Fitness is a vital aspect of being a Hotshot, not only physically but mentally as well. Your safety as well as your fellow crewmembers depends on YOU being in top physical shape. Keep in mind, we do not have the time to get you in physical shape once you arrive on day 1. We do not design physical training plans with intentions of “breaking you off”. We do expect our crew members to arrive in their best physical condition, and we can help maintain beyond that.
Everyone trains different, has access to different types of equipment, and weather can be an inhibitor but there is always a way to overcome those challenges! It all starts with setting goals, being disciplined and accountable for your actions or inactions, the choice is yours.
Below are the MINIMUMS recommended to do this job. Know yourself and always seek improvement. While we do not test on these skills, they are a good baseline to be monitoring your off-season fitness levels against.
| Activity | Number | Time |
| 1.5 mile run | – | Less than 10 minutes, 35 seconds |
| Pull-ups or chin-ups | 7 | No stopping |
| Sit-ups | 40 | 1 minute |
| Pushups | 25 | 1 minute |
During Critical Training and pre-season work, we integrate a variety of workouts to maintain the crew’s fitness for the upcoming work load, as well as to allow for crew comradery. Some of these activities include:
- Functional strength training
- HIIT workouts
- 3-6 mile runs over varied terrain
- Caterpillar style runs
- Mobility and dynamic movement
- Hiking
The crew hike in Klamath Falls is called Hogback Mountain. The route is roughly 1.6 miles one way and 1,700 feet elevation gain. You can find the public route for this hike at https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/oregon/hogback-mountain–2. While this is not the exact route that Winema usually takes, it gives a feel for the terrain.