"What has been, will be again; what has been done, will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun" -Ecclesiastes 1:9
Unconventional, or "old school" strength methods, have recently resurfaced onto the fitness scene. This includes training equipment such as kettlebells, sandbags, tires, sledgehammer, suspension training, bodyweight, grip training, and many other home made devices. Nontraditional equipment have stood the test of time for giving their users results, and are also create a real-world functional strength that cannot be duplicated on a workout machine within a gym.
Although some are better than others to help firefighters meet their goals, I believe that specializing in one piece of equipment or modality is the wrong approach. When we step onto the fireground, the situation that is found will usually determine which tool is to be used. We may have certain tools that we favor (i.e. halligan), but no one tool can be utilized for every event.
The same is true with our strength and conditioning routines. The equipment we use or the programs we follow need not be centered around only 1 type of training modality or piece of equipment. Rather, it is important to focus on the goal your are trying to achieve, and choose the best tool to get you there. Each tool has certain advantages, as well as limitations to it.
Unconventional, or "old school" strength methods, have recently resurfaced onto the fitness scene. This includes training equipment such as kettlebells, sandbags, tires, sledgehammer, suspension training, bodyweight, grip training, and many other home made devices. Nontraditional equipment have stood the test of time for giving their users results, and are also create a real-world functional strength that cannot be duplicated on a workout machine within a gym.
Although some are better than others to help firefighters meet their goals, I believe that specializing in one piece of equipment or modality is the wrong approach. When we step onto the fireground, the situation that is found will usually determine which tool is to be used. We may have certain tools that we favor (i.e. halligan), but no one tool can be utilized for every event.
The same is true with our strength and conditioning routines. The equipment we use or the programs we follow need not be centered around only 1 type of training modality or piece of equipment. Rather, it is important to focus on the goal your are trying to achieve, and choose the best tool to get you there. Each tool has certain advantages, as well as limitations to it.
Ultimately, it is important to use the strength training equipment that is available to you, and place it within a logical plan that improves job performance, enhances long term health, and meets your specific goals.
