We are leading an innovative charge to improve fire fighter health and wellness by launching the FIT TO THRIVE (F2T) program.

Born as an extension of the IAFF/IAFC Peer Fitness Trainer (PFT) program, F2T is designed to support the IAFF/IAFC Fire Service Joint Labor Management Wellness-Fitness Initiative (WFI) by helping more fire fighters be more active, more often so they can experience the benefits of regular exercise. It is comprehensive, inclusive, accessible and focused on behavior change.

More information and resources are in development, so please find the F2T Program Overview document here and reference F2T program FAQs here.

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has affected every aspect of our lives. You continue to serve your communities on the frontline but have also been asked to make unprecedented changes to your lifestyle, family routines and daily activities.

Given the wide-ranging benefits that regular exercise can have on our physical, emotional and mental health, it is critical to stay connected and continue to support, motivate and challenge each other to stay safe, stay healthy and stay active.

These IAFF resources on exercise, nutrition and resilience – found on our COVID-19 resource page – can help.

We have resumed scheduling in-person F2T courses and we continue to offer the virtual F2T 101: Fitness Principles and Practice (PFT certificate) course. Please find the F2T 101 Course Overview here and reference the F2T 101 Course FAQs here for additional information.

Please complete this online form to sign up to receive future F2T program and course updates.


Wellness is not a mission – it’s a message. Building a wellness program that will improve the quality of fire fighters’ lives begins with genuine, passionate and influential leadership from all levels of a department (e.g., labor, management, peer fitness trainers).

The program must be comprehensive, evidence-based and relevant to the unique demands of each participating fire fighter. It needs to be accessible, inclusive, designed to inspire cultural change and must place an emphasis on frequent collaboration and communication between all parties.

The primary goal of the IAFF/IAFC Wellness-Fitness Initiative (WFI) and Peer Fitness Trainer (PFT) programs are as much about preparing fire fighters for the job as they are about preparing fire fighters for life – today, tomorrow and long into retirement.

For more information, contact [email protected].

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Certificate Course


The purpose of the IAFF F2T 101 Fitness Principles and Practice (PFT Certificate) Course is to provide a fitness trainer standard consistent with the health and fitness needs of the fire service throughout the United States and Canada.

Attendees will improve their ability to assess, design, implement and evaluate exercise sessions for members with varying interests and have the knowledge and skills to become fitness and wellness leaders within their department.

F2T 101 Course Overview

F2T 101 Course Overview

Host an In-Person F2T 101 Course

With the support of their local IAFF affiliate, any department can serve as a host site.

Scheduling

In order to schedule and host a F2T 101 course, you must complete the pre-approval process. Learn More

Payment of Fees

The online F2T 101 course is $899 USD per student. Click here for more information on the online course and includes an optional equipment package ($799 USD without equipment).

The in-person F2T 101 course is $24,975 for a host site and includes materials and instruction for up to 25 students. The registration fee is $999 USD per additional student, up to a maximum of 35.

Host Site Responsibilities

  • Arrange for facilities with at least 3,000 square feet of open space to accommodate both the classroom and hands-on/experiential learning portions of the class.
  • Arrange for training space with tables and chairs to seat a minimum of 25 people and an instructor’s table at the front of the room. The room must be free of distractions and at a comfortable temperature.
  • Supply training equipment, including reliable internet connection, LCD projector, screen, computer, sound, dry erase board or flipchart and markers.
  • Provide fitness equipment package used to conduct training. Host site can purchase this equipment package for additional fee. Click HERE for more information.
  • Identify one person to serve as the point of contact. This person secures a training space, navigates the pre-class process directly with IAFF staff, handles registration, communicates with participants and oversees other logistics.
  • Suggest lunch options so that participants can finish lunch within the one-hour break each day.

IAFF Responsibilities

  • Provide Four-Day F2T 101 Course Program training.
  • Arrange for two IAFF instructors to deliver the training and pay all instructor-related expenses (e.g., travel, hotel).
  • Provide guidance on meeting logistics.
  • Supply student manuals and course material to host site coordinator or registered participants.

Attendees

Fire service personnel of any rank or position (fire fighter, paramedic, dispatcher, wellness coordinator, strength and conditioning coach, etc.) may participate in the training.

Host sites may choose to invite other relevant community members (e.g., third-party contractors providing wellness-fitness services to your members) to expose these non-fire personnel to fire fighter and EMS culture.

PFT certificates will be awarded once the participant attends in-person training and passes the PFT exam.

The PFT Certificate Exam

Each course delivery option will include an online practical exam one month after completing the course. The format of the exam has been revised to better assess what attendees have learned (i.e., their ability to apply course material to situations and examples not explicitly taught during the class).

Continuing Education Courses


Custom workshops to suit your needs can be found here or email [email protected] for more information.

Two-Day Courses

PFT Assessment: Minimize Injuries…MAXIMIZE Life
Course Info

Course Brochure


PFT Fitness Principles: Movement Matters
Course Info
Course Brochure


One-Day Courses

Course list coming soon

Find a Course


Occasionally, a host site indicates space is available for outside participants. The IAFF will send notification via the @IAFFWFI Twitter account. The IAFF also maintains a list to alert those who have expressed an interest. This typically occurs within a few weeks of the training dates.

Individuals who want to participate in the training at another host site must (1) obtain the approval of their local president; (2) register and communicate directly with the host point of contact; and (3) be responsible for travel expenses and any registration fee charged by the host.

Because trainings typically fill up so quickly, the upcoming training schedule is not posted online. The IAFF does not release information identifying upcoming host sites unless they have requested we do so.

If your local or department is interested in hosting training, please reference the information in the Certificate Course tab above.

Become an Instructor


The Fit to Thrive course is delivered by IAFF instructors who are appointed by the General President. The IAFF accepts applications to become F2T instructors, but may not expand its instructor roster every year.

For qualifications and requirements, see the F2T Instructor Application Form. Submit your application by March 31 to be considered for that calendar year.

For applicants that are approved to be a F2T instructor candidate, the initial time/travel allotment required for the process can be demanding. If completed and appointed as a F2T instructor, we do require instructors to teach at least two, four-day F2T courses per year as well as attend the annual three-day IAFF Instructor Development Conference (IDC).

Coming Soon

Contact


For more information, contact [email protected].

International Association of Fire Fighters
Attn: Health and Safety Division
1750 New York Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20006-5395