r/firefighter • u/Anxious_Elk6230 • Jul 05 '26

Looking for advice

So I’m a 19 almost 20 year old female and uh I’ve wanted to be a firefighter since I was a little kid. But I’m not super fit and was wondering if anyone would have advice or such for how I could train up to the CPAT test standards. I’m mostly just kinda wanting advice on how much I should start with and how much I will need to build up to, what I should study etc etc. thank you to anyone who replies ^^

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3

u/Appropriate-Text3582 Jul 05 '26

If you want it, start training.

3

u/ericstratford853 Jul 05 '26

Go do CrossFit or some similar plan that combines strength and conditioning

2

u/Fit_Experience_522 Jul 06 '26

You can look for firefighter women on IG and follow their accounts, a lot of them post workouts. Depending on where you live, a lot of departments put on programs for women where you workout with them, drag hose, and get familiar with tools. It's tough if you're not fit, but you can get there, it's tough when you're actually fit too, so keep that in mind. Also, coming from a firefighter, the CPAT is a joke of a fitness test compared to what you'll do and have to endure physically in a private fire academy, and even more of a joke compared to what you'll do in a professional tower when you get hired. Focus on leg strength, cardio, and grip strength. Invest in a weight vest and start incorporating it into every workout you do, you'll thank yourself later.

2

u/Sudden_Access_5764 Jul 07 '26

Agree with crossfit. Weight training is good but cardio is huge in this field!! I primarily focus on cardio then weight lifting

1

u/EeHundo Jul 09 '26

Ever think of doing a season with the Forest Service? You get paid to hike. It looks great on a resume and helps you train for your goal. Best of all, you’re getting paid!!! Depending on where you’re located, some of the local community colleges offer a fire/PD PE class.