Goodbye to army's 5BX, hello to new PX exercise regimen

New drills meant to boost soldiers’ mobility and flexibility, reduce common injuries

- Tay Hong Yi

For decades, Singapore Army soldiers have done five basic exercises – jumping jacks, high jumper, crunches, push-ups, and running – as part of their morning routine to warm up their bodies.

But no longer, as the 5BX ritual has been replaced with stretching and strengthening drills meant to improve mobility and flexibility, as well as reduce common injuries faced by soldiers in the knees, ankles and back.

The change in an exercise regimen is part of a recent review by the army to help soldiers train, sleep and eat better.

In place of 5BX are Prehabilitation Exercises (PX), approved for army-wide use since April after a successful trial in the Officer Cadet School (OCS) in 2018 and 2019.

Now, mountain climbers, forward lunges, alternate arm and leg raises, among other exercises, will form the new standard.

About 90 per cent of army trainers and units are currently on board, with the rest to join by the year-end, said Lieutenant-Colonel Chong Yi Tat in a virtual interview with reporters yesterday.

LTC Chong, 38, is head of training and development at the Centre of Excellence for Soldier Performance (CESP).