Community

Andy "Sarge" McCurdy grew up outside of Oakland, California as the son of Police Officers. Andy and his family were very active in sports and service to their community. Many of Andy's mentors were Police Officers who chose to go above and beyond and serve their community by coaching youth sports and leadership programs that helped kids grow to be healthy adults who valued community. Andy knew that he wanted to be a Police Officer, but he also wanted to share his passion for sport performance coaching as a way to give back.

Andy originally majored in Sport Medicine in college and worked as a Physical

Therapy Aide in a large physical therapy and sports performance clinic in the Bay Area. Although he eventually changed his major in college, Andy took what he learned in the clinic and continued to develop and share a unique approach to fitness by coaching athletes and general population clients at gyms and schools.

As a coach for three decades, Andy knows how to use evidence-based strategies to improve the health and performance of his clients. As a community leader, Andy understands the physical and emotional barriers that get in the way of consistent growth. Andy knows that the answer to overcoming these barriers and achieving life-long health of individuals and groups is to collaborate to build a community around vulnerable populations that address their needs.

First Responders and youth have many of the same needs when it comes to health and fitness. They need to learn how to move properly. They need to apply appropriate stimulus to drive desired adaptations. Most importantly, they need a supportive community that empowers them to take control of their own health and guides them to find the best answers available.

Andy created Badges & Barbells in 2015 as an opportunity for First Responders and youth to participate in a fun and supportive environment where they workout together, under the guidance of qualified coaches, as part of after school programs and camps, designed to develop fitness and leadership skills of the participants.

Andy is certified as a USAW Club/Sports Performance Coach. Badges and Barbells is a registered USA Weightlifting Local Weightlifting Club. Badges & Barbells has been successfully used in Middle Schools and High Schools to improve student success and can easily be implemented in your community!

Exercise program smashes stereotypes, pairing youth and law enforcement

Posted on April 26, 2016 by Lilia Cabello Drain

King County Employee News, Seattle, WA

Local Heroes: Building relationships, one barbell at a time. Covington Police Chief helps students grow confidence through strength training.

By Danielle Chastaine, Friday, August 16, 2019

Covington Reporter, Covington, WA

1.      General Warm-up

a.      Take each joint thru full range of motion

b.      Lunge holds

c.      Pillar holds (front plank, side plank, knee up)

d.      Bird dog

e.      IYTW

2.      Specific Warm-up

a.      Jog/lunge/jog/squat

b.      3X10-20 squat, push up, SLRDL, row

c.      Hip bridge/single leg squat

d.      Walk out to push up

3.      Power

a.      Broad jumps

b.      Power pushups

4.      Strength

a.      Day 1

i. Squat (back, front, single leg) rep max (10, 5, 2)

ii. Bench (or push up) rep max (10, 8, 5)

iii. Pull ups (or body rows)

b.      Day 2

i. Deadlift/power clean rep max (5, 3, 1)

ii. Overhead press rep max (8, 5, 3)

iii.  Pull ups (or body rows)

5.      Finisher

a.      Kid's choice

i. Sprints

ii. Couplet/triplet (10 min max)

iii. Gun show