More Active. More Often.
“Be active today so you can say yes to whatever comes tomorrow”.
Theme Overview
One of the primary aims of the IGNITE program is to help more fire fighters be more active, more often. The benefits of regular physical activity (not just exercise) are undeniable and can influence physical, psychological and social well-being. The resources provided throughout the program will be directed at helping members integrate more opportunities to be physically active into their day-to-day, whatever it happens to look like. Being active today will allow you to enjoy the things you love to do for as long as you want to do them. Think health span (how long you are healthy), not just life span (how long you live). Regular physical activity can add life to your years!
Resources
A series of resources are being made available to support the ‘More Active. More Often.’ theme. These include articles, posters, training videos, podcasts. Specific details and links for each can be found below.
Articles
All IGNITE articles, including those listed below can be found at https://performanceredefined.ca/ignite-articles
- There are many ways to be physically active outside of exercise. “Physical activity is defined as any movement produced by the body that requires energy expenditure. In other words, there are an infinite number of ways to meet the physical activity recommendations published by public health authorities such as the World Health Organization (WHO). We don’t have to go to the gym…”
- A pursuit to be more active more often. “The benefits of regular exercise are irrefutable. Those who exercise report 43% fewer poor mental health days and fewer PTSD symptoms. Regular exercise is associated with a lower risk of at least 13 cancers and improves the fitness and overall quality of life for people living with cancer. Exercise can significantly reduce pain symptoms…”
- 4 tips to be more active at home. “Turning your kitchen, living room or garage into an exercise space can be challenging, particularly if you associate those spaces with eating, watching tv and working. Be more active by using the 4 behavioral change strategies outlined below to turn your home into a go-to exercise space!…”
Posters
All IGNITE posters, including those listed below can be found at https://performanceredefined.ca/ignite-graphics
- ‘Physical Activity Guidelines’ infographic. A 2-page poster that describes the physical activity guidelines recommended by the World Health Organization. Example activities that can be integrated into work, life and play are also highlighted. An electronic copy of the poster can be accessed HERE.
Training Videos
All IGNITE training videos, including those listed below can be found at the following link https://performanceredefined.ca/ignite-training
- ‘More Active. More Often.‘ While regular physical activity and exercise can improve the quality of everyone’s life in many ways, the majority of people are not active enough, at least according to the Physical Activity Guidelines published by the World Health Organization. IGNITE aims to help every fire fighter find opportunities to be more active more often. This first part of this video is from a workshop delivered to a group of health care professionals at the University of Toronto in March 2019. The second part (group exercise session) is a from a workshop delivered at the IAFF’s John P. Redmond Symposium in Nashville, Tennessee on August 20, 2020. The 75+ fire fighters in attendance all participated in the 5-minute activity.
Podcast
All IGNITE podcast episodes, including those listed below can be found at https://performanceredefined.ca/ignite-podcast
- 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.
- EP004 – Building Resilient Physical Activity Habits for Work, Life and Play. A conversation with Kosta Poulos and Dave Frost. 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.
- EP005 – Reflections on Integrating Physical Activity and Exercise Into a Career in the Fire Service. A round table discussion with three members of the fire service: Grady Valencis, served 26 years with the Prince George’s County Fire Department, retiring as a Battalion Chief. He is now a Deputy Director with the Health & Safety Operational Services Department at the IAFF headquarters in Washington, DC. Luke Pedersen, is an acting Captain with Waterloo Fire & Rescue, where he serves on the Health & Safety Committee and is also the Wellness & Fitness Chair. He has been working with the IAFF for over 10 years as a master instructor in the Peer Fitness Trainer, and now, Fit To Thrive program. Garrett Kim, is a rescue Captain with the Hawaii Fire Department, where he as served for over 23 years and has a background in coaching and sports medicine. He has been working with the IAFF for over 10 years as a master instructor in the Peer Fitness Trainer, and now, Fit To Thrive program. 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.
Exercise Programs
All IGNITE exercise programs that were released on Kinduct throughout the month can can be found at https://performanceredefined.ca/ignite-exercise
