Exercise Habits and Resources for Southeastern United States Firefighters.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to assess exercise habits and facility resources accessible to southeastern United States firefighters.

METHODS: Firefighters completed questionnaires on topics including demographics, work demands, exercise methods, and facility resources.

RESULTS: 66% of participants reported engage in exercise ≥30 min/day. More firefighters engaged in exercise when better on-site equipment options were available (p = 0.001). Perception of how on-shift exercise impacts occupational performance did not impact their on-shift exercise (p = 0.17).

CONCLUSIONS: While 34% reported not meeting exercise guidelines, the majority of southeastern United States firefighters reported meeting these guidelines and allotted exercise time on-shift. Exercise habits are impacted by equipment options, but not call volume or perception of on-shift exercise. Open ended question responses suggested that perception of on-shift exercise did not deter firefighters from exercising on-shift but may impact intensity.