Comments on: Preparing for the Physical

By: Anthony

Anthony — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 04:05:03 +0000

The main thing I see with people doing the POPAT course is the unfamiliarity with it. There are certain rules that you have to abide by, if the rules are broken, you have to start that section over again. EG ( dropping the weight on the push/pull machine or grabbing the rail on your way up from a vault) By that time you are dead tired and adding additional repititions on can cause applicants to get fatigued. Cross fit is a great exercise to get fit for the POPAT, along with short sprints and long distance runs. Think of it as a obstacle course. Remember it’s not just about if you finish, but how well you finish.

By: Christopher

Christopher — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 02:59:44 +0000

It always bothers me when someone asks me what they have to do to pass our “power test”. Physical fitness in law enforcement is something I’m fairly passionate about. I would argue that simply preparing for the physical fitness test is not enough. Either prepare for the *career*, or don’t, and save everyone the headache. But if a recruit’s mentality is “what do I have to do to pass this test”, I already question their suitability.

I like how you focus on the phsyical demands of the job first, the much more important consideration, than the physical test. Of course the physical test is important, in that it’s a hurdle. But it’s just a hurdle, and there’s a long race after that.

By: slamdunk

slamdunk — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 01:52:46 +0000

I was amazed on the first day of my academy class to see a few trainees who had not been pushing themselves physically prior to showing up. Since we were notified months in advance that we had been selected, I really felt no pity when those who were unprepared for the fitness dropped out.

I remember two trainees who struggled early in training, but had extraordinary determination that allowed them to persevere and pass the 22 weeks of physical challenges. Both became excellent officers.

Sadly, one of those officers was killed in the line of duty a few years ago.

In sum, your guidance of “train harder” no matter what is wise advice.

By: Sandra

Sandra — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 01:38:19 +0000

I’ve seen the same video and will take a look for it – it’s an excellent example of why to stay in shapre.

By: DC

DC — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 01:00:55 +0000

I can’t remember where but I saw a video of a really athletic looking guy doing a police physical test which he easily passes. At the end he’s escorted away in cuffs (for dramatic effect I’m guessing) and it’s revealed he’s a prisoner.

A voice over encourages police to maintain their fitness.