NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — It's a 6-week course where members of the Metro Nashville Police Department take off their uniforms and throw on workout clothes.
"Each week we release a workout, we have three categories. We have the strength, we have the endurance and we have what we call ruck,” said Officer Gary Bridgeman.
This one focuses on weights, sprints, and planks. While they're building muscle, the goal is to build a healthier mindset for a stressful job.
"Often times, we have to deal with some really bad things, but being able to laugh, sweat and get out here, pain shared is pain divided and when you're in the middle of that last rep, and you're with a buddy, it just builds that connective 'I'm here with you',” said Bridgeman.
"You can kind of forget about. Day to day life in general, as busy as they may be with work or personal life and you get out here and just shut that off,” said Officer Brian Allen.
Earlier this month, the department lost Officer John Anderson in tragic car crash and is using opportunities like this to lean on each other.
"We use this to get in, get some work done, and we can remember not only the better times of him, but of each other,” said Bridgeman.
"You might have seen something really bad on the street, but you can let it go and you know you're with people that understand it,” said Officer Tamara Phillips
Together they are building muscle, a healthier mindset and a brighter future.
"Creating new and healthy habits in forefront before you go and retire, will help you in the long run,” said Echo Johnson.
It is all to help the community they protect and serve.
