Another event, the PSA Virtual X-Fit Challenge, was designed for participants to perform five workouts and submit videos of them. On top of encouraging participants to stay fit, such virtual physical events also aim to strengthen physical conditioning at high intensity levels.
Together or As One?
Though efforts have been made to engage officers online, some feel that virtual events cannot replicate the feeling of mass physical events.
“The biggest difference when running together with a team or friends, versus running alone in virtual challenges, is the sense of achievement,” says half-marathon racer Senior Staff Sergeant Mohd Khalid, Deputy Team Leader of the Emergency Response Team from Bedok Police Division.
Sergeant Pang Xiu Kang, however, prefers the change in pace. The Ground Response Force Officer from Bishan Neighbourhood Police Centre says: “Virtual challenges provide the opportunity for me to capture the panoramic beauty of reservoirs, and explore unfamiliar territory. The greatest benefit for me is to be able to enjoy scenic walks with my wife at a comfortable pace.”
Silver Linings
For now, the road to resuming physical mass sports events might still be bumpy. As for me, I do miss spending time with friends while engaging in sports activities together. But what is more important now is to keep ourselves safe and find ways to remain fit while participating in virtual physical events, as challenging as that may be.
If nothing else, it might inculcate in us more self-discipline in working towards our fitness goals in this “new normal”, and motivate us to achieve our personal bests.