[TerriT]

Hi Everyone,
I just found this site yesterday and I am so glad I did. In two weeks I go for the first written test for the Chicago Fire Dept. If I pass, then I will go for the physical tests.
Any tips on how to prepare for this first one? And is there anybody from Chicago on the boards?

Thanks!
Terri

[Mindy]

Good luck on your written! I would review some FireFighter Exam books at the local library in the Civil Service section. This way you can take some practice tests and see where your weakest areas are and can study for them with the help of the book. I found those very helpful to improve scores.

I almost put an app. in too for Chicago. That is my hometown! I grew up in Naperville which I saw was hiring as of around Easter time. I'm currently in Ohio but, miss Chicago.

Just yesterday when in an interview and asked why I want to be a firefighter I replied with "I remember going to the fire museum downtown Chicago and learning about Mrs. O'Leary's cow kicking over the lantern and from that point on in elementary school was facinated with firefighting and the trucks!"
Best of luck to you on your test. Take pride in the history of Chicago fire fighting. Let that inspire you during the written and your agility test. I passed my agility test just 6 days ago and did it in a breeze. Let me know if you need any tips training...I'm also a personal trainer.

Good Luck!

Mindy

[TerriT]

Mindy,

Thank you so much for your reply. I would really appreciate any tips on training you have. I was going to join a gym to workout but not to sure on what to workout on. A friend of ours said that the tests are not hard and not to worry, but I'm a little overweight and outshape, so I want to do all I can to get ready.

I know Naperville well. I have lived in the Plainfield/Joliet area.

You can email directly at

Terri

[Old Fire Gal]

TerriT --

I don't know what test the Chicago FD uses, but I would never approach a firefighter entrance test by thinking it wasn't going to be hard. Especially if I felt I wasn't in the best physical condition, I would start working out now, pretty aggressively.

Try to find out what the test consists of. (They should tell you, but some fire departments still seem to think it should be a secret.) Then take that information to the gym and have a trainer design a workout routine for you that's based on the test.

If you can't find out what's on the test, or don't have the option of having someone create a workout for you, then start in on your own with both cardio and strength training. For cardio, you can run, use a stepmill, take a spinning class, etc. 30 minutes per workout, three times a week. For strength training, I strongly recommend free weights: bench presses, something to work your triceps, lat pulls, and maybe curls. Start light, but keep adding weight as you get stronger. Three or four times a week would be good for your strength workouts, too.

I'm sure others will chime in with their favorite workouts. The details of your fitness training aren't as important as the simple fact of doing it.

I realize this means a major time commitment, but it will make both the testing and (if you're successful) the firefighter training process much easier. And, as someone said in another post, a firefighter's commitment to fitness should be lifelong, so now is a good place to start.

Good luck!

Old Fire Gal

[Mindy]

Terri,

I would workout 5-6 days a week to prepare for your agility test. See if you can find out what kind of test it is and adjust your workout accordingly. You want to start slowly so, you don't injure yourself. Use enough weight so if you are doing 10-12 reps the last 2-3 are very challenging. I would altnernate cardio days with weight training. Ie, take a spinning class 2-3 times a week and alternate days with the following body circuit. Complete this body circuit two times in a row if you can taking about 30-45 seconds rest between exercises. However, maybe start out with only one time thru the circuit till you are stronger and fitter.

Complete 10-12 reps for each exercise:

Seated Leg Press or Barbell Squats
Dumbell military press or Barbell Press
Lat Pulldown
Rear step back lunge
Bench Press and or push ups
Seated Row Cable pull
Step Ups onto a bench (one minute)
Lying hamstring curl
Bicep Curl
Tricep Pushdown
Back Extensions
Abs (mix up the style every 30 reps for a total of around 200)

The above should take around 25 minutes.

If you are not familiar with what each exercise is you can get some great strength training books at the library with descriptions and pictures! Or ask a personal trainer at your gym for tips on form etc. Don't try and do too much...make it fun with some good music on the MP3 player too

Best of luck!!
Mindy