Rockport Walk
Join Date: Feb 2011
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Yes MAA action has been raised against me as for lard arse, i train 5 days a week including 2 PTI lead circuits sessions a week and am also a spinning instructor and take classes weekly so hardly a bad attitude towards phys is it.
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
Wensleydale, I said at post #4
That of course is simplistic. If I change gender, which of course is more difficult, then passing becomes easy.
But I imagine the lose weight aspect is really to get a lower heart beat as you are doing less work.
But I imagine the lose weight aspect is really to get a lower heart beat as you are doing less work.
Join Date: Jun 2005
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iainchef
Remember that every cloud has a silver lining. Keep your eyes on the rules for the test; if they are changed because the test is faulty, or if the test is withdrawn, then your sebsequent Service Complaint might generate a worthwhile out-of-court settlement!
Remember that every cloud has a silver lining. Keep your eyes on the rules for the test; if they are changed because the test is faulty, or if the test is withdrawn, then your sebsequent Service Complaint might generate a worthwhile out-of-court settlement!
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Yes MAA action has been raised against me as for lard arse, i train 5 days a week including 2 PTI lead circuits sessions a week and am also a spinning instructor and take classes weekly so hardly a bad attitude towards phys is it.
Join Date: Feb 2011
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My MAA will only stand for 2 weeks as i am posted and they do not go in SJAR as it is a fitness MAA, a second fail = a formal warning and that will go in my SJAR and screw my career think a trip to the Med Centre for stress is in order, they must comment on my "attitude towards fitness" where i think the words used were "incredibly positive attitude towards fitness" however what do i know,
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Rockport Walk
Just failed my Rockport Walk on Fri last. Haven't failed a fitness test since they were introduced in the early 90's, and now need to improve by 25% in 12 weeks. So, either I have to lose 20+ kilos at the same finishing heart rate, or reduce heart rate to higher than it was before I started the walk - in 12 weeks! I was also briefed that I had to keep on the bib and heart rate monitor while I did the press-ups & sit-ups (2 people doing the test, so easily open to confusion....).
I'm not overly worried about MAA cos I'll probably be gone before it could get me, but I feel very sorry for you younger, fatter chaps who fail. An ill-thought test, poorly organised and definitely fatness, not fitness, biased.
I'm not overly worried about MAA cos I'll probably be gone before it could get me, but I feel very sorry for you younger, fatter chaps who fail. An ill-thought test, poorly organised and definitely fatness, not fitness, biased.
Join Date: Apr 2005
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Just an observation, but...
tommee_hawk raises an interesting point.
If several people are wearing heart monitors, which are transmitting to the receiver on their wrist, the signals from one individuals chest strap may interfere with the person's next to them. I have experience of this in the gym myself, so feel free to substitute 'may interfere' with 'will interfere'.
So if a group of people are being clocked within, say, 10 feet of each other, you may end up with someone else's heart reading.
There is a strong probability that incorrect readings will be taken.
That'll be an MAA, then.
If several people are wearing heart monitors, which are transmitting to the receiver on their wrist, the signals from one individuals chest strap may interfere with the person's next to them. I have experience of this in the gym myself, so feel free to substitute 'may interfere' with 'will interfere'.
So if a group of people are being clocked within, say, 10 feet of each other, you may end up with someone else's heart reading.
There is a strong probability that incorrect readings will be taken.
That'll be an MAA, then.
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Guys,
I don't know if you read my posts previously but I'll try to sum up my experience with the RPW.
I have only ever done the RPW as an annual fitness test, being over 40 when annual tests were introduced. In the past during my 32 and half years I have done mile and a half and bleep tests as required for leadership courses.
Being quite a small build is an advantage when taking part in the RPW, there is no doubt about that but you must have a basic level of "fitness" to pass the walk. I have already stated that you are at a disadvantage if you are fit, but "big", but then one must ask why you choose to take part in a test that disadvantages "big" people when you could opt for the run or the bleep test.
I have also stated that the Naval PTIs are well versed in conducting the RPW test, so if you think that your PTIs are failing to carry out the test correctly then ask them to consult with people who know what they are doing, either that or with all due respect, grow a set and put it in writing to you OIC, after all its your career.
The "younger" members of my division who have had to try the RPW due to ailments and conditions that preclude running all say they would rather do the run or bleep test, why? because they are unmonitored (no heart monitor) and they say "easier".
As for interference between monitors, the staff at Culdrose are well aware of the possibilities of this happening and brief the attendees thoroughly and carry out function tests prior to the walk. In all my time since this walk has been used here I can honestly say that I've never heard of "cross contamination" of readings causing a fail and thus a warning.
cheers
I don't know if you read my posts previously but I'll try to sum up my experience with the RPW.
