FIT scheme to replace remedial training for NSmen

The remedial and voluntary preparatory training aspects of the individual physical proficiency test (IPPT) will be replaced by a new 10-session programme, the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) said yesterday.

The National Service Fitness Improvement Training (NS FIT) programme will be available from April 1 at 45 locations islandwide. There are currently 13 sites where NSmen can undergo training.

Under the new programme, NSmen will be able to choose from at least six different NS FIT training activities to fulfil the required 10 sessions.

They can register for the sessions through the ns.sg portal from March 25.

Currently, those unable to pass IPPT can opt for 10 voluntary IPPT preparatory training sessions, or participate in up to 20 remedial training sessions.

Brigadier-General Kenneth Liow, director of national service affairs, said NS FIT would streamline this "complicated" system of annual fitness requirements into one common programme.

Each NS FIT session, lasting approximately 60 to 75 minutes, can be easily fit into NSmen's busy schedules, he added.

"The vast majority of our NSmen meet their fitness requirements," said BG Liow.

"NS FIT is aimed at trying to promote a more healthy and active lifestyle."

The programme is one of the NS review committee's initiatives and also a collaboration between the SAF, Health Promotion Board (HPB) and Sport Singapore (SportSG).

The three organisations had signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to promote fitness and health among NSmen in 2017.

On top of existing training locations at parks, Safra gyms and fitness conditioning centres (FCCs) within army camps, NSmen can choose to undergo NS FIT at an additional three upcoming gym sites under ActiveSG - the national movement for sport - and 29 locations under HPB's Quick HIIT (high-intensity interval training) banner.

The Quick HIIT programme, started in 2018 as a first initiative under the MOU, is conducted daily at malls, community spaces and SportSG facilities.

It is open to the public and features short bursts of high-intensity exercises that build strength, endurance and aerobic fitness over time.

This is similar to metabolic circuit sessions conducted at FCCs, which also offer activities focused on aerobic threshold, weight loss, sports and IPPT-specific exercises.

Sessions at the Safra gyms are customised based on individual needs, and should an NSman decide to attend NS FIT at one gym, he will have to complete all 10 sessions at the same gym.

The 10 sessions include one IPPT attempt, to be taken at the NSman's choosing.

If he passes the test before the 10 sessions, he will not need to fulfil the remainder.

NS FIT was trialled from 2018 to 2019 with about 250 NSmen, including a brigade commanded by Colonel (NS) Michael Hua, 49.

He said: "The feedback we got from the guys on the ground was (that) it gives them flexibility and offers convenience. More importantly, it allows them to integrate fitness into their lifestyles."

Third Sergeant (NS) Muhammad Nur'azhari Zainal Abidin, who participated in the trial, agreed.

He said the accessibility of the locations and being able to plan sessions around his work schedule were major plus points, adding: "I lost weight and also gained the motivation to continue exercising."

NSmen's friends and family can also join them in their Quick HIIT sessions by booking a slot using HPB's Healthy 365 mobile app.

Home Team's NSmen will also adopt NS FIT from June.

They will be able to undergo FIT sessions at Home Team premises, HomeTeamNS clubhouses and ActiveSG gyms.