PT AT THE ACADEMY...

[DevilDog]

There is no such thing as an x-Marine.

We are former Marines!

Once a Marine, always a Marine.

Semper Fi

[UNICRON82]

I just have a question for those who have already been through the academy on what the average cadet could do (when they entered the academy) as far as push-ups, sits-ups, pull-ups, etc. I understand the staff WILL wear me out no matter the shape I am in (though it will be easier if I am good condition) and of course I am working to be in the best shape that I can be before the academy starts but I was just curious where I stand compared to other cadets who have completed the 27 weeks and graduated. If anybody has any good stories, please share them. I have a co-worker who knows a couple of officers and supposedly when one of them was in the academy, he had to wear some kind of small patch or paper on his uniform that said "porky" because he was overweight. I don't know for if this true or not but maybe some of you have some similar stories if you wish to share them.

Also, I just want to share something that my BI told me and he put it all into prospective with one quesiton and the future cadets can ask themselves the same question and that is..."How bad do you want the job?"

[MicahJames]

http://www.chp.ca.gov/html/academycadet.html

Physical Training

This is the most challenging phase of training for most cadets. You will need to report for training prepared for a strenuous conditioning program. The Physical Training (PT) Staff will motivate you to push your body to its limits and beyond. You will be expected to pass a variety of Physical Fitness Tests and the Physical Performance Program Test.

To prepare yourself, you should be involved in some form of strength training program. A circuit training program is advisable. You should also be running at least 3 miles, 3 times a week, at a 9-minute-per-mile pace. You should also be able to perform 50 sit-ups, 50 push-ups and 4 pull-ups prior to reporting to the Academy. This will ensure that you meet the minimum acceptable level for incoming cadets.


Im just stating what is inevitably going to be stated :smile:

[Officer_Grady]

you ever ask your co worker if you could meet those officers?

[23112]

I just have a question for those who have already been through the academy on what the average cadet could do (when they entered the academy) as far as push-ups, sits-ups, pull-ups, etc.

The average cadet is a fat, quivering, lumpy, pasty, pale glob of laziness, weakness, and onion-scented sweat. The average cadet can barely grunt out four push-ups, his sit-ups are done with the grace of a folding corpse, and the only running he's good at is the kind his nose does after he gets screamed at by the PT staff. :smile:

Okay, I'm just goofing around. However, I think it would be pretty tough to speak about what the "average" cadet could do when they entered the Academy because everyone is different. Overall, most cadets are in various stages of poor shape when they begin, though most of them probably think they're in pretty good shape. The website states that it will be the "most challenging phase of training for most cadets" for a good reason--we're a nation of out-of-shape individuals who have been softened by years of sedentary living and making a profession out of "recreating."

Where do you stand in relation to the other folks who recently graduated Academy? Tough to answer that. Aim for a hundred fast jumping jacks, 100 nose-in-the-rings, 50 push-ups, 200 leg lifts, 50 more push-ups, 50 sit-ups, (all consecutively), then go run 5 miles. That'll get you to what 23109 is doing now as an officer to PT. :smile:

Like you say, the better shape you're in now, the better the awfulness of PT will be at the Academy. Remember, though, it's the cumulative effect of Academy and overall stress of the environment that makes PT there so much more difficult than doing it at your house or gym.

[ResQ]

unicron...you are giving me an AB WORKOUT right now...I am laughing at this quote..."(though it will be easier if I am good condition)" :lol:

it will not be "easier" in any condition. You would have to be an Olympic Athlete for it to start to be easy. It is all about YOU PUTTING OUT...not the numbers. If you don't have the heart to work yourself to the next level...then it will suck no matter if you did 3 pushups.

the people in the middle of the pack were doing 7:30 miles and 40 push ups/per minute, a few pull ups..you know "average" stuff

what your BI said is right...everyday you are getting your anus handed to you by the PT staff...just ask yourself how bad do you want the job? and remember all the felons are doing floor workouts too since their weights have been taken away!!

[SB 405]

No more weights in "The Joint?"....I didn't know that. So the system can't help build monsters any longer?

[uoplax13]

No more weights in "The Joint?"....I didn't know that. So the system can't help build monsters any longer?

at least not totally ripped ones.......

[HD1]

[The average cadet is a fat, quivering, lumpy, pasty, pale glob of laziness, weakness, and onion-scented sweat. The average cadet can barely grunt out four push-ups, his sit-ups are done with the grace of a folding corpse, and the only running he's good at is the kind his nose does after he gets screamed at by the PT staff. :smile:

Okay, I'm just goofing around.

