Lowering Garda Fitness Standards in 2025 Won’t Solve Recruitment

The leadership of An Garda Síochána has recently made a controversial decision: they’re lowering the Garda fitness test standards for 2025.

Their reasoning? To boost recruitment numbers and meet the government’s target of 1,000 new hires—a goal they’ve consistently fallen short of for years.

But is making the fitness test easier really the right move? Not even close.

In fact, reducing physical requirements for law enforcement could make policing more dangerous—for officers, suspects, and the public.

Garda Fitness Test 2025: What’s Changing?

Here’s a quick comparison between the old and new Garda fitness test:

Fitness Test Component	Old Requirements	2025 Revised Requirements
Push-ups & Sit-ups	Required for upper body endurance	❌ Removed
Beep Test	Higher level required, adjusted for gender/age	🔻 Lowered, now same for all
Circuit Test	Mannequin drag (simulating real-life situations)	🔄 Replaced with push/pull obstacle

These changes aim to increase pass rates—but at what cost?

Up to 35% of applicants currently fail the fitness test. Instead of lowering the bar, why not help applicants meet it with better training?

Why Fit Officers Matter More Than Ever

1. Stronger Officers = Safer Arrests & Fewer Injuries

There’s solid research proving that fitter officers:

✔ Handle physical confrontations better, reducing the need for excessive force.

✔ Are less likely to get injured on duty.

✔ Can protect civilians more effectively in high-risk situations.

A study in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research found that law enforcement officers with higher fitness levels perform better in use-of-force scenarios and experience fewer injuries in the line of duty.

When officers lack physical strength, they rely more on weapons or brute force—which can escalate situations unnecessarily.

2. Fitness Builds Confidence & Smarter Decision-Making

Police work is unpredictable. Officers need to make split-second decisions under extreme pressure.

Studies show that fitter individuals handle stress better and are less likely to panic in high-risk situations.

💡 Key stat: A study on police fitness training found that higher fitness levels correlate with better judgment and emotional stability under stress.

A weaker force = higher stress = more mistakes.

3. The REAL Reason Garda Recruitment Is Struggling

Lowering fitness standards won’t fix the recruitment crisis. The real problems driving people away from policing include:

💰 Low Pay – New recruits start on just €35,322 per year【source】.

⏳ Poor Work-Life Balance – Shift work, long hours, and burnout.

📉 Limited Career Progression – Many leave due to lack of growth opportunities.

Instead of making the test easier, why not make the profession more appealing?

A Smarter Solution: Train Officers for Real-World Scenarios

One of the biggest gaps in Garda training? Practical, hands-on defensive tactics.

BJJ: The Skill Every Garda Should Have

One of the most effective non-violent control techniques is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ).

Why? Because it allows officers to:

🥋 Subdue resisting suspects safely without causing injury.

💪 Rely less on weapons and brute force.

🚔 Control high-stress situations with confidence.

Many top police forces worldwide have integrated BJJ into their training programs—so why aren’t we?

If the concern is applicant fitness, the answer isn’t to lower standards. It’s to equip officers with the skills they actually need to succeed.

How to Prepare for the Garda Fitness Test 2025

Want to pass the new Garda fitness test and stand out as a stronger recruit?

📍 Follow a structured PCT training program focused on:

✅ Cardiovascular endurance – Beep test drills, sprint intervals.

✅ Strength & power – Upper body training (even if push-ups aren’t required anymore).

✅ Grip & core strength – Essential for real-world policing tasks.

✅ Tactical fitness – BJJ, agility drills, and functional movements.

Train Smarter, Not Easier—Exclusive Offer for Garda Applicants

At The FitBoss, we respect and support those stepping up to serve the community.

That’s why we’re offering:

🔥 10% OFF all training programs for Garda and military applicants 🔥

📩 Ready to meet (or exceed) the standard?

👉 Book a FREE consultation today and start training the right way.

Claim Your Free Consultation

⏳ Limited spots available—train now before the next recruitment round!

Final Thoughts

This isn’t about gatekeeping or making things harder than they need to be. It’s about ensuring that the people entrusted with public safety are truly prepared.

We don’t need weaker standards—we need better training and support.

💬 What do you think about the Garda fitness test changes? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!

About the Authors

Ross and Stephanie O’Loughlin are certified strength coaches and EQF Level 4 personal trainers based in Wexford/Wicklow, Ireland. Through their coaching brand, The FitBoss, they help busy men and women reclaim energy, build strength, and feel confident—without fads or fluff. With years of hands-on coaching experience and a science-based approach, they specialize in sustainable fitness strategies that fit real lives.

📍 In-person & Online Coaching Available

📧 Learn more or book a consult at thefitboss.ie

_______________________________________________________________________________

References

Lowering Garda Fitness Standards in 2025 Won’t Solve Recruitment—Here’s What Will

Garda Fitness Test 2025: What’s Changing?

Why Fit Officers Matter More Than Ever

1. Stronger Officers = Safer Arrests & Fewer Injuries

2. Fitness Builds Confidence & Smarter Decision-Making

3. The REAL Reason Garda Recruitment Is Struggling

A Smarter Solution: Train Officers for Real-World Scenarios

BJJ: The Skill Every Garda Should Have

How to Prepare for the Garda Fitness Test 2025

Train Smarter, Not Easier—Exclusive Offer for Garda Applicants

Final Thoughts

About the Authors

References

Official Garda Recruitment & Fitness Test Changes

Police Officer Fitness & Job Performance Studies

Garda Pay & Recruitment Challenges

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for Law Enforcement

Recent Posts

Comments

Book Your Free Consultation Today!