In a bid to improve fitness levels among students, all five polytechnics will be introducing new fitness or training-related programmes by the end of the year.

These optional programmes will range from practical modules on strength and endurance training to talks on preparing for the Napfa.

The Ministry of Defence (Mindef) emphasises the importance of taking personal responsibility for one's fitness and overall preparedness for NS.

Its spokesman said that recruit handbooks are handed out to pre-enlistees during medical checkups conducted about six months before they begin National Service, to guide them on this.

Besides information and tips on how best to adjust to a military environment and lifestyle, the books also detail a comprehensive 12-week training programme intended to help new recruits train themselves up before they enlist.

But some students who have failed their Napfa are reluctant to commit to a personal fitness regime.

'I agree that fitness should be a personal responsibility,' said Nanyang Polytechnic student Khoo Zheng He. 'But why should we train now? I will probably wait for army to come around and see how.'

Others said there just was not enough time to get fit, when they were juggling studies, exams and internships.

For every naysayer, there are those like Mr James Quek, 21, who make the time.

The Napfa gold award winner is an athlete in the Singapore Polytechnic track and field team.

While his peers struggle with the fitness test, he easily managed 11 chin-ups and clocked just over 10 minutes for his 2.4km run.

He attributed the ease with which he attained his gold to his rigorous athletic training six times a week.

Most of the 56 male students polled who got at least a silver award were representing their schools in various sports.

Mr Achmad Nasrun, 20, a final-year chemical engineering student at Singapore Polytechnic, trains in the gym three times a week and plays soccer every week. He got a gold in his Napfa last December.

'I felt compelled to train up because I've always wanted to enter Officer Cadet School in NS,' he said. 'Also, I wanted to be able to enlist later. I just feel good when I exercise.'

gohyh@sph.com.sg

yeosamjo@sph.com.sg

rachelay@sph.com.sg

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This story was first published in The Straits Times.