In this session from the 2015 NSCA TSAC Annual Training, Katie Sell discusses current research on how perceived fitness in firefighters may be related to injury prevalence (on-duty and in training) and provide recommendations on how tactical facilitators can decrease adverse repercussions of inaccurately perceived fitness levels (e.g., injury, overtraining, and job-related preparation).
In addition to standard health, fitness, or sport assessment guidelines, several guidelines exist for the fire service. Since each agency is different in its preferences, capabilities, and philosophies, applying a standard recommendation may not be possible. This article introduces basic decision-making considerations for fire service assessment batteries.
This article examines the causes of cardiovascular risk among firefighters and suggests potential interventions to support long-term health. Visit NSCA online to learn more about firefighter fitness and tactical performance.
TSAC FacilitatorsExercise ScienceNutritionExercise TechniqueProgram designOrganization and AdministrationTesting and EvaluationSafetyEmergency ProceduresBasic Pathophysiology and Science of Health Status or Condition, Disorder, or DiseaseProfessional Development
This article serves as a guide for current and future strength and conditioning professionals who oversee program design for fire academy recruits. This includes a summarized needs analysis and a sample training program that considers the unique challenges of the fire academy.
This article aims to provide information designed to assist firefighter recruits to achieve a successful Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) performance.
May 15, 2026by Annmarie Chizewski, PhD, CSCS, USAW, Joel Martin, PhD, CSCS,*D, CPSS, Lee Brown, PhD, CSCS, CSPS, TSAC-F, RSCC, Steve Ferrier, and Mick Jackson
This TSAC Report article discusses why female firefighters need sex-specific training to improve biomechanics, reduce injury risk, and support career sustainability. Visit NSCA online to read more about exercise science and occupational readiness.
TSAC FacilitatorsExercise ScienceExercise TechniqueProgram designOrganization and AdministrationTesting and EvaluationSafetyBasic Pathophysiology and Science of Health Status or Condition, Disorder, or DiseaseProfessional Development
April 26, 2021by Matthew Sokoloski, CSCS, TSAC-F, Dr Brandon Rhett Rigby, PhD, CSPS, NSCA-CPT, Isaac Rowland, CSCS, Ryan Gordon, CSCS, and Christopher Ryan Bachik, CSCS, TSAC-F
Military and law enforcement needs analyses are not specifically matched to firefighting, but those training styles are better than basic fitness regimens or no regimen at all. For firefighters who are attracted to other styles of training not specific to firefighting, there are ways to train for all the demands of firefighting without making the firefighter use training modalities that they dislike or are not comfortable using.
The purpose of this case study was to assess a one-day peer fitness leaders workshop for firefighters and law enforcement officers to test the feasibility of creating a “Train the Trainer” program, which could be implemented for continued intervention.
TSAC FacilitatorsProgram designProfessional Development