Anyone who has ever wondered what it is like to be a firefighter, or is just curious how it feels to wear the gear, now has the opportunity to get find out by participating in the new Firefighter Fitness Class at the New Carlisle Sports and Fitness Center (NCSFC).

The class is offered at the NCSFC every Tuesday and Thursday from 6:30 p.m.-7:15p.m., and on Saturdays from 4:00 p.m.-4:45 p.m. Firefighters Jerry Meddock Jr. and Nick Rousch teach the program, which is open to any NCSFC member as part of their membership. Non-members must pay a $5.00 drop-in fee per class session.

Meddock says the cross-training class is designed for all fitness levels and age groups, but the real draw for students is the opportunity they have to use real firefighter gear, including genuine firehoses.

“We have had up to 22 people in class who range from age 8 to over age 60. Anybody can do the program and they can do whatever they are able to do. My motto is, ‘We are not here to intimidate you--we are here to motivate you.’ People love working out in the gear. It is fun for them to try on a helmet or drag a hose...it can be hard work, but it gets them excited about working out because it is something different from every other fitness program out there.”

The Firefighter Fitness program had very humble beginnings. It started when Rousch expressed a desire to Meddock to get into better shape. Heart attacks are the number one killer of firefighters, and the pair decided to do everything they could to not become part of that statistic.

“We just wanted to get fit,” says Medock, “That was the goal. So we began walking the track at Tecumseh High School...nothing fancy, just walking.”

Eventually, Meddock and Rousch changed up their routine by slowly adding some of the materials and gear they would use in a more structured firefighter training program. Others heard about the firefighters’ novel approach to fitness and started joining in too. Before long, the NCSFC asked if Meddock and Rousch would like to do a more formal version of the program at the fitness center.

The firefighters moved their workout from the Tecumseh High School track, excited by the prospect of not having to plan their workouts around the weather. A more organized program was designed for use at the NCSFC. The class began in October, 2016.

Meddock says he is pleased with how things have progressed at the NCSFC so far. He is especially proud that the Firefighter Fitness program reaches a very diverse group of individuals.

“Michael Muir came up to me after class one day and said, ‘It was amazing to see the diversity of people in there.’ That’s what’s great about Firefighter Fitness. Anyone can feel comfortable working out with us...We don’t judge anyone, because everyone does their best and we know that. Even if someone can only show up to class...it’s better than if they were sitting at home in front of the T.V. We hope to see the class grow as people become aware of Firefighter Fitness and learn how unique the program is and how fun it is to do.

To learn more about Firefighter Fitness, call the New Carlisle Sports and Fitness Center at (937) 846-1000, or visit the “Firefighter Fitness with Jerry Meddock” Facebook page.

First Group 2x2
First Group 2x2
Local News

Stories on people, places, events and businesses right here in Western Clark County.

Local Government

Meetings and news from local Boards of Education, Township Trustees and County Commissioners.

Sports

Arrows, Bees & Warriors; we cover all local high school sports, as well as local semi-pro and adult leagues