Not too far off base with this observation....the at first the gym looks like a campground with all the tents during push up time! :lol:

You have to want to get to the next level each and every day!!! IMHO I think the PT staff rocks! I am saying this because they not only tell you what to do, but do it right along with you! It can be done and they will "motivate you" in doing it...daily! From Sergeant K to the officers, everybody will show you it can be done! I'm the type of person that if I see it can be done, by witnessing someone else doing it then I can do it too! Well it could be done and I still wasn't able to do it all, but I did not give up on the PT staff or more importantly myself! If you give up THERE you will give up OUT HERE and that's not what we need out here to fill the vacancies....18000+ have done it , and all 18000+ were not in the Olympic state that they needed to be in.

Off my soabox now:biggrin: :biggrin:

good luck!

[UNICRON82]

Thanks for the info...I guess I was wondering where I stand on my fitness level right now compared to others and by no means will it be "easy" no matter what condition I am in but I used the term "easier" loosely because I understand this will probably...I take that back, it will be one of the most diffucult things I will do in my life. But, someone who can run 5 miles with no problem compared a 2 mile runner so far like myself....I think it will be "easier" for someone who can run 5 miles because someone like that can now focus more on another aspect...thats all I meant. It's having the right frame of mind and not giving up...Time to Run!:biggrin:

Do I sound nervous???:shock:ops: :lol:

[CHPGuy]

"onion-scented sweat" What is that all about!:lol:

[23112]

"onion-scented sweat" What is that all about!:lol:

B.O. seems to come in two flavors: onion and cheese. Yuck!

[snowdog]

"onion-scented sweat" What is that all about!:lol:

B.O. seems to come in two flavors: onion and cheese. Yuck!

At the risk of being disgusting, there is a place in San Jose on Almaden Expressway near San Carlos St. called House of Pizza. Have a slice there and you'll know the "cheese" version of BO. Sounds terrible but it's some of the best tasting pizza around. Unfortunately my wife won't let me go there because I'll come home smelling like the cheese. I only go when she's mad since I'm already in the dog house.

[23109]

"onion-scented sweat" What is that all about!:lol:

B.O. seems to come in two flavors: onion and cheese. Yuck!

Or sometimes garlic...

[HD1]

"onion-scented sweat" What is that all about!:lol:

B.O. seems to come in two flavors: onion and cheese. Yuck!

At the risk of being disgusting, there is a place in San Jose on Almaden Expressway near San Carlos St. called House of Pizza. Have a slice there and you'll know the "cheese" version of BO. Sounds terrible but it's some of the best tasting pizza around. Unfortunately my wife won't let me go there because I'll come home smelling like the cheese. I only go when she's mad since I'm already in the dog house.

Hey SD,im in SJ! Is it that good, I've seen it, but never stopped by.....Any other good "Hole in the Walls" in SJ you want to share, I'm listening. Tired of chains, fast food etc...

[wannabedispatcher]

Eeeeeewwwwwwww you guys are making me ill with all your B.O. scent descriptions!!! :shock:

[uoplax13]

"onion-scented sweat" What is that all about!:lol:

B.O. seems to come in two flavors: onion and cheese. Yuck!

At the risk of being disgusting, there is a place in San Jose on Almaden Expressway near San Carlos St. called House of Pizza. Have a slice there and you'll know the "cheese" version of BO. Sounds terrible but it's some of the best tasting pizza around. Unfortunately my wife won't let me go there because I'll come home smelling like the cheese. I only go when she's mad since I'm already in the dog house.

Hey SD,im in SJ! Is it that good, I've seen it, but never stopped by.....Any other good "Hole in the Walls" in SJ you want to share, I'm listening. Tired of chains, fast food etc...

I swear this isn't a cop joke, but right next to SJ in Santa Clara there's a donut shop off of Homestead and Lawrence Expwy. called "Stan's". Best donuts ever. I haven't lived down there in a long time, but if it's still there and you feel like a donut, they knock the crap out of Krispy Kreme anyday.

[HD1]

I try to steer clear of donuts. But there are times my grave partner and I bring in a dozen in the AM for the crew. Will put it on the list..thanks!

[MicahJames]

"onion-scented sweat" What is that all about!:lol:

B.O. seems to come in two flavors: onion and cheese. Yuck!

At the risk of being disgusting, there is a place in San Jose on Almaden Expressway near San Carlos St. called House of Pizza. Have a slice there and you'll know the "cheese" version of BO. Sounds terrible but it's some of the best tasting pizza around. Unfortunately my wife won't let me go there because I'll come home smelling like the cheese. I only go when she's mad since I'm already in the dog house.

No Pizza My Heart fans???

[snowdog]

"onion-scented sweat" What is that all about!:lol:

B.O. seems to come in two flavors: onion and cheese. Yuck!

At the risk of being disgusting, there is a place in San Jose on Almaden Expressway near San Carlos St. called House of Pizza. Have a slice there and you'll know the "cheese" version of BO. Sounds terrible but it's some of the best tasting pizza around. Unfortunately my wife won't let me go there because I'll come home smelling like the cheese. I only go when she's mad since I'm already in the dog house.

