Fitness enthusiasts can turn up at the National Stadium from July 9 to join a FIT-stepper programme launched by the Singapore Sports Hub.

The initiative helps them to deal with the challenge of stair-climbing and - for the most gung-ho - attain the physical conditioning to climb up and down more than 3,000 steps at the stadium.

At the end of the programme held twice weekly from July 9 to Sept 26, the organisers hope to get 4,000 people to sign up for the Singapore Sports Hub Stepper challenge on Oct 3.

During the programme, participants will get to train with the Singapore Women's Everest Team - Jane Lee, Sim Yihui, Joanne Soo, Lee Peh Gee, Lee Li Hui and Esther Tan - who are Stepper Ambassadors for the Oct 3 event.

Sponsored by Great Eastern, Compressport and Kallang Wave Mall, it features four categories - Community Fun Stepper (13 years and over), Kids Climb (7-12 years old), Competitive Speed Stepper (17 years and above) and Competitive Enduro Stepper (17 years and above).

Registration fees range from $10 to $20. Participants will have to complete a stepper course, from about 350 steps for the Kids Climb to 3,000 in the Competitive Enduro Stepper category.