Exercise Into a Career in the Fire Service.

This episode is a round table discussion with Grady Valencis, Deputy Director of Health and Safety with the IAFF, Luke Pedersen, the Wellness & Fitness Chair for Waterloo Fire Rescue, and Garrett Kim, a rescue Captain with the Hawaii Fire Department, The guests share their thoughts on WHY they are physically active, WHAT they do for physical activity and exercise, and practical tips that have helped them maintain a consistent level of physical activity across their careers.

EP004 – Building resilient physical activity habits to impact work, life, and play.

Our physical activity habits are influenced by many factors. Changing our habits can be difficult, which for fire fighters is made even more challenging by having to deal with the unique demands of the job. In this episode we look at physical activity habits through a behaviour-change lens. We discuss the range of reasons why we are active (our WHY), how these reasons can impact our behaviors, and make an important distinction between being being physically active and being physically fit.

EP003 – Unpacking the WHO Physical Activity Guidelines

A conversation with Kosta Poulos and Dave Frost. Public health agencies across the world have synthesized years of research into physical activity, exercise, and health outcomes to produce best practice, physical activity guidelines for people to follow to optimize their health and wellness. In this episode we unpack the World Health Organization’s (WHO) guidelines on physical activity, with a focus on making these guidelines relevant and actionable for fire fighters.

EP002 – Thoughts on Being Active After 30 Years as a Fire Fighter

A conversation with Dave Frost and Tommy Grimshaw, a retired fire fighter from FDNY. In this episode we talk about the role exercise has played in Tommy’s professional and personal life. Tommy was a fire fighter in Harlem for 20+ years before moving to the fitness unit at the Fire Academy on Randall’s Island

EP001 – In Pursuit of Wellness. For Duty. For Life.

A conversation with Kosta Poulos and Dave Frost. In this episode we unpack one of the foundational concepts in fire fighter wellness and fitness: The Demands and Capacity Framework. We discuss how fire fighters can apply this framework, and how doing so can assist them in making their exercise and physical matter to the things that are most important in their lives.