SAF TRIALS DO-IT-YOURSELF IPT

Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen) could be adding another option to their plate of fitness programmes aimed at helping them get fitter.

The latest initiative by the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) is called Self-Administered IPPT Preparatory Training (IPT), and starts on 18 Sep.

The four-month trial will see NSmen from a selected unit using fitness-tracker technology to clock IPT sessions at their own time. They can use either the Health Promotion Board's interactive Diet and Activity Tracker (iDAT) app or wearable Fitbit fitness bands.

The larger intent behind these changes to the physical fitness system is to encourage NSmen to take greater responsibility for their fitness, said Head of the National Service Affairs Department Colonel (COL) Chua Boon Keat.

Those using the fitness bands will have to clock 75 active minutes weekly to clock one IPT session, while those using the iDAT app will have to achieve 75 minutes of running at an average pace of seven minutes per kilometre. For more details, see the first infographic below.

Under the trial, NSmen will continue to do their first and last IPT sessions at one of the Fitness Conditioning Centres (FCCs) where they will take the IPPT (Individual Physical Proficiency Test).

"That's our control measure. When the NSmen take the IPPT at the tenth session, we will know if their fitness has really improved," said COL Chua Boon Keat.

The SAF also started a four-month trial of another fitness initiative, IPT-in-the-Park, on 18 Sep. Besides the four FCCs, NSmen can sign up to do their IPT in five designated locations - The Promontory@Marina Bay, MOE Co-Curricular Activities Branch, Jurong Central Park, Bishan Park and Punggol Park.

2nd Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing visited the first session of IPT-in-the-Park held at Bishan Park this evening. "IPT-in-the-Park will bring greater convenience to NSmen; they now have nine locations across the island to do their IPT." The session was attended by 20 NSmen.

Explaining the slew of measures, Mr Chan said: "We want NSmen to take greater ownership (of their fitness) because we believe this is the best way to motivate them.

"We want to do what we can to help them to keep fit while they work and, at the same time, serve their national duties."

One of the NSmen who attended the IPT-in-the-Park session, 2nd Sergeant (2SG) (NS) Joel Chua, said: "The intensity is as effective as what we experience in the FCC."

"It's more convenient and accessible; I will be able to come more often and do more sessions in a week," added the 24-year-old IT consultant who served in the Signals Formation.

The SAF had announced changes to the IPPT format this July, simplifying the test to a three-station format of push-ups, sit-ups and a 2.4km run.

Following the new IPPT format, the SAF rolled out a new IPT system on 1 Sep. NSmen can choose to take part in five programmes targeted at boosting different aspects of fitness. Other changes to IPT included shorter session times (75mins, down from two hours) and smaller "class-sizes" of 30 (previously 50).

In 2010, the SAF revised the combat fitness training system with the introduction of Vocation Related Exercises, Vocation Obstacle Course and a redesigned Standard Obstacle Course.

Update: The IPT-in-the-park trial location at the MOE Co-Curricular Activities Branch was changed to Pasir Ris Park from 21 Oct 2014.