Family bonding, boot-camp style

It's not everyday that you get to undergo physical training under the watchful eyes of a decorated military veteran.

But for more than 50 families at the Toa Payoh Sports Centre yesterday, that was exactly what they got through the ActiveSG Parent-Child Boot Camp by award-winning fitness instructor and six- time US Army Soldier of the Year Ken Weichert (left), better known as Sergeant Ken.

A veteran of the Gulf and Iraq Wars, he is in town until tomorrow to conduct his series of popular Sergeant Ken Boot Camps that utilise training techniques practised by the US Army, helping participants burn calories through aerobic conditioning and novel fitness drills accompanied by upbeat music.

But despite already having trained over 500,000 military personnel and civilians to date, his trip to Singapore is the first time that he has conducted a joint parent-child programme.

"This is the first time that we have been able to do this, and it is not only a first in Singapore but also the first time ever that I have done a parent-child boot camp," said Weichert.

"Working today with the parents and children, I saw their happy faces. Although the exercises were hard, they were happy to do it with their families and create this connection and bond.

"For me as a teacher, it felt very good to see this happen."

Khairulnizam Jemaat, 40, who was in attendance with his 11-year-old son Iman Firdaus, said: "I'm happy to have this opportunity to train under one of the top trainers in the world.

"This is also a great way for us to bond as father and son."

Weichert is conducting another boot camp session today at the Pasir Ris Sports Centre at 7.30pm, with more than 200 participants already signed up.

Another session is scheduled for tomorrow.

This article was first published on March 20, 2015.
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