Graeme is a former Royal Marine Physical Training Instructor (PTI) who swapped his White Vest and Green Beret for Fighting Fires and saving lives.  In this post Graeme discusses some of the basic principles he used to help him smash his Fire-Fighting physical tests. (Picture by Gothick Matt)

Everyone is aware of the difficult and often stressful process to become what is regarded as one of the best jobs going, a FIREFIGHTER! We are all related to or know someone within our circle of friends who in your eyes would be ideally suited to the Fire Service. The one person, given the chance to choose, you would like to see climbing through your window at 02:30 in the morning physically capable of dragging you and your family out of a burning building to safety. However, for various reasons that person received a letter just like thousands of other possibly ‘ideal’ Firefighters stating that they did not hit the criteria and their application had been unsuccessful. The fire service recruitment process can be a challenging experience.

Due to my past role as a Royal Marine Commando (PTI) I allowed myself the luxury of being able to concentrate a large amount of preparation time on other phases of the application process such as the initial application form, written tests and ultimately the interview. This was achieved by my precise and religious dedication to the fitness and exercise programme I followed ensuring that when the physical tests were at hand I had no negative thoughts or worries if I was ‘fit enough’. I was fully prepared and more than physically capable of passing, the only thought I had, was how well I would pass.

The role related tests were the ones I wanted to excel at. This is where I wanted to prove that I was capable of being that Firefighter rescuing people from burning buildings. The day consisted of 5 tests in all, varying from strength, C.V, spacial awareness, dexterity and of course a physical assessment on ladders. All these tests asked different physical questions from you. It’s important to prepare the correct way, specifically training to meet your goals of passing this phase and progressing. I implemented many different exercises alternating on a regular basis between strength, C.V and muscular endurance circuits. I also trained specifically for the tests. Utilising my PTI experience I used different methods of training from SAQ circuits to Power Bag circuits. Included in my training regime were swimming (hypoxic training) and this along with a balanced and healthy diet proved to be a 1st class recipe for success.

Goal setting really does help you to focus on the things you want to achieve. My goal was to pass these physical tests but not just pass them, smash them, and I did. The same principles can be applied to anything you do in life. Set yourself a goal, create milestones and keep working towards it.

Being a Firefighter is a truly amazing job. It has changed my life dramatically. Every day consists of new and different challenges, testing you in every way imaginable. You really do make a difference and going to work each day to save lives, well, it doesn’t get much better than that!

Fancy getting fit as fire? Stay tuned for our new workout that will show you what Graeme did to smash his physical tests.

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