Why You Need to Train Like an Athlete to Pass the POPAT (Even If You aren't One)
One of the biggest misconceptions I see with recruits is the idea that to pass the POPAT, you just need to do more cardio. They treat the test like a 5K run. But when you look at the demands of the test—fighting the push/pull machine, vaulting a barrier, sprinting, jumping—it’s not a jog. It’s a sport. And just like any sport, the POPAT requires athleticism.
The "Why" Behind Your Workout: Why We Always Start With Mobility
Ever walk into the gym and wonder why we spend the first 10 minutes doing "weird" stretches, controlled movements, and activation drills instead of just jumping right into the heavy stuff? It's tempting to see the warm-up as a roadblock to the "real" workout. In reality, it's the foundation for it. Here’s what’s happening during those critical first 10 minutes:
Are You Failing the POPAT? You're Probably Training for It Wrong.
Why Your "Marathon" Mindset Won't Work for This All-Out Sprint. For any police applicant, the POPAT (Police Officer's Physical Abilities Test) is the first major hurdle. It's a high-stakes, pass/fail test that stands between you and your career. And for many, it’s a source of massive frustration.
Pro Tips for Passing the POPAT on Your First Try
Failing your POPAT is more than just frustrating—it's expensive, it costs you time, and it delays your career. The hard truth is that most applicants who fail aren't in bad shape. They just fail to prepare for the specifics of the test. The POPAT is a skills test as much as a fitness test. As a coach who trains applicants for this test every single week, I've seen the same small mistakes derail countless careers. Don't be one of them. Here are 7 pro tips to ensure you pass on your first attempt.
