Pictured Above: Winners of the 2019 FIIT First Responder Transformation Challenge
COEUR D’ALENE, January 28, 2020 – A growing number of firefighters and law enforcement officers today are facing a greater threat than fighting crime and putting out fires. Many are suffering and even dying from cardiovascular disease. In fact, according to a recent study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (March 2019), the mortality ratio for middle-aged firefighters is 73% greater compared with non-firefighters. Also, law enforcement officers are at higher risk of sudden cardiac death during stressful duties such as restraints and altercations, pursuits and even physical training.
For these reasons and more, NUTRISHOP® Coeur d’Alene (CDA) store owner Toby Schindelbeck, Coeur d’Alene Fire Department Captain Steven Jones, Kootenai County Fire & Rescue firefighter Mitchell Copstead, and personal trainer/volunteer firefighter Taylor Clark have partnered up for the second year in a row to offer the FIIT First Responder 7-Week Body Transformation Challenge.
“First responders have the most physically demanding jobs and yet some of them sacrifice their own health to help others,” said Schindelbeck, who has always had a special heart to help first responders. “Being out of shape can lead to injury, unsafe work conditions, and even death. We’re doing this challenge to help promote safety, motivation, mobility, quality of life, and so much more. It’s the least we can do for the men and women who put their lives on the line every day to serve others.”
The FIIT First Responder 7-Week Body Transformation Challenge initial weigh-in week begins Monday, February 3 and runs through Saturday, February 8 at NUTRISHOP® CDA. Final weigh-ins will be March 16-21. The contest includes seven weeks of multiple fitness classes (yoga, functional occupational training, and fat-loss bootcamps) as well as nutrition lectures, InBody 570 body composition scans, meal plans, nutrition consultations and coaching, plenty of camaraderie and accountability and much more – all for $75 per person. All fire, police and dispatch as well as spouses or significant others who live or work in North Idaho are welcome to participate. Cash prizes and a bevy of gift cards and other rewards and prizes will be handed out to top winners.
“We’re really excited to be able to do such a neat program for first responders,” said Clark, 33, an NASM certified trainer who developed a special high intensity interval fitness program with his partner, Chris Buskirk, for this challenge. The program also incorporates functional training such as properly picking up heavy loads and carrying heavy loads up a flight of stairs. “We have seen the declination of our first responders’ health and wellness. We want to prevent untimely deaths of our first responders by giving them a chance to achieve a healthy lifestyle and live a long life.”
Last year, the first annual event welcomed 90+ participants. This year, the team is anticipating at least 150+ participants. The mission of saving and transforming lives for the better is paramount. And, when that happens, the rewards are oh-so gratifying.
Kenny Peterson, 51, Engineer, Kootenai County Fire & Rescue, and his spouse, Susan, 53, competed last year. They admitted that the challenge got them out of their comfort zone and opened their eyes to multiple avenues of health, both physically and mentally. Kayla Asher, 27, a dispatcher for Kootenai County Sheriff’s office, is thankful she did the challenge last year because it helped keep her accountable and she made new friendships she otherwise wouldn’t have. She plans to participate again this year. And, Patrol Lieutenant Brandon McCormick, 45, with the Coeur d’Alene Police Department, said losing 30 pounds during last year’s challenge and learning to implement healthier eating habits have definitely made his overall health better, which makes him better at his job.
“I can’t tell you how many people came up to me to give me a hug and cried on my shoulder after last year’s challenge and said, ‘You have no idea how much this has helped me and my spouse and our relationship,’” said Fire Captain Jones, 45. “Hopefully with this year’s challenge, we are setting even more people up for success to make those lifestyle changes so they can have those additional years after retirement to enjoy with their loved ones.”
NUTRISHOP® Coeur d’Alene is located at 3514 N. Government Way (in the Costco parking lot). For more information, call (208) 292-4611 or visit www.NutrishopCDA.com.
About NUTRISHOP®
NUTRISHOP® is dedicated to helping others live a fit, happy and healthy lifestyle. NUTRISHOP® stores offer customers a low-price guarantee on a wide array of cutting-edge dietary supplements along with exceptional, individualized customer service, easy-to-follow meal plans, body composition assessment tools, and sound nutritional guidance. The NUTRISHOP® business model focuses primarily on franchisee-owned and operated stores that provide consumers with the necessary tools to achieve their health and fitness goals. Learn more at www.NutrishopUSA.com.
