This article was published for the Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC in May 2015.
BitPAL, a free 12-week fitness programme is now available for all elderly residents living in Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC.
Trainers will be on hand to guide residents to use the newly installed exercise equipment at various fitness stations set up throughout the GRC. The Bishan—Toa Payoh Town Council is in fact building 72 new stations. Altogether there will be 120 stations – each of which will be within 10 – minute walking distance from each block of HDB flats.
BitPAL (Bishan-Toa Payoh Active Living Programme) was launched by the Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen, who is also an MP for Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC, on 22 March 2015. Present were also other fellow GRC MPs, Senior Minister of State (Finance & Transport), Mrs Josephine Teo, Mr Wong Kan Seng, Mr Zainudin Nordin and Mr Hri Kumar Nair, who is also chairman of the Town Council.
Dr Ng Eng Hen pointed out that the project is funded by the town council and a government grant. He said: “This is good use of public funds to improve the lives of residents and the value of their properties. ”
He said, with the very good facilities that have been built in and around the GRC over the years, these would eventually raise the prices of the properties.
The BitPAL project was specially thought out by the MPs to help the residents lead a healthier and happier life. The exercises are aimed at building the strength, stamina, flexibility and balance of the participants.
The project is a joint collaboration between the Town Council and the People’s Association, which will get volunteers to be coached as trainers for the elderly so as to get as many residents as possible to sign up.
BitPAL is tapping on the expertise of doctors from the Singapore General Hospital Department of Rehabilitation Medicine in drawing up the exercise programme and getting the appropriate equipment installed. Dr Ng Yee Sien, who is the head of the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, said the initial results from the pilot group who underwent the sessions showed they had benefited from the exercises.
The first group of some 40 residents underwent a pilot 8-week at Block 68, Lorong 5 Toa Payoh, and they found it enjoyable and beneficial to their health.
Residents who are interested in signing up for the exercises can go to the nearest PA community centre to inquire.
