The Firefighter's Workout Book: The 30-Minute-a-Day, Train-for-Life Program for Men and Women (Hardcover)

by Michael Stefano (Author) "Working out had always been a way of life for me, so when I began training specifically for the physical aptitude and endurance segment of..." (more)
Key Phrases: aerobic conditioning days, flexibility segment, padded carpet, The Firefighter's Workout Book, New York City, Principles of the Firefighter's Workout (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
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gives nutritional guidelines for losing fat without sacrificing muscle, but his dietary recommendations are curiously outdated: he relies on the old "four food groups," which have been replaced by the American Dietetic Association's food pyramid.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

Product Description

The demands of being a firefighter can be quite high. Firefighters are called upon to perform at peak capacity under the most arduous conditions. Being physically fit can mean the difference between life and death for them or the victims they race to save. New York City fire captain and personal trainer Michael Stefano has come to the rescue with The Firefighter's Workout Book, the thirty-minute-a-day, train-for-life program that's worked for New York City firefighters and will work for you.

The Firefighter's Workout Book covers all aspects of health and fitness, including strength, cardiovascular, and flexibility training. Captain Michael Stefano shows how spending long hours at the gym is unnecessary or even counterproductive. Step-by-step instruction, interspersed with motivational stories based on Stefano's experience as a firefighter, will leave you burning for more.

The workout routines can be tailored to fit individual needs. The illustrated exercise guide features photos of New York City firefighters. You will learn how to stay motivated, set reasonable, attainable goals, and chart your own progress to ensure results. A simple, easy-to-follow nutrition plan is also offered.

The firefighter's workout is a real-life approach to a very common problem: staying in good physical condition with a minimal amount of time and available equipment. With the tools and knowledge provided by The Firefighter's Workout Book, you'll be able to rise above these obstacles to get in the best condition of your life.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Collins Living; 1 edition (October 24, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060197374
• ISBN-13: 978-0060197377
• Product Dimensions: 10.4 x 8.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (30 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #434,016 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

135 of 136 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Mommy's Dream Come True, March 28, 2001

By	Lorry Aniston (New Hyde Park, NY) - See all my reviews

At age 37, a wife, a mother of three young boys, and working a part time job, who thought there would ever be the time to exercise and get back the shape I have longed for. Shopping my husband and I came across The Firefighter's Workout Book. Delighted by the cover and the few pages we actually read while we were in the store, we decided to give it a try. It has been close to three months now that we have been doing this workout, and we find it to fit right into our very busy schedules. Not only have both my husband and I lost weight, we have gained muscle, energy, and the knowledge on how to stay lean and fit for the rest of our lives. We always thought we needed to go to the gym and workout for a couple of hours a day to see results, but this we have come to realize with the help of The Firefighter's Workout Book, is not so. We workout at home with the basic equipment that we had down our basement, for short periods of time, without having to get a babysitter, and have seen remarkable results. My husband says my body looks even better then before I had my boys, and he too looks great! Our friends can't get over it, and some are now reading the book. If we could do it, anyone can. Buy this book!!

44 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A literary masterpiece in fitness, March 23, 2001

By	"firefightersworkout" (New York, NY USA) - See all my reviews

The Firefighter's Workout Book has changed my life. I'd always dabbled in exercise and fitness, but could never organize all the information I'd accumulated over the years. In other words, whenever I entered a gym, or embarked upon a training program, I felt confused and overwhelmed. Now I workout with confidence that comes with knowledge, and in just 30 minutes a day, three or four days a week, I've managed to change my body, my energy levels, and my entire life. I'm leaner, stronger and healthier. Thank you Michael Stefano!

48 of 49 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simply the Best, January 16, 2001

By	Kim Stefano (West Palm Beach, FL) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

If you want to get in shape, the best shape physically and mentally you've ever been in, you need to invest in this book. The Firefighter's Workout Book is an investment in yourself. It will chang your life, as it has changed mine. I'm 33 years old and look and feel better than I ever have. This book was the gentle, effective, detailed and healthy push I needed to attain my goals. It is the most comprehensive workout book I've ever read. The fire stories are captivating, and the picture's are very easy on the eye's. It does not blow smoke, there are no tricks and no hype. It is the most organized, straight forward approach to getting fit, learning to eat right, and losing weight out there. A great buy for anyone looking to transform and make positive changes in their life. Thank you Michael Stefano.