The Peer Fitness Trainer Role
TFD’s Peer Fitness Trainers (PFTs) are available to all personnel and contribute to maintaining a “fit for duty” health status by encouraging employee participation in the department physical fitness program. Because firefighting is one of the most physically demanding professions and firefighters are considered to be “occupational athletes”, the PFT differs from a regular Personal Trainer. They assist fire service personnel to maintain a fitness level beyond what an average person would require, due to the firefighter’s challenging work environment.‡
PFTs have been trained and certified to provide safe and effective science-based fitness instruction through the American Council on Exercise (ACE). The PFT Certification indicates that the firefighter has the knowledge and skills to design fitness programs for department personnel and to assist with physical training for new recruits.
The role of the PFT is to encourage safe participation in the mandated physical fitness program, promote long-term physical fitness, and reduce on-duty injuries. They may provide the following important functions for TFD:
- Individual and crew exercise programming
- Job-task specific workout routines
- Pre-physical assessments
- Functional movement screening
- Nutrition education
- New recruit training
- Instruction on proper use of fitness equipment
All TFD personnel are encouraged to use this valuable resource to maintain a “fit-for-duty” status. Each station has a list posted in the exercise area with contact information for PFTs.
‡The American Council on Exercise (2011)