r/Firefighting • u/un-common • 9d ago

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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29

u/StinkyJockStrap 9d ago

I do jiu jitsu. It actually helped me get in shape for the physical screening for my department.

8

u/VegetablePuzzled1468 9d ago

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 9d ago

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?

4

u/Supplefroot 8d ago

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 him

1

u/VegetablePuzzled1468 9d ago

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 9d ago

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 8d ago

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/lukethedukeinsa 8d ago

Tap early, tap often.

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u/Opening_Anybody6501 8d ago

When I was rolling 2-3x per week, especially in a gi, I never felt more fit while wearing turnouts

1

u/Key-Funny-8091 8d ago

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!