Hold the Standard: Why Fitness in the Firehouse (or Department) Isn’t Optional
- Kirk Carlson
- 13 hours ago
- 2 min read
Most of the guys at your department aren’t out of shape because of the job. They’re out of shape because somewhere along the line, the standard stopped being enforced.
Let that sink in.
We hear the jokes all the time—about skipping PT, pounding energy drinks, and living off takeout. The sarcasm helps dull the truth. But make no mistake: someone’s life may depend on your ability to move, lift, run, or carry… and do it fast, under pressure, while your heart rate’s through the roof.
This isn’t about looking good with your shirt off. It’s about survival. It’s about readiness. It’s about honor.
The Problem Isn’t the Job — It’s the Excuses
Yes, the shifts are long. The calls come at 2 a.m. The schedule’s brutal. But the job didn’t make you out of shape — habits did.
It’s not about motivation. Motivation fades. What you need is accountability. A mirror. A team that holds each other to the standard every day, not just during annual fitness tests.
Skipping training shouldn’t be a badge of seniority. Eating junk and calling it “stress relief” isn’t leadership. And joking about being slow or weak? That’s just a smokescreen for fear.
Fitness = Function. Period.
This job — whether it’s military, police, fire, EMS, or security — is about function under fire.
Can you sprint into a burning building? Can you carry your teammate out? Can you control your breathing under chaos? Can you stay mentally sharp when your body is exhausted?
The real standard isn’t what’s written in your SOPs. It’s what you do when no one’s watching.
It’s how you train, how you eat, how you recover — and how seriously you take the responsibility to be the one others count on.
Fix It With Brotherhood, Not Blame
This isn’t about shaming anyone. It’s about waking up.
Start small:
20 minutes of real training a day.
Cook a meal instead of eating gas station food.
Challenge a teammate to a workout instead of another energy drink.
Build a team culture where performance is expected — not optional.
You don’t need a six-pack. You need stamina, grit, and the will to be ready. Because someone’s life might depend on it — including yours.
You don’t need motivation. You need a mirror. And a team that refuses to lower the bar.
Hold the line. Set the standard. Be the example.
🪖 Lead with strength. Serve with honor. Stay mission ready.
🖊 Sign the petition: https://chng.it/5yXYvkBtMR
🌐 Learn more: www.covenantofcourage.com
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