O2X Specialist Updates
Updates from On-site
Our science-backed human performance development programs are delivered through in-person training, virtual resources, assessments, and analysis, but additionally, O2X has helped numerous agencies fill full-time human performance positions within their organizations, 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 Army National Guard (MAANG) Update from Devon Smith, O2X Strength and Conditioning Specialist:
During the past month at the MA National Guard, more than 75 Soldiers and Airmen attended in person EAT SWEAT THRIVE workshops, and even more have utilized resources provided by the Warrior FIT program’s on-site O2X Specialists. The 102nd Intelligence Wing completed the first iteration of a two part training curriculum. This first workshop focused on setting a solid foundation of human performance for the Tactical Athletes with hands-on and didactic sessions. In addition to the Airmen in attendance, guests from Massachusetts Maritime Academy also participated in the training and education. The MA Army National Guard saw one cohort of Soldiers complete their training and education curriculum, while a second cohort began theirs. The first cohort completed a follow-up ACFT diagnostic to demonstrate the improvements they have made in their personal physical readiness, while the second cohort underwent their baseline ACFT assessment. Soldiers and Airmen across the state are continuing to get 1% better every day.
Massachusetts National Guard (MANG) Update from Gianna Roma, O2X Nutrition Specialist:
May was a very productive and successful month for the MA National Guard Warrior FIT program. The 102nd Airmen began Cohort 1 in the middle of June. After the workshop, a few airmen reached out for nutrition consultations, so those are in the process of getting completed. Toward the end of the month, Army Guard Cohort 1 completed their capstone, finishing off their third workshop strong with the ACFT test on a hot spring day. The same weekend, Army Guard Cohort 2 completed their synthesis workshop. Cohort 2 was very motivated to get after it. After attending a nutrition presentation, more than half the soldiers present signed up for a nutrition consultation. I have continued to complete monthly follow-up consults with Airmen and Soldiers from other workshops and those not in workshops at all. I have seen a ton of success from these people. Success including: weight loss, changes in clothing sizes, increase in energy, reduced bad snacking, better meal preparation, better sleep patterns, family involvement in choosing healthy meals, etc. It has been rewarding to see! May is also Mental Health Awareness month, and I took this opportunity to discuss the link between nutrition and brain function and mood disorders, including depression rates. I presented this information via powerpoint and via social media posts on the MA National Guard Warrior FIT Facebook page. Next up, June!
Frederick County Update from Kayla Schmit, On-site Specialist with Frederick Co. Fire Department:
Frederick County Fire and Rescue has been busy developing a new SCBA Air Consumption drill protocol. From creating the new course to running active career firefighters through to collect data, Kayla has been busy visiting firehouses collecting data. Once this protocol has been completed, it will be added into the Frederick County Fire and Rescue Recruit Academy as a baseline test during their Fire I Class, and then as a post test during their Fire II class to compare the differences from start to finish. This drill will also be available to the career members in the field as an optional drill to see how they perform under working conditions and how long they can make their 45min cylinder last. So far, we have collected data from all ranks in the field, from Probationary Firefighter to Battalion Chief. Feedback has been great, and members are loving the new drill. They’re finding it beneficial to know how well they perform and what their results are at by the end of the drill.
DC Fire & EMS Updates from Ryan Glaize and Conner Freeland, On-site Specialist:
O2X continues to make progress in all pillars of EAT SWEAT THRIVE at DCFD. We have a department wide fitness initiative coming soon; each member of the department will be able to participate in a challenge to lose body fat, with a chance of winning prizes! The overarching goal is to continue to raise awareness of physical well-being and highlight how O2X can help people head in that direction.
A new recruit class just started, which provides another opportunity to put the readiness assessment to work and immediately provide the recruits with areas to work on and improve throughout their time at the academy. The recruit classes provide O2X with an incredible opportunity to have an impact now and help set the department up for long-term success.
Arlington County Update from Trevor Sheasley, On-site Specialist with Arlington County Fire Department:
The Arlington County Fire Department is now one month into their partnership with O2X and has begun gathering vital data points that will provide a snapshot of the department’s readiness. To date, more than 53% of the department has completed their Readiness Assessment and more than 70% have registered for the O2X Human Performance App. Along with data collection, Trevor continues to host on-site SWEAT sessions that emphasize the O2X PREPARE, SWEAT, RECOVER system. Feedback has been positive from the members, specifically when it comes to the PREPARE and RECOVER. They have mentioned they “feel more prepared” for the workout and “feel reset” after the cool-down. Combined with the group training sessions, one-on-one nutrition/fitness consultations are being offered, resulting in eight individual EAT/SWEAT programs being created.
The Arlington Fire Training Academy (FTA) has requested Trevor assist with their physical fitness program. With a new class beginning June 2021, the roughly 30 recruits will be the first to go through an O2X designed fitness regiment. The program will combine periodized strength training and cardiorespiratory training, as well as education to better prepare the recruits for long-term health and wellness.
