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Post by papacheese on May 2, 2008 9:12:03 GMT -5
I'd like to get a sampling of what the forum members do - or not do - to stay in reasonable "firefighting" shape. Do you run, row, bike, walk, or lift weights? Do you do anything at all? Do you watch what you eat (and I don't mean right before it enters your mouth) or maintain a standing order at Pat's Steaks?
The reason I'm asking is I'd like to get some impressions and opinions on how we view our physical capacity. For me, it's getting increasingly more obvious that I can no longer eat whatever I want and maintain a couch potato lifestyle without it having a noticibly adverse effect on my capacity to do firefighting work. One of the biggest changes I've noticed is how sore I am for days afterwards...I mean "walking funny" type sore...even though I do a stretching routine several times a week.
A lot is being written about the terrible shape we're in, how so many are having heart attacks, strokes, etc. Does any of that make an impression? If so, why? If not, how come?
Give me your thoughts....
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cfd2037
Forum Crew Member
Posts: 29
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Post by cfd2037 on May 2, 2008 11:01:52 GMT -5
OK...I'll be the first. As the guys from D20 will tell you, I have the body of a God.........Buddha!!!!!!
Seriously though, like papacheese, I can't eat the same things I did 10 years ago. Well, I can, but they don't agree with me like they used to. To get into some kinda shape, I walk at lunchtime for 30 minutes, and after dinner I'll walk my dog for another 30 minute time permitting. I'll also get some basketball in when B shift is on and I get home from work and am not too tired. My wife is also cooking more healthier dinners, which I notice are really helping out some. I don't feel as full anymore after dinner, like I used to. Plus I'm a smoker, so thats my biggest vice and downfall that I really have to kick. I'm 46 and have been smoking since I was 16 and am now just starting to feel the effects. I guess I'm lucky, so I better quit the habit before it's to late.
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hp4l
Division Supervisor
Remember Your Roots
Posts: 600
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Post by hp4l on May 5, 2008 17:09:46 GMT -5
As a fat guy, I'll chime in. You wouldn't know it by looking at me but we actually eat good meals at the station. We try to have a salad every night with dinner and use healthier foods like ground turkey instead of beef. In Dist. 20, we play a lot of sports together like football, basketball, and softball. We do those on days off for fun and exercise. We play basketball during our workout period at work right now. Before that, a couple guys and I were in the gym each shift. At home, I try to eat better also. If I could cut back on the beers, I'd probably be better. I also bought a bicycle recently. Between gas prices and me being fat, I figured it was time to start riding. Now that it's nice, the wife and I also walk the dogs so that helps too. I'm not in the best shape, but I don't think I'm in the worst either.
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Post by WebBoss on May 6, 2008 6:41:10 GMT -5
As a fat guy, I'll chime in. You wouldn't know it by looking at me but we actually eat good meals at the station. We try to have a salad every night with dinner and use healthier foods like ground turkey instead of beef. In Dist. 20, we play a lot of sports together like football, basketball, and softball. We do those on days off for fun and exercise. We play basketball during our workout period at work right now. Before that, a couple guys and I were in the gym each shift. At home, I try to eat better also. If I could cut back on the beers, I'd probably be better. I also bought a bicycle recently. Between gas prices and me being fat, I figured it was time to start riding. Now that it's nice, the wife and I also walk the dogs so that helps too. I'm not in the best shape, but I don't think I'm in the worst either. Have no fear brother... Round is a Shape...
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Post by WebBoss on May 6, 2008 6:45:35 GMT -5
Not that I am anywhere near being a model of Physical Fitness, but most of my routines just come from being active.
Around the station I try to stay on my feet doing something. Rolling and cleaning hose, washing trucks, servicing tools, practicing ladder techniques... a little bit of everything. Granted, I should join in on the daily Basketball games and get my fat ass in the gym frequently, but to me, there's too much work to do and not enough hours to do it.
It's tough to be an ADD kid stuck behind a desk 12 hours a day 15 days a month. When I'm at the station, I rather be up and productive.
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Post by papacheese on May 6, 2008 7:35:56 GMT -5
One of the many things I've noticed with advancing years is that things start to gently but surely deteriorate, like muscle bulk and joints. Every time I've tried to lift weights or run, all I ended up doing was hurting myself, so something had to be changed. Even ten extra pounds started to make a noticible difference in the way I felt.
What worked for me (this is not an advertisment) is Weight Watchers, not so much for the weight loss, but because it forced me to think about what I was eating before I actually popped it into the ole pie hole. What's good about it is that nothing's taboo...you simply just have to count it. Exercise wise, I started walking...not particualrly strenuous on the joints, but a good enough workout to keep the metalbolism stoked a little. Like hp4l, now that nice weather's hit, I will usually did out the bike and ride (or should I say dodge cars) every so often just to mix things up a little.
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Post by voyager9 on May 6, 2008 20:46:10 GMT -5
I try to stay in pretty good shape. I've always been pretty active and I've tried to keep that up despite all the other conflicts. I'll do run or some other cardio three times and hit the gym twice a week. It helps that the station has a great gym and the fiance enjoys using it as well. One of the few times she doesn't complain about me/us stopping by the station . This weekend I'm heading to VT to climb Mt Washington with my brother and family.. that's probably going to kick my arse.. hard to practice hills in NJ! Diet wise I try to eat as healthy as I can without an actual diet. The few times I've done that is when my better half went on one. Since she cooks usually I went on the diet by default. Pissed her off when I lost 15lbs and she only lost 6.. I think the key thing is just stay active.. take the stairs, not the elevator.. mow the lawn with the push mower.. walk the dogs. The other big thing is get into a routine that includes some physical activity. Make it a habit to do something the same time. BTW: American Cancer Society has a bike ride in July. Several routes (25-75 miles) available. If you've never done it its a great time. If you start in Philadelphia you get to ride over the Ben. Might be cool to get a few Burlco folks doing it. Anyone interested PM me for info.
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