This column from the TSAC Report explores the impact of physical fitness and cardiovascular disease risk factors among firefighters and law enforcement officers. Visit NSCA online to learn more about tactical fitness.
TSAC FacilitatorsExercise TechniqueTesting and EvaluationClient Consultation|AssessmentSafetyBasic Pathophysiology and Science of Health Status or Condition and Disorder or DiseaseProfessional DevelopmentMetabolic SyndromeSimulated Fireground TestOccupational TrainingAerobic FitnessLaw Enforcement OfficersFire FightersAtherosclerotic Cardiovascular DiseaseArterial Stiffness
This article will discuss why it is important for first responders to have abdominal and lumbo-pelvic strength in relation to movements and tasks in their specific jobs. A list of possible exercises and implementation are also included.
This article consists of five assessments that could be utilized by the tactical facilitator to measure upper- , lower- , and total-body power in law enforcement officers (LEOs). Although the focus of this article is LEOs, the assessments could also be used for other tactical populations.
TSAC FacilitatorsTesting and EvaluationAssessmentlaw enforcement officers
The “priority training system” is one method first responders can use to ensure adequate exercise while not overexerting to the point that they are too fatigued to perform their jobs.
TSAC FacilitatorsExercise ScienceProgram designSafetyover trainingfatiguerecoveryfirst responderspriority training system
There are numerous complexities involved in teaching the Olympic-style lifts. This article explains one way to teach the power clean progression and some coaching cues that can be used to teach sport or tactical athletes in a group setting.
TSAC FacilitatorsExercise TechniqueOlympic liftshow to teach the Olympic liftsstrength trainingweightlifting
This article explores the concept of how lifestyle behaviors encouraged at the high school-level could affect fitness during adulthood, with a focus on both sport and strength and conditioning participation.
One of the most important skills for tactical facilitators to have is the ability to influence others. One way tactical facilitators can improve their influence is through education, observation, and participation.
TSAC FacilitatorsExercise TechniqueProgram designmilitary athletetactical athletetactical strength and conditioningTSAC
Musculoskeletal injuries are the primary source of disability in the United States military. With the integration of movement screens and the implementation of tactical strength and conditioning facilitators there can be success in reducing the amount of musculoskeletal injuries in the tactical populations.
TSAC FacilitatorsExercise ScienceProgram designOrganization and AdministrationTesting and EvaluationReducing InjuriesFMSTSACTSAC-FInjury Prevention
Tactical athletes, due to the nature of their jobs, may have sleeping problems (such as falling asleep and/or staying asleep) which is indicative of poor sleep quality. This article shares sleep hygiene strategies that can help tactical athletes achieve better rest.
TSAC FacilitatorsProgram designtactical strength and conditioningtsacrestsleep quality testsleep hygienesleep
This article aims to bring awareness to the importance of sleep and recovery for first responders, as well as providing strategies to optimize sleep specific to their occupational demands.