Firefighter fitness program pairs trainers and peers

CHAMPAIGN – Ever think how nice it would be to have a buddy who's a fitness expert and would work with you to get you into great shape?

And, to top it off, the buddy does all this for free – and you might get an annual bonus check if your health improves?

It might be an oversimplification, but that's what Champaign firefighters were able to negotiate in 2004 in contract talks with the city, when both sides agreed to create a peer-fitness-trainer program.

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