Trending Topics

Zam’s formula for better health and performance

From sleep and nutrition to trauma and gratitude, it’s time to take a big-picture approach to resilience built for the realities of the fire service

For years, Zam was known as “the fitness guy” in the fire service, preaching workouts and functional training. But his perspective has evolved to recognize that firefighter health is rooted in the convergence of several factors — the difference-makers for career longevity:

  • Nutrition and hydration to reduce inflammation
  • Functional fitness, mobility and core work to improve performance and reduce injuries
  • The power of sleep and recovery
  • The role gratitude, mindset and positivity in changing physiology and stress response

Zam also shares the challenge that changed his own health trajectory — choosing five daily habits for 50 days through the R50 Challenge — and explains how small, consistent actions can lead to moving better, feeling better and performing better on and off duty.

This episode of the Better Every Shift Podcast is sponsored by TheFireStore. Learn more about getting the gear you need at prices you can afford by visiting TheFireStore.

Enjoying the show? Please take a moment to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts. You can also follow the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to your podcasts. And email bettereveryshift@firerescue1.com to share your feedback.

Previously on the Better Every Shift Podcast
Dena Ali explains why firefighter wellness is established long before a bad call — through culture, communication and sleep habits