I have only ever done the RPW as an annual fitness test, being over 40 when annual tests were introduced. In the past during my 32 and half years I have done mile and a half and bleep tests as required for leadership courses.
Being quite a small build is an advantage when taking part in the RPW, there is no doubt about that but you must have a basic level of "fitness" to pass the walk. I have already stated that you are at a disadvantage if you are fit, but "big", but then one must ask why you choose to take part in a test that disadvantages "big" people when you could opt for the run or the bleep test.
I have also stated that the Naval PTIs are well versed in conducting the RPW test, so if you think that your PTIs are failing to carry out the test correctly then ask them to consult with people who know what they are doing, either that or with all due respect, grow a set and put it in writing to you OIC, after all its your career.
The "younger" members of my division who have had to try the RPW due to ailments and conditions that preclude running all say they would rather do the run or bleep test, why? because they are unmonitored (no heart monitor) and they say "easier".
As for interference between monitors, the staff at Culdrose are well aware of the possibilities of this happening and brief the attendees thoroughly and carry out function tests prior to the walk. In all my time since this walk has been used here I can honestly say that I've never heard of "cross contamination" of readings causing a fail and thus a warning.
cheers
Join Date: Feb 2005
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OldGrubber,
I second that RE: RPW. Due to a back problem I had to utilise the RPW in the last few years of my service and have never experienced any problems at VL. I also concur that the Naval PTI's are very good. I have only witnessed one failure and that was at SULTAN.
What did confuse me last year was the differences between RN and RAF requirements for the beep test at St Mawgan. It was advantageous to be in the dark blue it appeared! Why are the required standards so different?
Regards
SJ
I second that RE: RPW. Due to a back problem I had to utilise the RPW in the last few years of my service and have never experienced any problems at VL. I also concur that the Naval PTI's are very good. I have only witnessed one failure and that was at SULTAN.
What did confuse me last year was the differences between RN and RAF requirements for the beep test at St Mawgan. It was advantageous to be in the dark blue it appeared! Why are the required standards so different?
Regards
SJ
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Because in the Navy there is only so much real estate to run away on. You reach the edge of the ship before reaching VO2 Max...the edge of airfields is much further...
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I must be really unfit, I got tired just reading the first page! 
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Bike test v RPW
I've had to do the cycle test for several years now due to loss of cartilage and a ruptured ACL in my right knee, and I have always scored light blue. So after reading the comments on this thread and being about 14 KG overweight I was a little apprehensive about undertaking the RPW. I Therefore decided to undertake the RPW in my own time and check my results- I failed!
I did however discover that the best way of maximising your VO2 max is to walk as fast as you possibly can and then slow right down for the last 200 meters. To improve, I practiced walking flat out over 1600m and did some interval training sessions on a X trainer.
A week later I took the test and my result was a VO2 max of 46. Whilst my VO2 max score had dropped slightly from my score on the bike it was still good enough to get a light blue. whilst the RPW does seem slightly harder, in my opinion if you can pass the bike test and do a bit of preparation then the RPW is easily passable.
I did however discover that the best way of maximising your VO2 max is to walk as fast as you possibly can and then slow right down for the last 200 meters. To improve, I practiced walking flat out over 1600m and did some interval training sessions on a X trainer.
A week later I took the test and my result was a VO2 max of 46. Whilst my VO2 max score had dropped slightly from my score on the bike it was still good enough to get a light blue. whilst the RPW does seem slightly harder, in my opinion if you can pass the bike test and do a bit of preparation then the RPW is easily passable.
Last edited by Boris1275; 17th Mar 2011 at 11:38.
I wish more people did pass the RAFFT then I wouldn't have to draft so many bloody Admin Reports for Discharge! (1027 SNLR).
But... people do have a 48 week period from first fail to final AR. I'm sure that if the Med Center provides a fit MES and the individual signs his deceleration to take the test then the RAFFT is achievable. Generally, the people that do moan about it are the minority that are unfit for RAF service. Harsh, but the standard has been set, the policy implemented - and if you don't stack up you get 3 chances (with 12 weeks between tests) to pass.
As an aside, I was told the RPW is easy to pass. Go balls out for the first period and then walk the last 400 meters and let your heart rate recover as the HR is only taken at the end of the test and not an average throughout.
But... people do have a 48 week period from first fail to final AR. I'm sure that if the Med Center provides a fit MES and the individual signs his deceleration to take the test then the RAFFT is achievable. Generally, the people that do moan about it are the minority that are unfit for RAF service. Harsh, but the standard has been set, the policy implemented - and if you don't stack up you get 3 chances (with 12 weeks between tests) to pass.
