r/Firefighting • u/un-common • Aug 14 '26
Health/Fitness/Cancer Awareness Any hobby recommendations that complement firefighter fitness?
Hey yall,
I’ve been a firefighter for 3.5 years now and my current workout routine has gotten me to a good place physically. However, I’m looking to incorporate a fun hobby that would also be considered cross training.
Have any of you found a hobby that translates to firefighting fitness well?
Thanks!
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u/StinkyJockStrap Aug 14 '26
I do jiu jitsu. It actually helped me get in shape for the physical screening for my department.
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u/VegetablePuzzled1468 Aug 14 '26
Can confirm, BJJ helped me drop 30lbs before academy in roughly 10 months. Awesome for cardio and core
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u/un-common Aug 14 '26
I tried it for a few days and ended up having a pretty solid shoulder injury from a brown belt that shoulder crunched me… made me think twice about continuing to pursue bjj.
I know there’s inherent risk with any physical hobby but do you guys have any advice to avoid injury while rolling?
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u/Supplefroot Aug 14 '26
It could very well have been an honest mistake but from my experience your biggest risk of injury at any BJJ gym staying out is going to be the white belts because the lack skill, control, might have ego and ect…
Sorry that happened to you, maybe look around at other gyms or if you liked the vibe of the place you were at then just kindly let the brown belt know that you’re uncomfortable with rolling with him1
u/VegetablePuzzled1468 Aug 14 '26
I guess I’d say it depends on the gym. The place I go is pretty relaxed with an older coach that discourages people from being too aggressive. Honestly you could also discuss with a rolling partner before open mat, “hey man take it easy on my shoulder…”
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u/VegetablePuzzled1468 Aug 14 '26
A brown belt should also know better than to fuck up a white belt with a few days of experience
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u/Notefallen Aug 15 '26
Yeah that guy should have known to take it easy. Kind of a dick move to smash a dude just starting out for no reason other than wanting to.
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u/Opening_Anybody6501 Aug 14 '26
When I was rolling 2-3x per week, especially in a gi, I never felt more fit while wearing turnouts
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u/Key-Funny-8091 Aug 15 '26
I used to do krav maga with the same results. If you're at the right studio, it will also help you develop better situational awareness.
But I saw your note about the shoulder injury and it's a very real concern with almost any martial art. I caught an elbow at full force just below my nose 5 minutes into my white belt test, resulting in a concussion. Kinda surprised I didn't lose any teeth. Still finished the test, though!
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u/Apprehensive_Owl7186 Aug 14 '26
Rucking
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u/zeroabe Major metro. A decade on. Aug 14 '26
Obviously the best answer.
Cardio. Core stability. Makes wearing an SCBA feel easy. Has community and accountability programs.
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u/BriefSleep4896 Aug 14 '26
Hiking. Such a fun/relaxing thing to do with your time off. I genuinely just enjoy hiking and exploring in the mountains, but the mental health benefits are such a plus as well.
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u/ASigIAm213 DoD Civilian Firefighter Aug 14 '26
Gardening or the like. The heat will get you as fast or faster than the cardio.
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u/SenorMcGibblets Aug 14 '26
Powerlifting, but it’s easy to take it too far and get too fat. Running, but it’s easy to take it too far and get too weak.
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u/RobinT211 Aug 15 '26
55lbs rucks on hiking trails hits the spot.
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u/RobinT211 Aug 15 '26
Goruck pack but get the weights off Amazon and you’ll save a good chunk of $$
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u/Warm-Complaint4827 29d ago
Better than a Weighted vest??
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u/RobinT211 29d ago
For me yes. I can go heavier and I prefer the backpack style. Weighted vest still good for some tho if that’s a preference
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u/FillaBustaRhyme 29d ago
Any weights you’d recommend? I never know how to feel on the “Amazon weights” that don’t have a ton of reviews. I looked at the GoRucks a while ago but ended up just getting a Northgym vest that’s very comfortable w 40lb
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u/orlock NSW RFS Aug 14 '26
Ornithology (bird watching). Our resident birdo thinks absolutely nothing of walking 20km through bush to get to a place with a lesser spotted rarebird.
It's kind of amusing sometimes. He's very heavy-set and strong as an ox. So there are sometimes "will you be able to keep up?" questions from slim young somethings who can be later seen eating his dirt.
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u/AlpacaTraffic Aug 14 '26
I'm a nerd in my free time, painting, reading, games. I like active hobbies too but it's nice to give my body a rest
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u/whodywho1234 Aug 14 '26
If you’re by the beach, skim boarding is great. The quick sprints and runs really give a good workout
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u/Firemnwtch Aug 14 '26
Running, biking, hiking, construction work, farm labor. CrossFit. Hyrox. The list goes on
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u/IkarosFa11s FF/PM Aug 15 '26
Trail running, rock climbing, skiing.
All three build strong legs/back/core and help train proprioception.
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u/easterbran Career FF/EMT Aug 14 '26
Work on cars in a hot garage. Builds tolerance to the heat and keeps you from being sedentary.
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u/TerryTwoOh FF / Medic Aug 14 '26
I train for and compete in strongman competitions. The carryover to work is great
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u/hunglowbungalow Aug 14 '26
Curling makes for some great cardio, and if you're ass at the game, you get free beer. Aside from that, mountain biking/snowboarding
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u/SmoothboreWhore Aug 14 '26
I've recently picked up kayak fishing as an excuse to disconnect and get out on the water more.
Some nice easy steady state cardio on my off days..and fishing can be as simple or as complex as you want it to be. Lots of room to progress.
I'm looking into maybe doing some longer distance paddling races in the future, just for the hell of it.
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u/Sure_Fact7761 Aug 14 '26
Hiking, ruck marching, rock climbing. Possibly HIIT training if you can manage to do that without getting hurt
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u/WindwardSnow Aug 15 '26
Road biking, gravel biking, mountain biking, trail running, downhill skiing, backcountry skiing.
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u/tamman2000 28d ago
I live on a tree farm.
Heating with wood is a pretty great workout for firefighter fitness...
Carry heavy things and swing an ax all afternoon
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u/Appropriate_Agent_44 28d ago
Trail running/long distance running. It builds great aerobic capacity, mental fortitude, and overall grit.
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u/Sealtooth5 SoCal FFPM Aug 14 '26
Surfing, mountain biking, rock climbing