Summaries and Customer Reviews are supplied by Amazon.com
Summary:
Talk about performing under pressure! New York City firefighter Michael Stefano describes wrestling with a 2.5-inch-thick high-pressure hose gushing water at over 200 gallons per minute, raising and climbing heavy ladders, operating superpowerful saws, and rappelling down the sides of multistory buildings--all while weighted down with bulky protective equipment, and often while soaking wet ("where there's fire, there's water"). Endurance, strength, and vigor are not only necessary for peak performance--they are lifesavers.
The point of The Firefighter's Workout Book is not to make you a firefighter, but to help you transform your personal physical-fitness level, in a program that takes four hours a week. Stefano explains the basics about exercise and gives guidelines for cardiovascular exercise, strength training, and flexibility. Explanations are clear and accurate. He also gives nutritional guidelines for losing fat without sacrificing muscle, but his dietary recommendations are curiously outdated: he relies on the old "four food groups," which have been replaced by the American Dietetic Association's food pyramid.
Thirty-one strength-training exercises are well illustrated with photographs, and each step is clearly explained, with "trainer's notes" giving modifications to increase intensity. Most use dumbbells and barbells, though some use just body weight. Thirteen stretches are also illustrated and described. Stefano gives examples of different routines--full body, split, circuit training, pyramid training, and slow-motion training. Firefighting stories spice up every chapter, giving you a good read as well as a good fitness program. --Joan Price
Customer Reviews:
Average Customer Rating:
Firefighters Workout Book
Customer Rating:
This is a good workout plan book which can be used byt the average working American.
My son coincidentally had the DVD that goes with the book
Customer Rating:
My firefighter son was pleased to see the printed version of his DVD, which he did not know existed.
Calculate Your Calories
Customer Rating:
This quick read will get you on the road to sculpting any part of your body. There are also great tips to help you keep yourself fit.
Really works!
Customer Rating:
I tried just the pushups the way he describes and I've finally lost that "droop" in my chest! Plus how to do the equation on how many calories you burn when working out on any excersise you do.
Good advice for those starting out....
Customer Rating:
I picked up Mr. Stefano's book shortly after receiving a back injury which sidelined me for several months. As a result, I ended up gaining a few extra pounds which I was eager to be rid of. The book is 8 chapters in under 130 pages, so it's a quick read. The writing style is direct and to the point, and Mr. Stefano throws in stories from his firefighting career to keep things interesting and stress specific points he's trying to make. He addresses topics such as cardio vs. strength training, diet and caloric intake, specific exercises, and staying motivated. The book is directed at beginners, and he gives enough info to be useful, but not enough to overwhelm. I've been working out using the book's techniques for about 90 days now, and in that time I've lost 15 pounds and made noticeable gains in stamina and strength. I think 30 minutes a day is a little optimistic on his part, though. My workouts tend to last closer to an hour, but since I'm achieving measurable results, I don't think that's a bad thing. If you're willing to dedicate a little time and discipline though, you'll find this book to be a worthwhile purchase.
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