Firefighting is a profession that has the potential to be extremely demanding, both physically and mentally. More specifically, these tactical personnel must be physically fit to perform their occupational requirements, all while they are exposed to daily stressors. This is likely to include everything from physical strain and shift work to interrupted sleep and witnessing potentially traumatizing events. Failure to prepare and mitigate these occupational demands can have long-lasting implications to overall performance as well as health and wellness. Unfortunately, many of these elements often go unaddressed. As such, considerations for collaborative and overarching cross-disciplinary allied health teams should be made. Human performance optimization (HPO) is a model that has been successfully adopted by the U.S. military to enhance the overarching health, wellness, and performance of soldiers. This article proposes the utilization of a similar HPO model by providing a rationale for how it can be used to reduce premature morbidity and mortality, as well as increasing overall readiness and resilience within the firefighting profession.

Great S&C coaches do more than design programs—they lead people to achieve their best and most consistent performances.

Learn, participate and network with colleagues at (location) while earning CEUs. Hosted by the state, provincial and regional directors, this local event brings cutting-edge research and application to your backyard.

Colorado Springs, CO; Seattle, WA – Volt Athletics® (Volt), the global leader in technology solutions for sport performance training, and the National Strength and Conditioning Association® (NSCA), the worldwide authority on strength and conditioning, today announced Volt will sponsor the RSCC Ring Program at the 39th Annual NSCA National Conference.

From the 2019 Tactical Annual Training, Rob Orr, co-lead of Bond University’s Tactical Research Unit, explains how the backs of tactical personnel can be compromised. He also details the systems that affect the back and how to construct programs to optimize physical conditioning and reconditioning.

The NSCA Facility of Distinction program recognizes excellence in private sector sports performance and personal training facilities. Review criteria and apply.

Are you a student looking to gain hands-on experience at the NSCA's Performance Center, located in beautiful Colorado Springs, CO? Apply for one of our popular internships today!

April 6 - New York, NY - Built in collaboration with the Greater New York ACSM Regional Chapter to learn from leading researchers in the field and help with more effective program design.