ASCA Podcast #118 - John Hofman

Coach John Hofman is the Strength and Conditioning Specialist for the Guardian Resilience Team at LA Air Force Base where he oversees the strength and conditioning protocols designed to enhance improve muscular resiliency, cardiorespiratory fitness, and reduce musculoskeletal injuries in the operational environment. Prior to joining United States Space Force, Coach Hofman spent over 15 years as a Tactical Strength and Conditioning Specialist for both Law Enforcement and Fire / Rescue. In 2021 Coach Hofman was a member of the State Officer Wellness team where they were awarded an Emmy for Branding Content.In addition, Coach Hofman was the 2018 recipient of the National Strength and Conditioning Association Tactical Practitioner of the Year Award. QUOTES “Listening to the firefighters tell me all the things, regardless of it was good or bad, I actually had to open up my ears and listen to them and understand their fears and understand that, you know, I'm not here to hurt you, but actually help you overcome those roadblocks.” “Really what tactical strength and conditioning is the ability to understand that yes, we want them to think and b like athletes, but 99% of them are not athletes” “When I left Sacramento Fire Department, I asked a deputy chief who was a good friend of mine, what did I do right? And he just laughed and he goes, you gave us the option to make the best decision for ourselves.” “With tactical S&C, you have got to have a giant toolbox. You have to really know and master your basics because you'll use them predominantly all the time” SHOWNOTES 1) John’s journey from sprint kayaking athlete to over 15 years in tactical strength and conditioning 2) Getting embraced by the tactical populations in different environments 3) Improving overall health in firefighters and balancing training with the need to be able to do occupational tasks on a moments notice 4) The giant toolbox needed to work in the tactical strength & conditioning space 5) Culture change tips from John’s experience with firefighters and law enforcement officers 6) John’s biggest lessons of working in a tactical strength and conditioning space including the 48 hour rule 7) Being “fit for duty” and managing musculoskeletal injuries in the tactical populations given the demands of the job PEOPLE MENTIONED Mick Stierli Rob Orr Tyler Christensen Jay Dawes