Firefighters are breaking stereotypes and reporting better sleep, stronger bodies, and improved mental regulation through accessible yoga programs

Fatigue, family commitments and time constraints are the most commonly reported barriers to participating in organized physical activity for shift workers. When it comes to yoga, lack of information and perceived stereotypes are frequently reported as barriers. What is not typically reported are the benefits firefighters experience from participating in yoga classes.

Regulate The Responder (RTR) is an organization committed to providing proactive well-being initiatives to firefighters. Its aim is to eliminate barriers by bringing yoga classes into fire departments.

In an effort to normalize the mental and physical benefits of yoga in the fire service, RTR initiated a multi-department feedback survey in 2023, asking firefighters to report on their experience participating in yoga classes. Below is a compilation of the top themes that surfaced from the survey.

Sleep

  • Improved sleep duration and quality after (evening) classes

Physical Benefits

  • Reduced stiffness and muscle soreness
  • Improved balance, flexibility, mobility and body awareness

Relaxation

  • Increased feelings of calm and relaxation

Job Translation

When asked the question “How has yoga translated to your job?” firefighters shared various impacts relating to regulation, camaraderie and mental health.

Regulation

“I now use box breathing following multiple runs late at night in order to calm my thoughts and fall asleep effortlessly. Clearing my mind after a challenging medical call through box breathing on the ride back on the truck; it helps free my mind and leave the call outside of the hall.”

Camaraderie

“The energy shared by the group before, during and after sessions boosts morale and creates a stronger sense of belonging with those participating.”

Mental Health

“It helps increase focus. Increasing awareness can help anyone function better in what they are doing. It also helps people work on their mental health in a way that is more connected with the people around them. I think yoga can help people see the deep connection between the mental and the physical. And, maybe, encourage people to feel more comfortable with open conversation around mental health.”

Yoga is a safe and effective bodyweight modality that can be easily adopted on or off shift. If you are yoga-curious, consider visiting your local studio or going online for on-demand classes.

For more information about online yoga classes for firefighters, check out RTR’s on demand yoga platform.

Hannah Flahr is a yoga teacher and clinical exercise physiologist with a master’s degree in Workplace Health Promotion. She is also the founder ofRegulate the Responder, which normalizes preventative health initiatives in the fire service.