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Weight Vests Question: Is the weight vest essential for training for a CPAT? Answer: In my opinion it is very essential. The CPAT (and the job) require immense core muscular strength. Using the vest in training is the best way to simulate the actual test. Further, it can prevent injuries during training. The spine is like a spring. It has curves that help it give when it's loaded. That load is safest for the spine when it is loaded centrally. Simply stated, the further the weight is away form your center or gravity, the more your spine is at risk. The low back discs take the majority of the load. If you load the spine straight from the top, say with 10 pounds, as a vest would, you have increased the pressure within the disc by 10 pounds. If you take that 10 pounds, say 6 inches out in front, you have increased the pressure put on that disc by 10-12 times. That's 100-120 lbs of pressure now placed on the spine. The more weight, and the further from the spine, the worse it gets. Add rotation, and it just gets worse! If you train with something that is far from center (like an Olympic bar), or unevenly balanced (like a back pack) you are loading your spine incorrectly. Remember, the CPAT testing center uses a weight vest. It limits their liability to use the safest method! Don't you be a liability to yourself! It's your body, your spine, your career, and your future! Youth may save you at this point, but if you have repeated micro injuries due to improper training... you risk your future in the fire service. I suggest the vest such as the one you can purchase at http://www.weightvest.com. Unless... You are taking the Biddle. Then you don't need the weight vest right away. And you need and extra few pages about how to change the workout to fit that test. Email Dr. Jen to request to have these extra pages be sent to you. |