Even if we have damaged ourselves in the past, there is a path forward. Darcy’s instruction has played a significant role in teaching me how to use my body well and how to do my work without hurting myself. Awesome all around.
You rock!Darcy did an awesome job and I felt like I learned a lot of things that I can take home to work on. We have achieved measurable success, in fact, major reductions to zero calendar year repetitive motion/overuse injuries since incorporating this annual wellness training.
I have been working on trail crews for the last ten years. This work is very physically demanding, and it’s difficult to take care of your body when you’re working in the backcountry. That physical toll plays a major role in why people leave the trade. For me, a significant antidote to that has been training with Darcy. As I’ve worked for the National Park Service over the last ten years, I’ve had the good luck to participate in an ergonomics training with her three different times in three different National Parks! Far from being redundant, I’ve found that the value of those courses has only increased for me over time. Darcy has a very empowering outlook on our relationship with our bodies and how we can deal with injuries and other limitations. It’s rooted in ongoing research in physical therapy, and it has made me much more optimistic. The evidence shows that by being intentional and putting in the work to strengthen and prepare our bodies, we can do the things we love with less pain and less injury. Even if we have damaged ourselves in the past, there is a path forward. Darcy’s instruction has played a significant role in teaching me how to use my body well and how to do my work without hurting myself. I’m getting past the age when the vast majority of trail workers move on to something else, but I feel like I am going strong and well prepared to continue. The leadership in the Parks where I’ve worked has seen the value in this training, and I certainly hope that continues. I’m looking forward to my fourth class! Thanks Darcy!
Jaison Ashbough
Thanks for an amazing seminar! You were knowledgeable, can read the room and audience well, you gave individual feedback, and kept everyone rocking when working in small groups…
I was stoked!
Bridger Bowl Ski Patrol
You rock, keep doing what you’re doing…it’s so important for all the active workers out there and everyone else you work with!!!
Graham Bridger Bowl Ski Patrol
I just attended the Workshop For Workers class with Darcy Cook that Pete and Jason got us signed up for in response to our concerns about longevity in the job. Darcy did an awesome job and I felt like I learned a lot of things that I can take home to work on. The class is a full 8 hours, but it doesn't feel drawn out at all. It is fast paced, active, and Darcy makes time to answer questions and tailor her talk to specific issues that many of us deal with as ski patrollers or just as individuals. I highly recommend taking advantage of this opportunity for anyone who has the availability in their schedule for some great paid training.
Briger Bowl Ski Patrol
The act of Trails work is grueling, laborious, and impactful. We move heavy weight, strike objects with fast moving hand tools, and perform repetitive actions in awkward and less than ideal positions.
The conduct of trail work provides a great opportunity to improve performance, increase muscle and cardio fitness, promote strength, physical harmony and balance, and wellbeing.
But, this profession can also exploit imbalance and weakness posing a risk of adverse consequences. The response to this decline is to overcompensate which leads down a path of physical degradation, reduced mobility, injury, and detriment to mental wellbeing.
Several years back our program experienced an increased and unacceptable injury rate. They were primarily repetitive/overuse injuries. We determined that better work practices and cultural change were obvious components, but the primary solution resided in science and education, for which we find ourselves here today. We have achieved measurable success, in fact, major reductions to zero calendar year repetitive motion/overuse injuries since incorporating this annual wellness training.
From a business perspective, the operation needs a robust workforce to tackle the backlog of work to complete our mission. Personnel who experience lost time or reduced duty hinders this endeavor. From a human perspective, declines in physical health also adversely effects one’s mental well-being. Injury can be bleak and disheartening. We miss the working synergy of a crew and the accomplishments of a job well done. It is in the interest of all to have a healthy and productive team.
The importance of this training cannot be overstated. The purpose of this training is to prevent injury and provide the knowledge and tools so each of you can independently pursue and maintain optimum physical health and perform work at a high level. We are investing in your education so that you can better self-access, recognize deficiencies, and apply focused attention and treatment to imbalances. Please attend to any ailments, mobility issues, or weaknesses. Take advantage of the allotted work time to incorporate a consistent fitness routine that is custom to your needs. No matter your current state you can improve, repair, maintain, or enhance your body. You can move better, feel better, and live stronger. Our hope is that each of you will absorb this knowledge and incorporate it not only into your work life but into your everyday life.
Cager Messer, YNP Trails