_Muscle & Fitness_ has motivated countless individuals to embrace fitness over the years. From its influential print magazines that established its iconic status to today’s vibrant social media presence and online articles, the brand has likely touched the lives of many who prioritize their health and wellness at some juncture.
For Doug Hardtke, a dedicated firefighter, it all began with those classic print editions. He fondly remembers keeping multiple issues close by, flipping through them constantly for guidance and motivation whenever he sought it.
‘I devoured them around the clock,’ he shared. ‘I’d even carry them to school—it became my personal ritual.’
Chi-Town Childhood
Doug Hardtke was raised in the close-knit suburbs of Chicago, Illinois, immersed in a large extended family. He explains that he grew up among 30 cousins, all clustered in the same neighborhood, a tradition that continues to this day. Today, as a proud father of two children, he resides merely nine blocks from his childhood home, maintaining those deep-rooted family ties.
‘It’s simply woven into our identity,’ he remarked. Chicago stands as one of the nation’s premier sports hubs, with football holding a special place in its culture. Hardtke was passionate about the sport from a young age, eagerly requesting football gear like shoulder pads or helmets as holiday gifts. During a summer football camp, he had his first encounter with weightlifting when he joined a few freshmen and sophomores for bench presses. That moment ignited his lifelong passion for iron training.
‘The attraction was immediate, and it’s been an obsession ever since,’ he reflected.
His initial foray into structured gym workouts happened at a nearby Powerhouse Gym. In exchange for helping the staff rack weights and tidy the training area a few days each week, he earned free access to lift. As he matured and forged stronger bonds within the local fitness scene, his dedication to strength training only intensified.
Career in Fire Services
In time, Hardtke chose to step away from competitive football, swapping his athletic gear for the protective uniform of a firefighter. The decision was sparked by the awe he felt watching firefighters march in parades or hearing gripping tales of their rescues.
‘The firefighting passion struck next, and I was lucky to land a part-time position at 18. They sponsored my training through the fire academy and paramedic program,’ he explained.
Just four years into his role at his initial department, Hardtke made a lateral move to another local fire service, where he has remained for the subsequent 17 years. Much like the camaraderie he experienced with his football teammates, the tight-knit brotherhood in firefighting provides invaluable support. In a profession where you’re often the hero in crisis situations, having reliable colleagues to lean on is essential.
‘Folks dial 911 during their darkest moments, and you’re the one they count on,’ he noted. ‘Whether it’s sharing a lighthearted joke, venting frustrations, or simply checking in with a teammate, combining that with physical training serves as our collective therapy.’
Interestingly, Hardtke discovered he hadn’t entirely left football behind. The Chicago region boasts a fire department football league, and he suited up for nine seasons alongside fellow first responders. While the camaraderie and thrill were unmatched, the physical wear and tear from injuries eventually mounted.
‘I cherished every second of it, though it certainly came at a cost to my body.’
An Unconventional Entry Into Strongman
Once he retired from football for the second time, Hardtke sought a fresh athletic pursuit. He can’t pinpoint exactly how he learned about the World’s Strongest Firefighter competition, but the allure was undeniable—he was determined to compete.
‘It transported me back to my early firefighting days when the veteran big guys mentored me,’ Hardtke reminisced with a smile. Though he was no stranger to rigorous training, strongman demanded mastery of unconventional tools like massive logs, awkward sandbags, and other odd objects.
Undeterred, Hardtke sourced a training log and scrounged for similar gear to practice with. He also connected with Frank Boniello, a fellow firefighter prepping for the same event, who generously shared tips and strategies. Boniello ultimately claimed victory in Columbus, Ohio, but Hardtke derived immense satisfaction from the entire journey regardless.
‘Truthfully, since turning 18, I’d never experienced that level of exhilaration.’
A New Generation of Strength
Hardtke continues to protect his community while relentlessly pursuing improvements in his professional skills and personal fitness. Although he won’t participate in the 2026 World’s Strongest Firefighter event, he plans to attend and cheer on the competitors.
Beyond his own pursuits, he’s deeply invested in igniting the same drive in the younger generation. Training alongside his 12-year-old son, D.J., has become a regular highlight. Hardtke recognizes tremendous promise in his boy—perhaps even surpassing his own early potential.
‘Watching him train fires me up like nothing else.’
While D.J. excels in football and weight training, emulating his father’s path, Hardtke believes his four-year-old daughter, Addyline, might outshine them all in competitiveness. Her commitment to gymnastics mirrors her brother’s dedication to sports. It’s evident that Hardtke and his wife, Audrey, have embedded the value of fitness and peak performance into their family ethos. Lessons gleaned from those vintage _Muscle & Fitness_ magazines during Hardtke’s youth will undoubtedly influence his children for years ahead.
A hallmark of the classic _M&F_ print editions was the practical workouts featured from top athletes, which readers could adopt. We challenged Hardtke to share one of his go-to routines. Ideal for aspiring firefighters, strongman hopefuls, or anyone seeking variety in their regimen, this workout keeps him primed for duty whenever the sirens blare.
Warm-Up: Perform 3 trisets with minimal rest between exercises
- Reverse Hyper – 20 reps
- Lying Hamstring Curls – 20 reps
- Belt Squat – 20 reps
‘This sequence activates all the primary muscle groups we’ll target throughout the session.’
- Trap Bar Deadlift – 5 sets of 5, 5, 5, 3, 1 reps, progressing from 50% to 95% of your one-rep max
- Bonus Widowmaker Set – Load 50% of your max and go to failure.
‘I rest only as long as necessary to feel fully recovered before the next working set.’
- Sandbag Hold Squat and Carry – Complete 4 sets of 3 squats followed by a 50-foot carry each.
‘If the bag slips during the carry, I retrieve it, execute 3 additional squats, and complete the full distance.’
Triset: Complete 3 rounds with minimal rest.
- Sled Push – 50 feet
- Sled Pull – 50 feet
- Farmer’s Carry – 100 feet
Bonus Tip: ‘Prioritize a rock-solid core and master bracing techniques. In firefighting, whether securing a line at a blaze or hoisting a patient onto a stretcher during an EMS call, core stability and proper bracing are crucial for a sustainable, injury-free career.’
