As a firefighter, it is satisfying and rewarding to rescue people and property within the shortest time. You will be faced with stressful and strenuous conditions that are challenging to anyone who is not physically fit. Fire fighter training has incorporated fitness exercises that will increase your effectiveness.

Weight Lifting- water hoses and other equipment are heavy and sometimes have to be transported several floors up a storey building. You do not have the luxury of making several stops to take a breathe. This means that your muscles must be built to endure heavy weight and steep climbs without a break. The legs must be subjected to similar endurance exercises.

Strong Hands- as a rescuer, people are your priority the minute you get to the scene. Some need to be carried unconscious from far corners of large buildings. This calls for strong hands and the resilience to guarantee your safety and that of your unconscious person. Exercise focuses on building muscles and energy reserves for such situations.

Flexibility- the spaces available for rescue are sometimes tight or confined. As a rescuer, you have to squeeze or move on this space with your equipment without endangering your life. The movement should also be fast since there is no luxury of time. This will be a huge challenge to anyone who is not fit and is likely to expose him or her to danger.

Grip- ropes are common tools for rescuers in all situations. They are used to haul equipment or gain access to precarious areas. A firm grip is required so that the equipment do not slip off your hands. A weak grip is also likely to blister your hands when overpowered by the weight. Releasing equipment held by the rope is likely to cause injuries to others on the scene as well as breakages.

Toe Running- emergency situations might require you to run on the outlines of a hose. This requires incredible balance and speed at the same time. Your toes will hold you in place while your weight is supported on a very small surface area. An instance of fatigue would be fatal for you and the entire rescue operation.

Lifting and Balancing- accessing heights is always a challenge that is solved using ladders. These ladders must be setup within the shortest time. At times, you do not have a team to support you and thus have to do it on your own. This requires strong hands and skills. They are taught by experts using particular machines.

Cardio Resilience- a rescuer will find himself in confined spaces with no air supply on numerous occasions. Smoke is common regardless of the fact that you may have breathing apparatus. The little air must be utilized without loosing effectiveness. This is best achieved through cardio endurance exercises.

Punching- firefighters have to break through doors and other barriers to access some areas. Necessary hammers are not always available. Some of the parts to use include the elbow, legs and hands. Exercises in punching will save time and lives.

All the energy and fitness possible is required to reduce rescue time and increase efficiency. The rescuer must display flexibility, alertness and endurance in order to be effective. Rescuers who are fit are assets to any team or mission.