Rozaiman

Can you remember the first time you failed IPPT (the year)?

Yes. It was in poly. I could only muster up 2 pull-ups. Because of this, I went into NS under enhanced which added 2 months to my NSF journey.

What do you think caused your fitness to slide from NSF days to the time you failed IPPT?

Since that failure, I worked hard in my recruit phase to improve my IPPT and on my final IPPT in Tekong, I managed gold with 15 pull-ups.

When I ord-ed, my fitness fell due to work and family commitments. However, I still worked hard whenever the IPPT was close, and I scored silver for many years but couldn’t achieve gold.

What is your most recent IPPT result / score?

Gold.

Describe the turning (decision) point in your life that made you start on a journey to improve your fitness?

Even though I could achieve silver then, I struggled and did not feel fit enough. When Covid came, it presented an opportunity for me to dedicate more time to my fitness. Since then, I attempt to maintain regular exercise so that my standards don’t slip.

What were your top 2 or 3 motivators for getting fit again?

Personally, I wanted to achieve Gold IPPT and I wanted to be a role model to my men, friends and family that we can still keep fit despite our busy schedules.

Having said that, gold IPPT need not be the only motivator. Everyone is different in terms of time and aspiration. The key is to begin a fitness journey and enjoy it.

What helped you to push through the difficulties when you decided to become fitter?

Family who supported me gave me time and space to train and participate in various runs.

What exercises did you do in the first and second month of getting back into shape?

My fitness routine is very simple. I started with 2 (3-5 km) runs a week and on the days I don't run, I will do push ups and sit ups (several sets up to 100).

Was it difficult when you tried to improve your fitness once again?

Yes and no. I think yes because it was a big change in terms of time commitment where I had previously only exercised 2-3 months leading up to IPPT. Now, I exercise almost every day. But it got easier as I found ways to fit my exercises to my life, not the other way round. Example, I start exercising after work, after picking up the kids and before dinner. This allows me to have dinner with my family and guide my kids in their studies after dinner.

No, because I was determined to make it work.

Was it worth it?

Yes. I think exercise, especially running, gives me an outlet to destress and reflect. Which is a big impact on my mental wellbeing.

What would you say to encourage NSmen who are in RT and struggle to pass IPPT?

Don’t change your life to fit exercise. Fit exercise into your life. Find pockets of time in your day where you can fit in 30 mins/1hr to exercise. Find activities that you do with family and infuse exercise into it. Once it becomes a routine, it becomes a habit.