Little Falls, NY – In a recent episode of the Small Town Life podcast, host Dave Warner sat down with local fitness experts and community advocates Elizabeth and Justin Hoffman to discuss their work with the Hoffman Wellness Collective and the upcoming First Responders Wellness Summit.
Justin, a firefighter with experience in personal training and athletic training, and Elizabeth, a certified personal trainer and sports performance specialist, shared insights into their journey—from opening a gym just before COVID to founding their nonprofit in 2024 to improve health equity and access to strength training in Herkimer County.
They highlighted successes like school-based programs that support youth mental health through exercise and community events, fostering family connections.
The conversation turned to the inaugural First Responders Wellness Summit, set for March 19, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Herkimer County Community College.
This free, full-day event is designed for firefighters, law enforcement officers, EMTs/paramedics, dispatchers, correctional officers, their spouses, and supporting professionals.
Topics include stress management, sleep and mental health strategies, cancer prevention, nutrition, financial planning across career stages, tactical fitness, heart health, and peer support—delivered by experts with backgrounds in law enforcement and firefighting.
A highlight is the keynote from retired New York State Police officer Matt Stegner, who channels mental wellness through running.
The Hoffmans emphasized the high-stress nature of first-responder roles and the importance of practical tools to maintain physical and emotional balance in both work and family life.
To hear the full discussion—including stories of community impact, youth strength training benefits, and why wellness initiatives matter in small towns—listen to the latest episode of Small Town Life on your favorite podcast platform or watch the complete video on YouTube, or below.
Registration for the summit is required and available at hoff315.org. Don’t miss this opportunity to support those who serve our community—tune in today!
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