Police officers and cardiovascular disease

Here is an interesting link I came across while doing some research. It is very important to know your genetics, family history and other risk factors that contribute to cardiovascular disease (CVD). CVD is the number one cause of death in this country.

Police officers and cardiovascular disease

This is very personal to me as a friend and co-worker died after suffering a heart attack in December 2009. He was a devoted husband and father to four children as well as a respected police officer. He was 38 years old.

Photo courtesy of Teresa Carpenter Mendenhall

Photo courtesy of Teresa Carpenter Mendenhall

Challenge Fitness Crossfit

Crossfit gyms are increasing in number and popularity. Police and Fire employees can really benefit from this functional fitness. It's a great way to increase strength, power and endurance.

I had the opportunity to have a personal training session with Mike Case - one of the founders of Challenge Fitness Crossfit in Vancouver, WA.

Mike is an NASM certified personal trainer and has speciality certifications in corrective exercise, integrative flexibility and sports fitness. He's the type of trainer that people who are already in great shape go to to take it to the next level.

Mike and I discussed my goals and spent the majority of the time doing body weight squats to work on form. My squat form is decent but I have some work to do with balance. We also did some lunges and assisted pull-ups.

Mike Case is one of two trainers at the facility - Forrest Belmont - a state and national powerlifting competitor is available for sessions as well. If you live out in the 'Couv, Camas or Washougal come and check out the latest in fitness by accessing their website via "my links" or in person at:

Challenge Fitness Crossfit
17030 SE 1st Street Suite 101 Vancouver, WA 98684 (360) 901-2721.

Fitness on the Job

Today we remember those who gave their lives on 09/11/01.

The question you should ask yourself today is - will I be ready to serve when called upon in such an emergency? As a law enforcement officer what does fitness mean to you? Here are six components of fitness that you should focus on: cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, anaerobic power, flexibility and body composition.

CC image courtesy of West Point Public Affairs on Flickr

Fitness is important for everyone. Being fit is an essential part of being a successful law enforcement officer - you may have to scale a fence, run after a fleeing suspect, or arrest a resisting suspect. You may patrol several hours in a vehicle with little activity then launch into a dynamic situation without warning.

Being fit doesn't mean you're only good at one component - if you are strong but overweight you are putting more strain on your heart and lungs. If you are a good runner but lack upper body strength you won't be able to pull an injured person to safety.

Practice all six components of fitness and stay safe!

Source:

Hoffman, Robert and Collingwood,Thomas R. Fit for Duty: The Peace Officer's Guide to Total Fitness. Champaign: Human Kinetics, 1995