LT. Chris Marella

Lieutenant Chris Marella's career in the fire service began in 2003 as a part time/ paid on call firefighter EMT-B for a combination department in the western suburbs of Chicago. Over the next 5 years Chris completed his paramedic certification and worked in several departments as a paid on call, contract paramedic and full time firefighter. In 2008 Chris moved to his current fire department in the suburbs of Chicago working alongside 138 fire personnel across 7 stations to serve a a community of 130 thousand residents. 

Growing up Chris was a multi sport athlete with a main focus on hockey. This passion for sport and fitness led to Chris achieving his NSCA CPT qualification in 2012. Chris is the owner of 4th Shift Fitness, a company he started to positively impact the fire service through education and training via in station and hands on seminars.  His goal is to reach as many departments and individuals as possible to inspire, educate or coach through their fitness journey.

Chris also helps to serve the firefighter community through Devote December and Spring 4 Change which he created with Annette Zapp of FireSQFitness  to shine a spotlight and provide support for firefighter and dispatcher suicides. 

In this episode Chris talks about:

Setting up an incentive based fitness programme.

His thoughts on submaximal training and how it can help firefighters sustain performance throughout a long career.

His work as part of Devote December and Spring for Change which bring awareness to firefighter and dispatcher suicides as well as providing information and tools for those in need.

Resources discussed in this episode:

Conscious coaching by Brett Bartholomew

Servant Leadership by Robert K. Greenleaf

stay up to date with Chris via his website  or on social media at @4thshiftfitness on both Instagram and Facebook. You can also contact him via email him at [email protected] or listen to his podcast at Tailboard Talk a 4th Shift Fitcast

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