What is FITP?

By Joseph Gommo

FITP is an extremely physically challenging program. All candidates should take the time to physically prepare. The physical requirements (beep test, pull ups, and burpees) are an excellent baseline measurement of fitness, but should be viewed as just that: a starting point, not a guarantee of success. If a candidate struggles to pass the physical test they will most likely struggle to pass the course.

Looking back I wish I spent more time focusing on building cardiovascular endurance prior to the course. Instructing for a class of twelve large adults, taking each in and out of the tunnel twice within a half hour, is extremely energy consuming.

I'm certainly smaller than the average instructor, but strength was not a limiting factor during FITP. You can learn to use the wind to your advantage, but you can't make up for a lack of endurance.

Flexibility is also essential to avoiding injuring. While Flying and walking in the tunnel, we put our bodies in positions that are either impossible or just plain silly to do outside of the wind. Some of these positions can be awkward for the human body so it’s important to focus on stretching and maintaining flexibility to avoid injury and joint pain.

The approach taken by Michael Biederman (Trainer Level 4 at iFLY Seattle) to teaching an FITP can best be described as a relentless pursuit of perfection, and if I had been any less physically prepared I do not think I would have passed his course.

I would urge anyone considering becoming an instructor to try out the physical requirements and speak with current instructors about what they do to continue to be physically prepared; because after FITP you still have a physically demanding job, but it is also the best job in the world.

 

Find out what tunnels are near you on our Tunnels page! Chances are, they are looking for new instructors!

Check out our Flying Fitness page for tips on how to improve your physical fitness and flexibility!

 

This video is the perfect example of life as an IBA-rated Instructor -- Challenging AND Fun!