Fit the Bill

As a fitness professional, I was looking forward to see the program when I found out about this Channel U Fitness Reality Program - Fit the Bill 人健人爱 hosted by Mr Vincent Ng 翁清海, our national wushu champion and Ms Belinda Lee, 李心钰.

After watching the program, I was sort of disappointed and decided to write to the Straits Times forum on the following areas about the fitness tests at the end of the program that could be better addressed:

(1) Fitness Tests do not reflect the gains in the training - During the 2 weeks of training which the participants undertook, they were put through strength training in gym, aerobics classes, etc. However, the tests which eliminate a participant include more performance-related fitness components such as balance (walking on a balance beam), speed and anaerobic fitness (such as jumping over a series of hurdles). I do not see in the program such training were provided.

Moreover, the ladies in the program seemed to me that they are more concerned about weight management. Thus their training would have been centred on cardiovascular training to burn more calories and strength training to build lean body mass. Test on balance, speed, jumping ability and anaerobic fitness are more appropriate for athletes and not general public like the participants. Thus, gains in strength and cardiovascular fitness from training may not be appropriately reflected in the tests.

(2) Fitness Tests centred on lower body strength and ability - the 5 tests (walking on balance beam, step ups, leg lifts, leg raise and jumping over hurdles) all worked on the leg and abdominal strength. Participants would fatigue quickly and this may not reflect their true ability. A better rounded approach would be to include upper body exercises such as push-up or shoulder presses which can be done in the park.

(3) Safety - Since all the tests centred on the lower extremities, participants would fatigue easily and thus the risk of injury would increase. My concerns came true when the last participant, Catherine, fell over the hurdles. Hurdle jumping is a form of plyometric training and is normally done by athletes. The participants should not be put through this test and serious injury may occur if they fall.

I hoped that my 2 cents worth would help to provide improvements for future programs. If they don't publish my letter, you can read it here.

Just another note, one of the fitness trainers commented that he eats less carbohydrates at night. So what does he eat? Fats? proteins? fruits? vegetables? Do you know that fruits and vegetables contain a high proportion of carbohydrates?