Getting in shape?

[ProspectiveCop]

I've been a runner all my life, but for the last few years I've kinda gotten out of shape. What do y'all recommend to get myself ready to join?

I can do about 8 push-up's from the knee position and can run a 5K in about 30:00. Can't do any pull-up's and I haven't done any weight training. I'm not planning on applying for at least five years, though, so I have time right?

[Kimble]

I've been a runner all my life, but for the last few years I've kinda gotten out of shape. What do y'all recommend to get myself ready to join?

I can do about 8 push-up's from the knee position and can run a 5K in about 30:00. Can't do any pull-up's and I haven't done any weight training. I'm not planning on applying for at least five years, though, so I have time right?

Several months is more than enough time to get in shape, so there's no excuse if you can't get in shape in 5 years.

I've never seen a department that will count pushups during a physical abilities test while the applicant is on their knees, so you'll have to work on that. The only way to get better at pushups (or pullups, situps, etc.) is to do them. Start by doing as many as you can, correctly, and build up over time. Doing them on your knees will do nothing to help you improve.

I enjoy weightlifting, but with many departments it isn't required. Some do use a max benchpress, so it wouldn't hurt to look into a workout regime (bodyforlife.com has a good program). Same as other workouts, the only way to get better at running is to get out there and do it. I can tell you from personal experience, if you incorporate running up hills and having an incline, it will build your breathing endurance pretty quick. Also, train for the terrain you'll be running on. If a department uses a track for their PT test, don't train on a treadmill.

[ProspectiveCop]

Several months is more than enough time to get in shape, so there's no excuse if you can't get in shape in 5 years.

I've never seen a department that will count pushups during a physical abilities test while the applicant is on their knees, so you'll have to work on that. The only way to get better at pushups (or pullups, situps, etc.) is to do them. Start by doing as many as you can, correctly, and build up over time. Doing them on your knees will do nothing to help you improve.

Yeah, I know that, I was just listing my abilities to see what I should do to improve. I can do about half a push-up from the correct position (meaning I lower myself and then I can't get back up. Pretty pathetic, huh? :D :p)

[Drew27k9]

Moved from Ask A Cop to Physical Fitness

[Samuel]

You've been here for a minute, what do some of the other fitness/training threads say?

[Commanderz06]

I recently started boxing, and its been doing a great job of getting me inshape. Its a little rough on the body, but if you can take the pain, the sults are worth it!

[JCP1976]

5 years? You could go into a coma for 4 1/2 years and still get into good shape in time to pass a physical test, assuming you are not 400 pounds.

[jsk02a]

I think it's funny when people ask about how to get in shape...

It's really quite simple...

Get off your *** and exercise! It's 10% Physical and 90% Mental. When you first start working out again after a period of inactivity, you will want to quit and go home and watch Barney & Friends...but you have to, as Nike says, JUST DO IT!

You'll be sore and tired and cranky and then it will all go away and you'll start working out again as a remedy to cure the days troubles.

If you want to do more pushups, do more pushups, if you want to run a 5k faster, run faster. You have to always push yourself past being "comfortable" or else you will not see improvement.

-jsk02a

"Improvise, Adapt, Overcome"

[mcsap]

Being in shape will make you a better person all around. So why wait 4 1/2 years ? Maybe find out NOW what the physical agility standards are in your area for hiring and work on them.

And buy GOOD running shoes and don't wear them to do anything but running.

[copgirl]

The best way to get back in shape is to start doing cardio again bit by bit, starting with a few minutes and building up accordingly.

[England]

I think it's funny when people ask about how to get in shape...

It's really quite simple...

Get off your *** and exercise! It's 10% Physical and 90% Mental. When you first start working out again after a period of inactivity, you will want to quit and go home and watch Barney & Friends...but you have to, as Nike says, JUST DO IT!

You'll be sore and tired and cranky and then it will all go away and you'll start working out again as a remedy to cure the days troubles.

If you want to do more pushups, do more pushups, if you want to run a 5k faster, run faster. You have to always push yourself past being "comfortable" or else you will not see improvement.

-jsk02a

"Improvise, Adapt, Overcome"

This is really the only way, it sucks but that's the way it is.

[England]

It doesn't really matter what training regiment you chose, you get out of it what you put into it. You don't need a gym but some people like the motivation factor. Me, I just use plain ole pushups, situps, crunches, pullups, etc... anything I can do without buying something as I'm not wealthy. Cross fit .com has a lot of great exercises.

[CelticSmackdown]

It wasn't until I started training for the application process that I realized how much money I wasted on gym memberships. During the last three months I realzied that all I needed to get in the best shape of my life was:

- Free, .375-mile city block provided by the City of New York
- Free padded carpeting provided by my landlord to do push-ups and sit-ups
- $20 10 lb medicine ball
- $15 15 lb plate for push ups
- $50 Running shoes
- $40(x3) Protein shake powder from GNC

Basically $205 for a great three-month regimen compared to the $500 I spent on a gym membership I hardly used for one year last year.