As an aside, I was told the RPW is easy to pass. Go balls out for the first period and then walk the last 400 meters and let your heart rate recover as the HR is only taken at the end of the test and not an average throughout.
Last edited by Grimweasel; 17th Mar 2011 at 18:48. Reason: spello!
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Today I went to do a rockport walk practice after just getting signed off after 18 months on a temporary MES.
1. Turned up at the gym at 1300 along with 11 others to do the practice.
2. At 1320 we were on the astro turf trying to get the heart rate monitors to work. In the end 7 appeared to be working so 7 set off- the other 5 (me included) then spent another 15 minutes randomly swapping monitors/ watch things to try and get a heart rate.
3. 1 of the 5 managed to get a heart rate although it showed either 211 or 0.
4. After the other 7 had finished, then spent another 15 minutes trying to get a monitor to work from those who had finished- unsucessful.
5. Retired to the gym to continue trying to get one to work.
6. An apologetic Cpl PTI attempts to get some working- unsucessful. Cpl PTI states that out of the 7 who managed the test he considered 3 results to be accurate.
7. Gave up and went back to work.
Result: I now have absolutely no faith in the accuracy of the test equipment- even if you get one that works at the start of the test is it going to accurately monitor your heart rate for the whole test?
From the comments of the PTI they obviously have no confidence in it either.
In 29 years in the service I have rarely witnessed anything as shambolic and flawed, yet the results of this test are affecting peoples (and their famillies) lives and careers. Is anybody doing anything about it?
1. Turned up at the gym at 1300 along with 11 others to do the practice.
2. At 1320 we were on the astro turf trying to get the heart rate monitors to work. In the end 7 appeared to be working so 7 set off- the other 5 (me included) then spent another 15 minutes randomly swapping monitors/ watch things to try and get a heart rate.
3. 1 of the 5 managed to get a heart rate although it showed either 211 or 0.
4. After the other 7 had finished, then spent another 15 minutes trying to get a monitor to work from those who had finished- unsucessful.
5. Retired to the gym to continue trying to get one to work.
6. An apologetic Cpl PTI attempts to get some working- unsucessful. Cpl PTI states that out of the 7 who managed the test he considered 3 results to be accurate.
7. Gave up and went back to work.
Result: I now have absolutely no faith in the accuracy of the test equipment- even if you get one that works at the start of the test is it going to accurately monitor your heart rate for the whole test?
From the comments of the PTI they obviously have no confidence in it either.
In 29 years in the service I have rarely witnessed anything as shambolic and flawed, yet the results of this test are affecting peoples (and their famillies) lives and careers. Is anybody doing anything about it?
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I recently had the opportunity to chat to COS Health, a 2 star at HQ Air, and he is all for the RPW. It's not going anywhere and from what he said, the beep test would also stay but the RPW would start to become the primary fitness test.
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Maybe he needs to be directed to this forum and explain himself then. It is quite clear that there are flaws, or misunderstandings that are contributing to a lack of trust. Debacles as described earlier do nothing to counter this perception.
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This is yet again, another flawed system that the MOD have purchased. I have already seen how it can be passed by people who normally could not.
The idea, is you complete the laps in the quickest time possible, but your HR over the last 400 m has to be at a level, which tallies with the time you did it, and you age.
Now, I have seen a chap do it last week, who did as most will do, and do all the laps constant, and failed.
He then took some advice, tried it a week later and passed, and you can't tell me he got fitter in a week.
So what did he do, well, he simply went as fast as he could for the first 3/4 without running, to get the time down, then slowed it right down, so when you hit the 400 m point, your HR has come down, and you simply walk the last 400m casually. This, after to doing the maths, shaved over 2 mins of his previous time, and got his Hr down in the measuring period, and gave him a pass
Flawed? You bet.
The idea, is you complete the laps in the quickest time possible, but your HR over the last 400 m has to be at a level, which tallies with the time you did it, and you age.
Now, I have seen a chap do it last week, who did as most will do, and do all the laps constant, and failed.
He then took some advice, tried it a week later and passed, and you can't tell me he got fitter in a week.
So what did he do, well, he simply went as fast as he could for the first 3/4 without running, to get the time down, then slowed it right down, so when you hit the 400 m point, your HR has come down, and you simply walk the last 400m casually. This, after to doing the maths, shaved over 2 mins of his previous time, and got his Hr down in the measuring period, and gave him a pass
Flawed? You bet.