Failed the physical fitness testing...

[kayl]

So I had my MCOLES physical fitness testing today. I failed the sit ups and push ups, not by the number I did, but by technique. Apparently when I was doing sit ups my shoulder blades were not on the mat long enough for them to count. I did 38 or so (my friend counted <they don't tell you>), but only 28 counted. When we did the push ups, we had to drop down on to an electronic counting device and then go back up. I had problems hitting the machine hard enough to make it count. One of the guys later told me that you can pretty much belly flop onto it and then use your momentum to rebound back. I just kept doing push ups, hitting the device, but not setting it off.
My friend also failed the push ups. We're not sure what to do; we worked out and all, but apparently the technical aspect is something we needed to work on more. My new plan is going out of state, probably to AZ or TX (my g/f wants to move there)...I also need to find a way to better motivate myself to workout. I just get bored; I'd rather be playing hockey or soccer, but those don't help your strength like lifting weights does. Any tips from y'all?

Sorry, I just really needed to rant to someone...

[hiker-guy]

For your pushups, do them in front a mirror so you can look up and watch your form. That is how we train privates who have trouble doing their pushups properly. And remember, technique is more important than repititions.

[Mike TRT]

Originally Posted by kayl

I also need to find a way to better motivate myself to workout. I just get bored; I'd rather be playing hockey or soccer, but those don't help your strength like lifting weights does. Any tips from y'all?

Sorry, I just really needed to rant to someone...

I know nothing about these electronic counting devices, but they sound quite lame, when we are testing potential new hire candidates, each swat member watches and counts, looks for proper form etc, its not a difficult thing to do....but I can see how bias could work its way into the testing, and the electronic counter keeps it fair.......

as far as the question I quoted from you above, it comes down to one and only one simple thing, "How bad do you want it?"

maybe you need to look into being a professional soccer or hockey player instead of a copper.......??

I see this quite a bit, and I dont get it really, guys and gals show up for their physical agility test and are totally unprepared, out of shape and don't even come close to passing...they all know the passing requirements months in advance......when I see this, it shows lack of effort, commitment and no desire to really want to be a LEO.

all that being said, look deep into yourself and decide what you really want to do, if this is it, make a commitment to yourself and bust your ass and "just do it"........"no pain-no gain"

[deapee]

Anyone who enjoys playing soccer or hockey should easily be able to do at the very least 50 pushups with perfect form in a minute or so and probably at the very least 50 situps with perfect form in a minute.

Playing hockey or soccer and being able to do situps/pushups go hand in hand my friend. It's not like doing pushups for some fitness test is something you should have to train for...it's not some super heavy lifting or strenuous activity...it's about physical conditioning overall.

Sounds like you just need to get your form right to meet the requirements...you don't sound physically out of shape, it's just that you weren't using the proper technique to hit the devices they were using to count...so just work on that, and play hockey or soccer as much as you want.

[TN-popo]

Originally Posted by Mike TRT

I see this quite a bit, and I dont get it really, guys and gals show up for their physical agility test and are totally unprepared, out of shape and don't even come close to passing...they all know the passing requirements months in advance......when I see this, it shows lack of effort, commitment and no desire to really want to be a LEO.

Ditto.

To get hired at my agency (in order)...
1. Meet applicant requirements.
2. Pass written test.
3. Pass physical fitness test.
4. Pass backround investigation.
4. Pass medical test.
5. Pass psych eval (obviously flawed...they hired me).
Do that and yippee, you're hired (we're having a hard time filling slots).

The physical fitness test consists of running an O-course at the State Academy. State time limit for the course is 3 min (it's not a great feat to get in the low 2s). I'd say HALF of the applicants we are getting can't do it in under 3 min (we actually had a POS applicant do 9min+ last Saturday...seriously, I can walk it in less time).
These are people who supposedly have been preparing for a new career before they apply (otherwise, why bother?).

Kayl...the above is not neccessarily directed at you, but the following is.
Advice...
Double your efforts and blow it out next time.
Best way to improve pushups? Do pushups.
Best way to improve situps? Do situps.
Also, be careful moving to a different State just because a g/f wants to. I don't know you, your g/f, or your relationship, but that statement just sets off my "SpidySenses."

One of my favorite quotes, "Adversity introduces a man to himself."
When you experience adversity, do you like who you meet?

[slugger6]

TN - I love that quote...it's so true. All the posts in this thread stirred of my memories of preparing to enter Airborne and Ranger schools many years ago. Go for it. You can do it!

[hacker15]

Man - it was much easier back in the "day".....there you just had some crusty old sarge watching you and a few instructors counting out what you did.

Sorry you got caught up in the electrosnag....

[gsh341]

Back in basic training I had a Drill Sgt. That was riding me on not going low enough during my push-ups. I finally got him to shut up by literally lifting my hands off the ground each time my chest hit the ground. However, I'd much rather have that than some electronic POS telling me my chest isn't slamming into the ground hard enough.

Besides, a proper push-up doesn't include your chest touching the ground. The requirements are;

1. Body straight during the whole repetition.

2. Arms fully extended at the top of the repetition.

3. Upper arms parallel to the ground at the bottom of the repetition.

Depending on the length of your arms and the size of your chest, you may never come close to touching the ground.

[TN-popo]

Originally Posted by slugger6

TN - I love that quote...my memories of preparing to enter Airborne and Ranger schools

Then you sir, understand that quote more than most.

[djnate]

IF and only IF this was your first time doing the physical agility...dont stress it! I failed my first time...i failed where most people do and that is the sit-ups in my state (WA) to get max points you need to do 38 sit-ups in 60 sec. At the time i had no idea that the test was going to be the week after i applied but i did what i could and thought i was ready for it.

To make a long story short i made myself look bad in front of many people that day BUT...I told them i would be back to test again. Within 30 days i went from 17 sit-ups to well over 38!!! I was lucky because they held another test on that 30th day. I went in there and they all knew that i had tested before and were surprised to see me back so soon. I passed with flying colors and they all were amazed and at that moment i proved to myself and everyone there that i was for real i wasn't going to just quit cus i didn't want or like to go to the gym. Like another guy said if you cant motivate yourself to go to the gym then please don't apply...not saying your that person but i only want to work with people that are dedicated like i am and wont ever ever give up. I am not perfect i am not big and strong i am 160 lbs and 5'11" i am just dedicated to being a LEO.

Even after that month of hell trying to be up to standered i did not get hired even after i proved myself...BUT after applying a few more times to my local agency's i finally made it past a oral board and now i have my Psychological eval and medical scheduled for next week. after that i will be "in" i will be off to the academy starting my dream job!

Sorry for the long ass letter but i just the average guy making my dream come true and want everyone else to make there dream come true. take what you want from this but you and only you know if you really want to become a LEO