Hey SD,im in SJ! Is it that good, I've seen it, but never stopped by.....Any other good "Hole in the Walls" in SJ you want to share, I'm listening. Tired of chains, fast food etc...

Is the Guadalajara Market on Alum Rock w/o King Road still around. It's a great mom and pop place and the burritos are huge. The owners, the mom and dad, really liked when we went in.
How about Mark's Hot Dogs. When I was growing up, and they used to be on Alum Rock e/o King, the place was always packed with cop cars. I heard it's not the same since they moved to Capitol and Alum Rock.
Give House of Pizza a try and let me know what you think.
But my absolute favorite place was always my moms house for some good home cooking. Mom and dad used to invite the entire swing shift over for Thanksgiving and Christmas tamales. The street would be packed with CHP cars up and down and Sam Brown belts scattered throughout the house so you would be comfortable while putting the tamales away. Your AI princess, MW, and her husband spent many X-mas's and Thanksgivings with our family. In fact, someone who was on their second phase of break-in, SL, went over there this past X-mas eve. So, even though I'm far from home, the tradition continues.

[HD1]

Got it! Marks Hot Dogs is there on Capitol, always seen it, but never have stopped by! I get a good dog at Happy Hound in Los Gatos when I work that area. Will look into the burrito place! I know what you mean about Mom's House! Carne con pappas y tortillas hecho a mano...MMMMMM. Hit the SAP button for translation! LOL I will try house of Pizza, currently getting pizza at Premier off of MTX/Lickmill. MW takes care of my reports, no complaints!

[100+daily]

"onion-scented sweat" What is that all about!:lol:

B.O. seems to come in two flavors: onion and cheese. Yuck!

Or sometimes garlic...

Especially with you, GARLIC

You stink how many cloves before returning to the QUAD???

[G-Dog]

I like what 23109 wrote:

Where do you stand in relation to the other folks who recently graduated Academy? Tough to answer that. Aim for a hundred fast jumping jacks, 100 nose-in-the-rings, 50 push-ups, 200 leg lifts, 50 more push-ups, 50 sit-ups, (all consecutively), then go run 5 miles. That'll get you to what 23109 is doing now as an officer to PT. :smile:

I'm physically preparing myself for the academy now and have yet to even take my written test--I take it 10 days from now. I'll use 23109's benchmark goals. Question: Are what exactly are "leg lifts" (is this done on a weight bench? If so, how much weight should I lifting?) How fast are "fast jumping jacks?" 1 per second or more like 100 per minute?

There's a lot of great info in this forum. Hope I'm able to share my CHP experience and advice with other aspiring CHP cadets in this forum down the road.

[CHP Explorer]

Leg Lifts: Lay on your back. Place your hands under your lower back. start with the legs 6 in off the ground and then rise them straight up. then down again.

I believe this is correct. Someelse could be more of help then me.

[RodeoChippie]

Leg Lifts: Lay on your back. Place your hands under your lower back. start with the legs 6 in off the ground and then rise them straight up. then down again.

I believe this is correct. Someelse could be more of help then me.
Its best to stay at 45 degrees rather than straight up. Going straight up takes the tension off the abs and hip flexors.

[23112]

Leg Lifts: Lay on your back. Place your hands under your lower back. start with the legs 6 in off the ground and then rise them straight up. then down again.

I believe this is correct. Someelse could be more of help then me.
Its best to stay at 45 degrees rather than straight up. Going straight up takes the tension off the abs and hip flexors.

We lifted our legs to 45 degrees at the Academy, not straight up. I think I remember hearing that bringing them straight up wasn't good for your back.

[G-Dog]

Leg Lifts: Lay on your back. Place your hands under your lower back. start with the legs 6 in off the ground and then rise them straight up. then down again.

I believe this is correct. Someelse could be more of help then me.
Its best to stay at 45 degrees rather than straight up. Going straight up takes the tension off the abs and hip flexors.

We lifted our legs to 45 degrees at the Academy, not straight up. I think I remember hearing that bringing them straight up wasn't good for your back.

Got it. When at the academy, do the cadets do 200 reps in one set, or are they broken up, i.e, 4 sets of 50, etc.?

Thanks, Everyone!

[23112]

Leg Lifts: Lay on your back. Place your hands under your lower back. start with the legs 6 in off the ground and then rise them straight up. then down again.

I believe this is correct. Someelse could be more of help then me.
Its best to stay at 45 degrees rather than straight up. Going straight up takes the tension off the abs and hip flexors.

We lifted our legs to 45 degrees at the Academy, not straight up. I think I remember hearing that bringing them straight up wasn't good for your back.

Got it. When at the academy, do the cadets do 200 reps in one set, or are they broken up, i.e, 4 sets of 50, etc.?

Thanks, Everyone!

