Ask anyone, in or out of the security industry, whether ‘physical fitness’ within security operations, is of any importance and you’ll most likely get a mixed response. For some, it’ll depend on the type of security undertaken by the provider, whilst for others, it naturally seems to go ‘hand in hand’.
If we were to consider the opposite of this, we could ask ourselves, ‘does being unhealthy, unwell or physically unfit reduce the efficiency of any regularly performed duty?’, and whilst this may seem like a silly question, the answer is both obvious, and instructive.
It’s an interesting topic, as it only takes someone to look around the industry to realise that many current security professionals are undertaking their role potentially without being ‘physically fit’.
What is physical fitness?
Let’s begin with a definition of what it actually means to be ‘physically fit’, so we can collectively consider the topic with a reciprocal understanding of physical fitness.
According to MIT Medical, ‘physical fitness is to the human body what fine tuning is to an engine. It enables us to perform up to our potential. Fitness can be described as a condition that helps us look, feel and do our best’. It also states that ‘Physical fitness involves the performance of the heart and lungs, and the muscles of the body. And, since what we do with our bodies also affects what we can do with our minds, fitness influences to some degree qualities such as mental alertness and emotional stability’ (The Centre for Health Promotion and Wellness n.d.).
So why is physical fitness important?
When we sit back and consider the many types of roles within the security industry, there’s a few stand out positions that we can easily identify, as requiring a moderate-high level of physical fitness. Of course, it’s those assignments where large walking, running or general physical activity is involved. It’s clear within these roles, physical fitness plays a large role in the success of these duties.
When we consider sedentary security roles, there are certainly those which require less-obvious physical fitness, including monitoring of CCTV. From the outset, most would consider physical fitness less crucial here, yet, it’s the personal stamina and underlying focus brought about by a high level of physical fitness, which enables an individual to stare, review and analyse a screen for hours on end.
Security operators who do fall short on their physical fitness, may still safely perform a selection of duties, including walking, sitting to observe, or review reports etc. Yet professional security operators with reduced physical fitness cannot successfully undertake the kind of protective duties necessary for dispersing the effects of workplace violence or disruption.
How we can help
At Dominance, we understand the importance of keeping relevant, maintaining a forefront position as the industry evolves. The future of Security is an exciting one, and the team at Dominance are constantly evaluating and analysing how they can better adapt, and service the continually evolving needs of our clients.
If you would like to find out more information about how Dominance could further protect your company, please contact them on (03) 9555 1595.
