Well it finally happened. I have been training at CrossFit Chula Vista with Rick for over a year, and as a SDFD fire engineer I kept waiting for the day when the benefits of my CrossFit training would suddenly become evident. The other night we pulled up on a structure fire and I had my first opportunity to test what all those deadlifts and thrusters had done for me. I don't mean that I haven't noticed all kinds of great changes over the last year. I'm stronger, more lean, I've got more energy, I'm super motivated to exercise, and I have more confidence in my job because I know I am stronger and more capable. And I keep telling people that now, at age 45 with 12 years on the fire department, that I have never been stronger or more fit. I could suddenly pick up heavy pieces of equipment, move stuff up and down stairs, drag hose lines, lift gurneys, and throw ladders so much easier. After 8 years of back pain from two herniated disks, my back strength has improved to pre-injury levels and the pain decreased.
But, back to the fire. After charging the 4" line off the hydrant there were a bunch of kinks in the line that had to be fixed. Which meant picking up the hose dead lift style 6 times and carrying the hose somewhere between 5 and 10 feet. Before CrossFit I would have struggled and the pain in my back the next day would have been nearly crippling. But, the other night, I knew that it was going to be easy, my back was going to be fine, and I relished the challenge, saying to myself "Thank you CrossFit. Thank you Rick".
Over the past year, realizing the benefits of CrossFit for firefighters I have been involved with the CrossFit style training program of our Fire Academy Recruits. I have my CrossFit Level 1 Certificate, CrossFit Olympic Lift Certification, CrossFit Endurance Certificate, and will be taking the CrossFit Nutrition Certification class in February. Besides my firefighter training, I have a fitness and training background that includes a BS in Biomechanics/Athletic Training, I am a former Physical Therapy Assistant, Certified Athletic Trainer (NATA), Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA), Personal Trainer (ACE), and Peer Fitness Trainer (ACE). With all this training and experience in fitness, training and exercise, it is CrossFit that has created the greatest change in my fitness levels and provides exactly what we ALL need to get and stay fit for life.