SAF is Replacing IPT & RT with a New System from 1 April; NSmen Can Register from 25 March

Detest the current IPPT preparatory training and/or remedial training sessions with a vengeance?

Well, good news; you will soon be able to undertake a whole new system of fitness training without any of those two accursed notions.

Though whether it will get easier, is really another question altogether.

SAF is Replacing IPT & RT with a New System from 1 April; NSmen Can Register from 25 March

According to the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), a new 10-session programme will soon replace the current remedial training plans (i.e. people who can’t pass IPPT).

If you’re eligible, you should have also received an SMS about this.

Called the NS Fitness Improvement Training (FIT) programme, it will be available at 45 locations islandwide from 1 April 2021. At the current moment, 13 sites are already open for training.

The FIT programme will allow NSMen to pick from at least six varying NS Fit training activities.

Each session is expected to last around 60 to 75 minutes.

Apart from parks, Safra gyms and in-camp fitness conditioning centres (FCCs), eligible NSMen can also sign up at three upcoming ActiveSG gyms and 29 locations that fall under the HPB’s Quick HIIT (high-intensity interval training) banner.

Sessions at Safra gyms, it should be noted, are reportedly tweaked based on individual requirements.

Apparently, the mandatory ten sessions would entail one IPPT attempt, much like the usual IPT / RT. If an NSMan manages to pass it ahead of the completion of all ten sessions, he would essentially be granted a “get out of jail” card.

Overall, the NS Fit programme is said to improve fitness as a whole.

“The vast majority of our NSmen meet their fitness requirements,” said Brigadier-General Kenneth Liow. “NS FIT is aimed at trying to promote a more healthy and active lifestyle.”

NSMen can sign up via the ns.sg portal from 25 March.

Previous Trial

The programme is reportedly an initiative from the NS Review Committee and is a collaboration between the SAF, Health Promotion Board (HPB) and Sport Singapore (SportSG).

It was trialled from 2018 to 2019, with a sample size of some 250 NSMen.

Participants, in particular, were supportive of the programme’s flexibility and fitness-oriented aspects.

“The feedback we got from the guys from the ground was (that) it gives them flexibility and offers convenience,” said Colonel (NS) Michael Hua, 49. “More importantly, it allows them to integrate fitness into their lifestyles.”

Meanwhile, the Home Team’s NSMen are set to embrace NS Fit from June.

Family And Friends

For those who are reviled by the prospect of exercising alone, you may be heartened to know that your family and friends can join you for a Quick HIIT session as well.

To participate, they simply need to book a slot via HPB’s Healthy 365 mobile app.

As an inspirational show once taught us:

“We’re all in this together.”

Or at least, that’s what they preach until your companions start getting exhausted from the workouts.

Covid-19 Situation

In the meantime, here’s an update on the recent situation.

On 21 Dec 2020, the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) announced that more IPPT-related activities will resume from 4 Jan 2020.

This includes IPPT preparatory training (IPT) at Fitness Conditioning Centres (FCCs) as well as those at the park, IPT-in-the-Park.

For those worried about safety, Mindef says that this training will be conducted in line with Phase 3 guidelines, including reduced capacity and in small groups.

Other safe management measures that’ll also be implemented are:

• Temperature-checking
• Physical distancing
• Wearing masks at all times (except during strenuous exercise)

Feature Image: Facebook (The Singapore Army)