EMS professionals are challenged to balance work, family, and other obligations while also staying or striving for mental and physical fitness. The Everyday EMS Athlete is a regular column to recognize and learn from other EMS professionals that are setting and meeting fitness goals. This edition was contributed by Paramedic and founder of the Fit Responder Bryan Fass.
Q: What is your EMS job?
I am a public safety injury prevention, patient handling ergonomics and fitness specialist/consultant.
Q: What are your athletic pursuits and goals?
Functional and diverse training of all types. Life moves and is unpredictable so we must train that way. I strive to constantly challenge my body through all types of training modalities. From traditional weight training, power lifting, tactical-training, anaerobic threshold training, functional conditioning the list and workouts are truly endless.
Q: Do you have race, lifestyle changes, or other accomplishments you are particularly proud of? If yes, please share and describe.
I am proud that the advanced conditioning and training techniques that I employ have allowed me to consistently run an 8 minute mile 5k, I can still sprint a 40 in under 5.5 seconds, I can still safely use 110 lb dumbbells with perfect form and can hold my own with SWAT and Military folks much younger then me. Consistency is the key and the best challenge is against myself!
Q: Can you share a few tips to help other EMS professionals to set and accomplish fitness goals?
Be consistent with your fitness and wellness. It truly has to be a lifestyle and a dedication to yourself second to none. To make fitness and wellness a lifestyle, something that defines you as a person of integrity and steadfastness it must carry through to all aspects of your life. Nutrition, dedication to fitness, wellness and self care. Above all else it is simple consistency that makes anything possible, especially fitness. We can all make excuses NOT to workout out but the true mark of dedication is making excuses to workout.
Q: How can readers connect with you or learn more about what you are doing?
Fit Responder Blog
FitResponder.com
Fit Responder YouTube Channel
