
Ep. 035 | Kaizen Groundworks: A Unique Approach to Strength and Conditioning in the Fire Service
03/08/24 • 61 min
Lee Throckmorton, a retired firefighter and strength and conditioning coach, discusses the importance of fitness in the fire service and the unique approach of Kaizen Groundworks. He shares his extensive prior service history, including lifeguarding, firefighting, law enforcement, and SWAT training. Throckmorton emphasizes each profession's different demands and mindsets and the need for a balanced approach to strength and conditioning. He explains the programs and training offered by Kaizen Groundworks, which focus on building aerobic capacity, strength, and resilience. Throckmorton also highlights the importance of setting goals and understanding the why behind training strategies. In this conversation, Lee Throckmorton discusses the importance of setting goals and training accordingly, the role of body fat percentage in performance, the purpose of Kaizen Groundwork, and the significance of trusting the process.
Takeaways
- Fitness and wellness are crucial in the fire service; leaders should prioritize these aspects.
- Different professions within public safety have unique demands and require specific training approaches.
- Kaizen Groundworks offers programs and training to help individuals in the tactical sphere improve their strength, conditioning, and overall performance.
- Setting goals and understanding the purpose behind training strategies is essential for success in the fire service. Solidify your goals and train accordingly.
- Body fat percentage is not the sole determinant of high performance.
- Kaizen Groundwork offers training and consulting services for those interested in the tactical realm.
- Trust the process and be patient in achieving your goals.
Kaizen Groundworks
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If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.orgmusic by audionautix.com
Lee Throckmorton, a retired firefighter and strength and conditioning coach, discusses the importance of fitness in the fire service and the unique approach of Kaizen Groundworks. He shares his extensive prior service history, including lifeguarding, firefighting, law enforcement, and SWAT training. Throckmorton emphasizes each profession's different demands and mindsets and the need for a balanced approach to strength and conditioning. He explains the programs and training offered by Kaizen Groundworks, which focus on building aerobic capacity, strength, and resilience. Throckmorton also highlights the importance of setting goals and understanding the why behind training strategies. In this conversation, Lee Throckmorton discusses the importance of setting goals and training accordingly, the role of body fat percentage in performance, the purpose of Kaizen Groundwork, and the significance of trusting the process.
Takeaways
- Fitness and wellness are crucial in the fire service; leaders should prioritize these aspects.
- Different professions within public safety have unique demands and require specific training approaches.
- Kaizen Groundworks offers programs and training to help individuals in the tactical sphere improve their strength, conditioning, and overall performance.
- Setting goals and understanding the purpose behind training strategies is essential for success in the fire service. Solidify your goals and train accordingly.
- Body fat percentage is not the sole determinant of high performance.
- Kaizen Groundwork offers training and consulting services for those interested in the tactical realm.
- Trust the process and be patient in achieving your goals.
Kaizen Groundworks
Please Like, share, follow, and subscribe!
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.orgmusic by audionautix.com
Previous Episode

Ep. 034 | 9 Alarm Defender Gear: Protecting Firefighters Inside and Out w/ Levi Bousquet
In this episode of Priority Traffic Podcast, host Chris interviews Levi Bousquet about his journey in the fire service, his commitment to firefighter health, and the fight against cancer.
Levi shares his background from a blue-collar family to becoming a full-time firefighter, highlighting the importance of health and wellness in the fire service. He discusses a near-drowning experience early in his career that strengthened his dedication to the profession. Levi also reflects on the Back Bay Fire in Boston and the lessons learned from that tragic event.
Levi emphasizes the value of experience and skills from outside the fire service and the challenges faced in real-life fire situations. He talks about the origins of Nine Alarm and the impact of the Back Bay Fire. Levi explains the importance of raising awareness about cancer in the fire service and the discovery of PFAS. He shares the challenges of designing a solution and the support received from the Last Call Foundation. He urges firefighters to take small steps to protect themselves, such as wearing SCBA, practicing good hygiene, and wiping their skin.
Levi highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including healthy eating and exercise. He emphasizes the need for retirement savings and the value of time during retirement. Levi also discusses the role of leaders in the fire service and the impact of unofficial leaders. He encourages firefighters to take small steps for career advancement.
Levi discusses developing the Defender brief and shirt, which offer particulate and moisture resistance. He explains the testing and certification process and the goal of improving the fire service. Levi urges fire departments to seek support and assistance in writing grants.
In conclusion, Levi emphasizes the long-term impact of firefighter protection and the importance of leaving the fire service better than it was found.
Big 5 takeaways:
- Health and wellness should be a priority in the fire service, and proactive measures should be taken to prevent cancer.
- Personal experiences and background can shape one's commitment and dedication to the fire service.
- Learning from past incidents and tragedies is crucial for preventing similar incidents in the future.
- Experience and skills from outside the fire service can be valuable assets in firefighting.
- Firefighters can take small steps to protect themselves, such as wearing SCBA, practicing good hygiene, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
9Alarm Apparel
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If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.orgmusic by audionautix.com
Next Episode

Ep. 036 | Sleep's Critical Role: Unveiling the Nexus Between PTSD, Sleep Disorders, and Health w/ Dr. Barry Krakow
Dr. Barry Krakow discusses the relationship between sleep, PTSD, and sleep disorders, emphasizing the importance of sleep quality and the impact of sleep fragmentation on overall health. He also highlights the significance of early conservative treatments for sleep disorders and the need for proper evaluation and diagnosis. Dr. Barry Krakow discusses the prevalence of sleep disorders, the impact of sleep on overall health, and the importance of recognizing and addressing sleep-related issues. He emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to sleep health and highlights the potential risks of undiagnosed sleep disorders. Dr. Krakow also provides insights into integrating sleep health into high-stress professions and the significance of assessing one's sleep quality.
Check out the Episode Blog
Takeaways
- Understanding the complex link between sleep, PTSD, and sleep disorders is vital for mental health care.
- Early interventions like treating nasal issues can greatly improve sleep and health.
- Shift work and sleep fragmentation risk developing conditions like sleep apnea.
- Accurate sleep disorder diagnosis through sleep studies is critical for management.
- Sleep disorders significantly affect mental health, workplace safety, and well-being, highlighting the need for prioritizing sleep quality.
- Recognizing sleep issues is essential for health and risk prevention.
- Incorporating sleep health in high-stress jobs requires awareness and active engagement.
- Self-assessing sleep quality hinges on feeling refreshed within 30 minutes of waking, without relying on stimulants or exercise.
Links :
- Website ( barrykrakowmd.com )
- Life Saving Sleep: New Horizons in Mental Health Treatment
Please Like, share, follow, and subscribe!
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.orgmusic by audionautix.com
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