Late last week, I read the article by Police1 Editor Doug Wyllie on the subject of doing 10 minutes of training every day you work. I agree and would also add that the same philosophy can be applied to your physical training.
I’ve often encouraged officers to get out of the car to walk and check business doors and thorough property checks while enjoying the fresh air a stretch of the legs and a little physical exercise. When at the office take the steps instead of the elevator, walk down the hall instead of calling down the hall (when possible).
But what about at home? You get home later in the day and watching your favorite television program try exercising during the commercial breaks. Knock out some simple, easy paced core exercises like push-ups, sit-ups, and squats. Loosen up with some static stretches, lunges or some mobility drills for the joints.
As these get easier, upgrade to combination exercises like burpees. In a one-hour television program there are between 12-15 minutes of commercials. Given that fact, if you do this four or five days per week, you’ll about an hour or so of fitness training a week.
Furthermore, this will also serve as a great de-stressor at the end of the day/shift and may allow you to sleep better.
I would suggest that you contact your training department for any ideas or assistance you may need.
Stay safe,
Brian D. Boling
York County Sheriff’s Office
Training Division