Modify 2.4km IPPT run to ease strain on heart
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Modify 2.4km IPPT run to ease strain on heart
I REFER to the report, 'SAF officer dies after 1.2km run' (ST, Jan 3).
There has been a spate of deaths recently with the victims collapsing while running. Most national servicemen have to complete a 2.4km run in order to fulfil their annual Individual Physical Proficiency Test (IPPT), so I think it is high time the Ministry of Defence looked into revamping this segment of IPPT.
On average, in order to obtain a Gold standard in the IPPT, a national serviceman has to obtain a minimum of four points (out of a maximum of five points) for each of the four stationary fitness stations and then run 2.4km in about 10 minutes, plus or minus half a minute.
Anyone who has ever achieved a sub-10 for a 2.4km run can attest to the power of endurance needed, and the pain and fatigue undergone. Of course, the excitement and sense of achievement are what push one through.
However, it is unrealistic to expect the majority of national servicemen to reach that level of fitness. Many have unintentionally injured themselves trying to break the 10-minute barrier by overtaxing their bodies.
Hence, it is not advisable to set such a short time limit for a 2.4km run.
Fitness experts recommend that we engage in a cardiovascular exercise continuously for at least 20 minutes in order to maximise its benefits. Running a sub-10 does not seem to serve that purpose.
My suggestion is to extend the distance of the run to 4km or 5km, with a time limit of 30 to 40 minutes, thereby focusing more on the endurance and general fitness than speed. This should put less strain on the heart and body, while giving the runners some time to warm up and ready their bodies for the run in a less gruelling manner.
We cannot delude ourselves that these 'running deaths', which have led to the demise of healthy men in their 20s to 50s, are coincidences. Neither can we attribute the concerns expressed over these occurrences to 'sensationalised news' by the press.
Instead of a sudden burst of energy to complete a run in a short time, a longer run may be all it takes to prevent a cardiac arrest. -
Ease the strain on the heart??
If someone has a pre-existing (un-explained) heart condition, running anywhere from 5m to 5km will trigger a cardiac arrest.
And if we want to extend your limitation to other areas in our life, then maybe we should make a law stating the duration of sex too. Anything less than 5mins will incur a $500 fine, Policemen armed with stopwatches will be conducting spot checks.
Don't be cock lah. -
you sound like a fitness specialist eh. why not take your suggestion to the relevant department?
if you post here you'll only get scolded for nothing, because you mentioned extending the distance to 4 or 5km. If it's me, I would have made a big fuss out of it too. -
30-40 min I think too easy for 4km.
11 min+ for me at 2.4 is already only just achievable. -
erm...
4 to 5km within 30 to 40mins seems...
easy...
yea...
even for secondary students... -
chey.... i tot SAF came out with new SOP...
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Want to chao keng then say.
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http://www.sgforums.com/?action=thread_display&thread_id=302484
2.4km a lot of strain on heart? It just depends on whether you trained your heart properly. -
hell, that seems to be the time we take for a fast march.Originally posted by popikachu:erm...
4 to 5km within 30 to 40mins seems...
easy...
yea...
even for secondary students... -
i run 2.4 want to faint already.
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nope
i dont think so.
A better way is to control the diet of all servicemen, ensure a suitable diet.
have u all ever observed that many top athletes dont collapsed whereas normal ppl collapse after AHM or standard chartered? it reflects very much upon the lifestyle of the runners -
i am 174cm weighting 75kg now.
I used to be overweight but after trying to jog...
i can run like 12min.... (with practice..)
i think abit more fit and more time.. 10min or 11min is not a problem..
my main concern is pull up and standing broad jump that is also not completed by most not-so-fit ppl
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I think the consideration here is 2.4 timing for NSMen. Fact of the matter is, many NSMen don't usually keep in shape by exercising regularly or even running regularly.
Most of the time, 3-4 months before IPPT, they will start to run and work out to get ready for their IPPT. Some of them, because they've managed to get Silver or Gold results in the past, think they can start training a lil later due to busy schedules and achieve the same results. That mentality is indeed unsafe for his health.
Given the kind of hectic working environment most Singaporean guys have, they just don't view running or jogging as a form of "de-stressing" activity after work. Most would rather head home, sit in front of their Tellies and vegetate.
Essentially, what I'm saying is that, its not just a fitness issue here. Its an issue that has its roots with our social and economic situation. The guys need to work hard to put bread on the table, swimming against rising inflation, government taxes and tariffs. At the end of the day, they aren't motivated to exercise anymore, especially if its to fulfill a government expectation. -
FINALLY GOT MY IPPT GOLD!
I CAN WEAR IT ON MY NO.4 WITH PRIDE
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if u wan to suggest modification... pls dun increase the distance... haha...
well.. i think another way.. is to haf a MO there b4 they start their IPPT... den gif a proper checkup on whether that person can take his ippt on tt day mah... -
still lose me. i got platinum.Originally posted by fighting4freedom:FINALLY GOT MY IPPT GOLD!
I CAN WEAR IT ON MY NO.4 WITH PRIDE -
wait till 4 yrs after you ORD see you still can get a not.Originally posted by fighting4freedom:FINALLY GOT MY IPPT GOLD!
I CAN WEAR IT ON MY NO.4 WITH PRIDE -
how about 1 Km in 5 minutes