ATHOL — Several full time and call Firefighters are taking advantage of a Trial Wellness Initiative being offered by the Athol Fire Department.
Wellness Coach Kelly Knower is taking the Firefighters through weekly, 60-minute circuits of exercise. These exercises are geared toward strengthening the core, increasing flexibility, as well as improving cardiac stamina.
In 2017, Firefighter Chad Girard arranged for Knower to attend an Athol Firefighters Union meeting to discuss the opportunity of beginning a wellness program for the Athol Fire Department. The union agreed that this would be a great idea.
The program began with only three participants, but as time went on, the program grew. A renewed interest in the program began and it started a second life.
Girard said, “Cardiovascular health, flexibility, and core stability are all very important physical attributes that firefighters must maintain. Firefighters are continually faced with unpredictable challenges both physically and mentally.” Athol Fire Chief Guarnera said, “I am very proud of the members who have taken on this venture, and especially proud of Firefighter Girard who has organized this program from the start. This only shows the dedication to their profession that these firefighter prove to me each day.”