The Phoenix Fire Department's fitness coordinator is setting up kettlebell fitness training for his 50 stations.  This versatile piece of equipment produces an effect known as functional fitness and will improve the firefighters' overall health and ability to safely perform duties.

"The great thing about it is that it mimics movements we do in everyday life," said Ong, who compared the kettlebell to traditional exercises using dumbbells and machines. "It's functional fitness. The exercises go in multiple planes and use multiple joints and muscles. It increases flexibility, builds muscle and keeps you in condition."

Kettlebells are gaining in popularity because of their tremendous health promoting potential.  They increase one's fitness levels dramatically by increasing joint flexibility, muscular strength, cardiovascular strength, coordination, and overall power and agility. 

Training with kettlebells provides a very intense workload on the body - thus resulting in a greater response from the body.  This unique training style is very intreging to me - a must try! 

Firefighters react with great strength, stamina, power and agility in response to emergencies while on the job and being ready for this is half their job.  Kettlebell training will certainly get them ready for those tough calls and prove to be a smart investment for the department's future and health of the staff.