A Description of Exercise Programs Implemented During a Firefighter Training Academy

Abstract

Objective Thoroughly describe exercise programs that were performed during a firefighter training academy, including their effects on body composition and physical fitness. Methods Fourteen recruits performed exercise programs during a 24-week training academy and several components of their body composition and physical fitness were measured. Moreover, their heart rate (HR) and session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE) were recorded during and after every training session, respectively. Results Fat-free mass, subcutaneous fat in the abdomen, cardiovascular fitness, flexibility, lower-body power, and muscular endurance significantly improved during the study, p ≤ 0.05. The highest HR and sRPE responses were observed during aerobic training (AT) sessions. The average HR responses relative to maximum HR were similar during AT, high-intensity circuit training (HICT), multi-modal high-intensity interval training (MM-HIIT), and high-intensity functional training (HIFT); however, the sRPEs during HICT and MM-HIIT were significantly lower than AT. Conclusions Several effective exercise programs can be implemented during firefighter training academies.