Da Rulk’s workouts are legendary around these parts. Legendarily tough. But they’re tough for a reason. The Raw Functional Training expert has spent years honing his methodology to get the best out of first responders. It’s work he’s incredibly passionate about.
“There is nothing better than working with heroes,” says Rulk. “I was raised in a family of first responders – my dad was a police officer – so it is in my blood. I intimately understand the sacrifice and dedication that is required on a daily basis, so training first responders has a special place in my heart.”
Although most of us don’t have to run into burning buildings or stage perilous rescue missions on a daily basis, there is a lot we can learn from these brave men and women. Rulk is here to break down the top 4 things he’s observed, so you can apply first-responder strategies to your life.
“I believe we all have a superhero living within us,” Rulk says. “It’s time to unleash it.”
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Rulk trains firefighters at the Rio Hondo Fire Academy in California.
1. Train to move
First responders don’t train to look good, they train to be able to move well and react quickly in unpredictable, pressure-cooker situations.
That’s where Rulk comes in.
“With first responders, it’s about honing their sensory processing and ability to adapt to situations. If a firefighter runs into a burning building and they can’t see, his adrenal system goes into overdrive as he tries to take in all the information.”
Raw Functional Training, says Rulk, “enables them to better adapt to any situation within that environment and execute the tasks they need to at the highest level of performance”.
If you’ve seen how Rulk helped this Centr member and landscaper adapt to a tricky bit of terrain, you’ll already know it’s not just first responders who can benefit from functional training.
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Staying low in a burning building or getting busy with some gardening – Raw Functional Training will help you to adapt to whatever life throws at you.
It will challenge you to improve your sensory processing (e.g. how you react to the noise and sights around you), cognitive functions (how quickly your brain reacts) and motor planning (moving your body the way you want to). And that will help you move better in everyday situations, from crossing the street to lifting your kids out of the car.
“The ability to adapt is so important in life,” Rulk says.
2. Dive into discomfort
Professions such as police, firefighters and paramedics require physical and mental strength. Rulk says it’s the combination of both that adds up to greatness.
“The mind leads and the body executes what the mind tells it to do. It is this powerful synergy that enables us to be great.”
Without cultivating mental resilience, Rulk explains, you’ll never be able to reach your full physical potential. “You have to believe and never stop encouraging yourself.”
Visualization, positive thinking and taking on new physical challenges can all help you to build up your mental resilience.
“The more comfortable you are able to get in uncomfortable situations, the better prepared you will be for whatever comes at you.” Wise words, Rulk!
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Rulk encourages the cadets at Rio Hondo Fire Academy to push through and find their resilience.
3. Follow your internal GPS
First responders don’t train just for the sake of it. They need their bodies to serve and protect – that’s their purpose.
Similarly, knowing your ‘why’ will make showing up for the physical work you need to get done so much easier. Even if it’s just getting through today’s workout.
“Your purpose is your internal GPS that will keep you centered,” says Rulk. “Your profession or position in life doesn’t matter – we all have a purpose and we can all make a difference in the lives of those around us.”
According to Rulk, identifying your ‘why’ is necessary if you want to reach your full potential.
“Your purpose is the added drive that will have you conquering the day and improving in every way.”
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Your purpose will keep you crawling long after your body thinks it is time to give up.
4. Commit to consistency
Da Rulk’s definition of discipline is the will to do something day in, day out, even if you don’t feel like sticking with it. When we’re disciplined, we can achieve a whole lot more than we may think possible.
“If you apply discipline in your training and stay consistent with it over time, you will accomplish your goals and become stronger, physically and mentally,” says Rulk.
“This discipline, consistency and commitment to purpose is a daily conviction that first responders apply every single day. You can do it, too. Always can!”
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