{"id":46958,"date":"2025-08-29T08:55:29","date_gmt":"2025-08-29T00:55:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/corpstaging.hometeamns.sg\/frontline\/?p=46958"},"modified":"2025-08-29T08:55:29","modified_gmt":"2025-08-29T00:55:29","slug":"why-training-with-a-buddy-could-be-the-best-ippt-prep-hack-yet","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hometeamns.sg\/frontline\/why-training-with-a-buddy-could-be-the-best-ippt-prep-hack-yet\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Training with a Buddy Could Be the Best IPPT Prep Hack Yet"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Fitness Workz trainers Parthiban S\/O Elango and Muhammad Luqmanul Hakim bin Samsudin.<\/em><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Whether you\u2019re gunning for Gold or aiming to pass, buddying up for your workouts can keep you consistent, motivated, and even improve your score.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Your Individual Physical Proficiency Test (IPPT) may be getting closer by the day, but mustering the will to train can sometimes be tough. Why not make your workouts a group effort? Exercising with friends offers motivation to keep going \u2014 and can even enhance your physical performance.<\/p>

Just ask Parthiban S\/O Elango, a senior fitness trainer at Fitness Workz<\/a>, HomeTeamNS Khatib<\/a>. He recalls a gym-goer who lacked structure in his workouts until he started exercising with a more experienced friend. \u201cHis routine became more focused and the progress was noticeable,\u201d says the 32-year-old, who has been with the gym for nearly nine years. \u201cOver a few months, he improved his strength significantly.\u201d<\/p>

Parthiban and his friend\/colleague, Muhammad Luqmanul Hakim bin Samsudin, 25, are both Fitness Workz<\/a> trainers who run the NS Fitness Improvement Training (FIT)<\/a> and Virtual Fitness Training sessions to help NSmen prepare for IPPT. The two met in 2023 when Parthiban was working at Fitness Workz\u00a0Premium<\/a>, HomeTeamNS Khatib<\/a>. He and Hakim, who is overall-in charge at the gym in HomeTeamNS Bedok Reservoir<\/a>, bonded over their shared love for fitness and both strongly advocate working out with friends.<\/p>

\u201cHaving support from buddies and loved ones makes a big difference,\u201d says Hakim who works out regularly with his cousins and friends. \u201cIt keeps you accountable, making you less likely to skip sessions. It also boosts your motivation and makes the training more enjoyable and less stressful.\u201d<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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BUILDING UP STRENGTH, CARDIO, AND CORE<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Preparing for IPPT requires a balanced approach that combines strength training, aerobic conditioning, and core work. \u201cBegin with light cardio, like walking or swimming, then progress to running, combined with bodyweight exercises such as squats and push-ups,\u201d says Parthiban. \u201cConsistency is key.\u201d<\/p>

He adds that it is important to start training early \u2014 ideally three to four months before your IPPT \u2014 to build a strong foundation. \u201cAvoid rushing and concentrate on the quality of each movement, paying close attention to how the body feels during the workout.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cStay motivated by seeking support from your loved ones,\u201d reiterates Hakim. \u201cAnd set small goals along the way that fit into your ultimate aims.\u201d<\/p>

At Fitness Workz<\/a>, Hakim and Parthiban keep sessions engaging and fun through game-style challenges and energetic music. \u201cFitness shouldn\u2019t feel like a chore,\u201d says Parthiban. \u201cWhen people are having fun, they\u2019re more likely to stick to their workout.\u201d<\/p>

For NSmen who are already in good shape and aiming for Gold, Parthiban recommends optimising their explosive strength and stamina. \u201cThis means high-intensity interval training (HIIT), heavy lifting for power, and short, fast sprints to build speed and efficiency in the 2.4km run,\u201d says Parthiban. \u201cTechnique also matters, especially for push-ups and sit-ups. So, refining your form is crucial.\u201d<\/p>

Hakim adds: \u201cInclude strength and core work, and increase the number and intensity of your push-ups and sit-ups, with the aim of exceeding the minimum IPPT requirements.\u201d<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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HOW TO TRAIN EFFECTIVELY WITH FRIENDS<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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When Hakim trains with his cousins and buddies, he relies on their emotional support when the going gets tough. \u201cThere are days when I feel like giving up due to fatigue and lack of motivation,\u201d he admits. \u201cBut we constantly remind each other of our goals and push one another to be our best.\u201d<\/p>

Parthiban recommends sitting down with your training buddy to align goals. \u201cAre you both aiming for the same IPPT result, or working on different aspects of fitness? Clear goals make it easier to support each other and track progress.\u201d<\/p>

Even small gestures \u2014 such as verbal encouragement or a group celebration after a personal best \u2014 can also go a long way in keeping morale high. \u201cThey can fill you with the positive energy needed to keep pushing forward,\u201d says Hakim.<\/p>

If one of you is faster at running or stronger with weights, take turns to lead different parts of the workout. \u201cThis helps build trust and prevents frustration or injury,\u201d explains Parthiban. \u201cA common mistake is trying too hard to keep up with your partner \u2014 this can lead to overtraining or burnout. Listen to your body and make sure you\u2019re not overexerting yourself.\u201d<\/p>

To level up the experience, Hakim suggests signing up for fitness events, such as the HomeTeamNS REAL\u00ae\u00a0Run<\/a>, with your buddies. These activities offer the same boost of positive energy and motivation to keep going.<\/p>

Hakim was on-site last year running warm-up and cool-down sessions at the Fitness Workz<\/a> booth. \u201cThe energy was incredible,\u201d he recalls. \u201cEveryone was motivated and in high spirits, and it created such a strong sense of community.\u201d<\/p>

The HomeTeamNS REAL\u00ae\u00a0Run<\/a> also serves as excellent prep for the 2.4km IPPT run. \u201cDistance running builds stamina, aerobic capacity, and the mental grit to push through physical discomfort,\u201d says Parthiban.<\/p>

With the right support, mindset, and training buddy by your side, preparing for IPPT doesn\u2019t have to feel like a chore. Stay consistent, keep each other motivated, and you might just surprise yourself on test day.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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SIGN UP FOR NS FIT AND THE REAL\u00ae RUN<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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