O2X Specialist Updates
Our science-backed human performance programs are delivered through in-person training, virtual resources, assessments, and analysis. The newest initiative in providing O2X’s world class training involves the integration of a Human Performance Specialist at the core of a department or unit, implementing programming designed to improve the mental, physical, and emotional health of its members.
Check out what some of our On-site Specialists have been up to below, and check out https://www.o2x.com/programs/ to learn more about this unique O2X service.
Massachusetts National Guard (MANG) Update from Devon Smith, O2X Strength and Conditioning Specialist:
During the month of February, we have primarily focused on preparing for the upcoming annual didactic workshop series for soldiers and airmen. These workshops will focus on the five pillars of human performance and provide service members with actionable training and education, which will support them in their performance goals and reinforce readiness, resilience, and retention.
The program has continued to grow, despite an almost entirely virtual environment and limited in person engagements. As part of our continued refinement of the program, and aligning with Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) rollout, we have continued tailoring our metrics. This data collection coincides with new requests put forth by the National Guard Bureau, which will further expand the effectiveness of the program for years to come. With the annual workshops on the horizon, we have begun building out our training programs and curriculum materials, as well as preparing our qualitative and quantitative assessment protocols.
Massachusetts National Guard (MANG) Update from Gianna Roma, O2X Nutrition Specialist:
As we are approaching the next month, we continue to prepare for the start of onsite workshops for the National Guard. For the EAT component, I continue to work on organizing the meals that will be provided to soldiers, and the accountability I will hold them to via creation/completion of weekly food logs.
Additionally, we provide ongoing nutrition education. We’ve created a flyer about the optimal macronutrient quantity to consume within a day, we’ve created recipe posts, including the latest on chia seed pudding, and we cooked Jambalaya at a Mardi Gras-themed family cook night. Onsite nutrition education was provided to soldiers at the Natick Armory, focusing on Dietary Supplements, as well. The next nutrition education presentation is in the works for next week, where we will discuss Fad diets.
Frederick County Update from Kayla Schmit, On-site Specialist with Frederick Co. Fire Department:
February has been a busy month here in Frederick. As we continue to show progress in our recruit training, after the first 8 weeks, we begin transitioning from Phase 1 of the program to Phase 2. This transition brings a higher level of training, building from the foundational strength that was developed during Phase 1. A higher level of training also requires a higher priority for recovery and regeneration days. Each week we include, into our training, a regen day. This is designed to ensure a weekly “maintenance” check, and to address any minor aches and pains from the demands of training.
FCFR career members have access to daily workouts that are designed specifically for them, using equipment they have access to at the firehouses. As we continue to be virtual for the firehouses for the time being, I have been working on building a full functioning gym at FCFR HQ. Once this is completed, members will be able to come and train with me personally at HQ.
DC Fire & EMS Updates from Conner Freeland, On-site Specialist:
O2X has expanded their Recruit Program to two groups, including Recruit Class 395 and Recruit Class 396, who started this past week with their Administration Phase. After learning proper movement patterns and creating an aerobic foundation, RC-395 is now in the middle of Phase II: continuing their strength and power training, along with moving while loaded, as we prepare for firefighting school in four weeks.
Cadet program: O2X has started overseeing the Cadet Program and implementing prepare, sweat, and recover work to prepare them for the CPAT. Two weeks in and improvements are already being seen in physical preparedness and teamwork. O2X is laying the groundwork of physical preparedness with future members of the department.
Pre-hab/Rehab/Return to Work: Several members of the fire department have started return to work programs, focusing on past and current injuries. The goal is to build these firefighters up stronger than they were before injury. The best preventive medicine is strength, and these firefighters are underway of major strength improvements that will pay dividends.
Within the department, O2X has been able to continue educating firefighters on the EAT, SWEAT, THRIVE methodologies by completing in-house visits to discuss App capabilities, find optimal training plans, and complete on-site workouts. Following the Training Academy weight room reorganization, we will begin running two additional training session hours for active firefighters to attend for workouts (or pre-hab, rehab, ect.).
