IN FOLLOWING UP WITH OUR LAST TWO "EATING HEALTHY IN THE FIREHOUSE" ARTICLES, I WANTED TO TACKLE THE SUBJECT OF FITNESS. SO I KNEW I HAD TO CONTACT MY GOOD FRIEND PIP FROM 555 FITNESS AND ASK HIM A FEW QUESTIONS.
LONG STORY SHORT, PIP AND I MET ON INSTAGRAM. IT WAS A NATURAL FIT FOR FORK AND HOSE CO. AND 555 FITNESS TO WORK TOGETHER IN SOME CAPACITY BEING THAT WE BOTH ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT A HEALTHIER FIRE SERVICE. I AM SO GLAD I CAN CALL PIP, EWA AND THE REST OF THE 555 FITNESS CREW MY FRIENDS BECAUSE THEY ARE ON THE FRONT LINES OF THE WAR ON REDUCING LODD'S FROM CARDIAC RELATED INCIDENTS.....AND THIS TRAIN SHOWS NO SIGNS OF SLOWING DOWN!
PIP, EWA AND MYSELF WHEN WE WERE ON FIREHOUSE KITCHEN TV WITH HOST RAY COONEY, Right.
INTERVIEW WITH PIP
How long have you been a firefighter?
I have worked as a career firefighter for the City of New Brunswick Fire Department for 12 years and was promoted to the rank of Lt. in 2014. Prior to that I served as a volunteer firefighter for 4 years.
Have you always been into health and fitness?
Yes, but not to the level I am today. Being on the “smaller” side and working EMS and Fire jobs, I always felt I had to be as strong, if not stronger than everyone else. So as my career progressed as did my involvement in health and fitness. Now that I’m not as young as I used to be, and am trying to keep up with 2 small boys with endless energy, I really have my game stepped up.
What role does the fire department play in your desire to be fit?
I feel as though we have to be 110% committed to the job we do. Our job is equally mentally and physically demanding. I never want to think that my fitness let me down on a job.
What is it about 555 Fitness that you think people are drawn to?
I think they are drawn to the fact that we are your average everyday firefighters who are trying to share our passion for firefighting and fitness with our brothers and sisters. . Our fans love that. It’s all about the TRAIN HARD DO WORK lifestyle.
Has 555 Fitness made it easier in your own firehouse and department to promote a healthier lifestyle?
Now, that’s funny. Because nothing is easy in a firehouse, especially if social media is involved. However, the administration and members of my department have been overwhelming supportive of 555 Fitness and my involvement. They test the workouts, give me positive and negative feedback about them and have given me an open door policy to use the stations for media work. I may make the kitchen board a bit more than before, but again, it’s a firehouse, so I would expect nothing less.
What role has nutrition and healthier eating played in the firehouse?
That’s a tough nut to crack. However, we are slowly making dents in the cooking culture in the firehouse. More and more firefighters are realizing taking an “everything in moderation” approach to nutrition will lead to many benefits. So no one is saying tell the neighbor to take home her tray of cookies, however you do have to moderate how many you’re eating. The same goes with dinner time. Maybe make your second serving half the size of your first or making sure that your veggies are fresh and plentiful. And have lots of bacon, because everything’s better with bacon.
Do you have any tips and recommendations for firefighters who may be having difficulty getting their fellow brothers and sisters to get in better shape?
If your are passionate about it, you have to set the example. You can’t preach workout workout workout, and then not actually workout. Once your crew see’s your commitment and see’s that you’re willing to work with everyone towards the goal of overall fitness, you will succeed.
555 FITNESS IS ABLE TO PROVIDE FREE WORKOUTS AND THE "STRENGTH IS OUR FOUNDATION" EQUIPMENT GRANT THROUGH YOUR SUPPORT. CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT THEIR FULL LINE OF FITNESS APPAREL!