Issue link: https://let.epubxp.com/i/856477
www.officer.com AUGUST 2017 LAW ENFORCEMENT TECHNOLOGY 23 Circle 22 on Reader Service Card In an average week, Schmidt spends about 14 hours in the gym, but with his department he is allotted two hours, three days per week to be in the gym on duty. This has helped him stay fit while also creating a good work/life balance. "It's such a great benefit that they built that in for us, so we can stay physically fit for the job," he says. "I have the ener- gy for work and for my two kids, which I involve in exercise, too." He's not the only one. Law enforce- ment officers who make fitness a prior- ity oftentimes make it family-involved. Baade runs with his family, which includes his wife and two kids, mak- ing it a point to try and run with them almost every day. The hardest part about physical fit- ness, says Baade, is making it part of a routine. But it's never too late to start. "Incorporate something into your day everyday and don't beat yourself up if you have to miss a day but try to make it a priority because eventually it will become a habit and will be part of your routine," he says. "You'll be able to do more things with your family and if you don't take care of yourself, you're not going to be able to do that." Schmidt agrees. "I was nervous about getting into CrossFit at first," he says, "but I've gotten stronger because of it. It's intimidating to get into, but once you get into it and learn what it's about and why you're doing it, the benefits are through the roof." Fitness gives Officer Dustin Schmidt with the St. Louis County (Mo.) Tactical Operations Unit the ability to push further and tire less easily. Photo by Alex Luebbers