Where to begin.

[Niles22]

I get a fair amount of exercise and am in decent shape but I want to apply to the PD and I am trying to get into better shape before I do so. Now, I don't know where to begin. Anyone have any suggestions for any magazines/books/..ect. that are good for a begginer, or good for females?

[Titansfanmjfink]

First thing I would do is find out what physical requirements you need to meet for the department or academy. Then test yourself in those areas and see what you do. That will give you an idea of where you're at and what you need to work on.

From there just hit weights and cardio hard.

[RangeHunter]

Find out what the requirements are and then tailor your workout around those until you can meet them. If you can already meet them, raise the standards so you know it wont be a problem when you test. I did that when I was testing years ago just to take away some of the stress of the application process.

[The13ig13adWolf]

when you say you're in 'decent' shape now, what do you mean? what are your goals specifically?

as an aside, don't ever buy a book geared specifically for 'women's workouts'. there's no such thing as chick workouts v. guy workouts. aside from the obvious differences in anatomy, our muscle structure is the same.

[USAMP1980]

I agree. With easy you should be able to find out the standards. Some states have state-wide standards, not simply department standards. My state sent me a detailed explanation with suggestions and a workout schedule to prepare by.
If you can not get this I would at least find out the standards and practice the test itself. I had my friend/roommate give me mock test every-other day or so.

My state does:

Vertical jump - at least 16"
Setups - 30 in one minute
Sprint - 300 yards in under 82 seconds
Push-ups - all the way down, 30 in 1 minute
Run - 1.5 miles in 16:32 or so

Most states are very similar. Some do bench press.

[mcsap]

I agree. With easy you should be able to find out the standards. Some states have state-wide standards, not simply department standards. My state sent me a detailed explanation with suggestions and a workout schedule to prepare by.
If you can not get this I would at least find out the standards and practice the test itself. I had my friend/roommate give me mock test every-other day or so.

My state does:

Vertical jump - at least 16"
Setups - 30 in one minute
Sprint - 300 yards in under 82 seconds
Push-ups - all the way down, 30 in 1 minute
Run - 1.5 miles in 16:32 or so

Most states are very similar. Some do bench press.

Saved me a bunch of typing. Forget a book , find out what your state requires.