There isn't actually a standard routine for what the cadets do. Did we ever do 200 reps in a row? Yeah. Did we ever break up sets of leg lifts with sets of other nasty exercises? Yup. Your workouts need to consist of: intensity, intensity, intensity. While you're working out, yell at yourself for being both fat and lazy, and deride yourself for ever thinking you could work for the CHP. Next, tell yourself to "go home" and get a job at Mc Donald's. Afterward, tell yourself (at the top of your lungs) your workout was pathetic and embarassing, and if you had really prepared for Academy you wouldn't be breathing so hard. That'll give you a little preview of the fun you'll have PT-ing every morning. :biggrin: :biggrin:

[G-Man]

Leg Lifts: Lay on your back. Place your hands under your lower back. start with the legs 6 in off the ground and then rise them straight up. then down again.

I believe this is correct. Someelse could be more of help then me.
Its best to stay at 45 degrees rather than straight up. Going straight up takes the tension off the abs and hip flexors.

We lifted our legs to 45 degrees at the Academy, not straight up. I think I remember hearing that bringing them straight up wasn't good for your back.

Got it. When at the academy, do the cadets do 200 reps in one set, or are they broken up, i.e, 4 sets of 50, etc.?

Thanks, Everyone!

There isn't actually a standard routine for what the cadets do. Did we ever do 200 reps in a row? Yeah. Did we ever break up sets of leg lifts with sets of other nasty exercises? Yup. Your workouts need to consist of: intensity, intensity, intensity. While you're working out, yell at yourself for being both fat and lazy, and deride yourself for ever thinking you could work for the CHP. Next, tell yourself to "go home" and get a job at Mc Donald's. Afterward, tell yourself (at the top of your lungs) your workout was pathetic and embarassing, and if you had really prepared for Academy you wouldn't be breathing so hard. That'll give you a little preview of the fun you'll have PT-ing every morning. :biggrin: :biggrin:

well put, that pretty much sums up the whole academy PT experience right there.

[RodeoChippie]

Don't forget the motivating and uplifting banter by the PT Staff. When you start to feel down just seek their counsel and they will make you feel a whole lot better about yourself.

[chico.medic]

Don't forget the motivating and uplifting banter by the PT Staff. When you start to feel down just seek their counsel and they will make you feel a whole lot better about yourself.

OMG, My sarcasm-dar caught fire and started smoking..........:shock:

[Panda]

How about you just try your best to train and when you get there you'll find out what really happens. It's 90% mental! It's part of the initiation process or a right of passage, we all had to go through it. Most didn't get to ask or even have the "stones" to ask about PT. Your seniors there when you meet them won't even discuss it with you. If you want this job no matter what shape you're in, you will overcome. adapt, and do what it takes to get the badge. Asking a milllion questions about it isn't going to make it any easier for you and I'm sure if the PT staff looks at some of the things discussed on this forum they will just work you much more harder. Trust me, PT was not my strong point at the Academy so just work you're tail off. Just my 2 cents.

[UNICRON82]

Thanks for the 2 cents Panda!...I agree with everything you say, I guess I am just a little nervous (probably like the other 180 cadets) when I added this topic. My father and brother who are both x-marines said the same thing, most of it is in your head. ...I will just do it. I'll do whatever it takes to make it to graduation...thanks again.

[Mac]

Just gut up and give 110%, no matter what you face. I don't care HOW good of physical shape you are in, nobody has an easy time of it at the Academy.....maybe some easier than others, but nobody skips through there without leaving a lot of sweat on that gym floor.

[Panda]

Thanks for the 2 cents Panda!...I agree with everything you say, I guess I am just a little nervous (probably like the other 180 cadets) when I added this topic. My father and brother who are both x-marines said the same thing, most of it is in your head. ...I will just do it. I'll do whatever it takes to make it to graduation...thanks again.

Dude, If you finish and graduate you'll understand where I'm coming from. I mean what I say that I was not Mr. P.T. But the PT Staff there takes a lot of pride in what they do and I would think as a matter of fact I know (I am friends with a PT Instructor) they get irritated when Cadets try to find out what goes on before they get there. Preparation is one thing, trying to figure out what goes on everyday is all part of becoming a CHP Officer. For instance once you get out on the road you never know when a situation that appears Code 4 then goes "sideways." Expect the unexpected, we had an ex-Navy Seal having trouble if you can believe that. Have a kick ass attitude and stay positive and you'll be fine. Good Luck.

[Tom]

What about Lee Harvey Oswald?

[DevilDog]

Sorry,

But he too is classified as a former Marine. If you ask any Marine who has done his time or retired, they will be quick to tell you they are a former, not an x-Marine.

It's all about pride and tradition since we are now almost 231 years old.

Since this is a PT thread, we'll leave at that. We'll just do the best we can at the PT-giving 110% like everyone has said. Nothing like a little @ss kicking.