What Is ACES Day?

Acronym for All Children Exercising Simultaneously, ACES Day was established as a national event to engage students in exercise. Launched on October 3, 1993, the inaugural ACES Day kicked off just a few days earlier on September 30 and October 1. Primary school students went first, followed by secondary school and junior college students on the next day, culminating in what became known as The Great Singapore Workout.

This iconic 15-minute workout was a carefully curated aerobic routine catering to individuals aged seven to seventy. Despite its "low impact" label, the engaging exercises were designed to "get the heart pumping," as noted by *The Straits Times* back in the day.

Exercises Featured in ACES Day

The original ACES workout had five main activities: basic marching, side-steps with scissor motions, toe-taps combined with stretches, arm and heel presses, and a punch and kick sequence. These movements were methodically arranged across five sections—warm-up, upper body, lower body, total body exercises, and a cool-down segment.

Particularly memorable was the signature chant “flush, flush, poooooot,” aimed at helping participants remember key sequences while adding a touch of humor. This quirky element made the workout not just a physical activity but a memorable childhood experience, prompting many to rehearse these moves weeks ahead of the event.

Origins of the Workout

Although the concept of having all children exercise together originated in the United States by childhood fitness advocate Len Saunders in the late 1980s (referred to as Project ACES), Singapore's version became a national touchstone, largely due to a catchy theme song. The S$500,000 marketing campaign to produce The Great Singapore Workout involved testing the jingle on the creative director’s three-year-old daughter—her enthusiasm confirmed it would resonate with the masses.

Current Status of ACES Day

Fast-forward to today, and ACES Day is still celebrated, typically on August 31 to align with Teachers’ Day celebrations. Its legacy lives on, influencing group activities in schools and even local events like community fitness sessions and orientation camps in colleges.

Over the years, The Great Singapore Workout has evolved with variations like the New Great Singapore Workout launched in 2009 and the POSB Neighbourhood Workout in 2015, which included moves like the "Selfie Snap" and "Bus Balance." Most recently, in 2018 for its 25th anniversary, the Greater Singapore Workout combined classic and new movements, showcasing how local culture continues to evolve in face of modern trends.

Why ACES Day Left a Mark

Nostalgia plays a significant role in why ACES Day remains a beloved memory for many Singaporeans. The iconic attire from that era—bright yellow tees paired with high-waisted pants and quirky sneakers—revives a collective childhood memory. In addition, the soothing narration from the original workout video helped cultivate a recurring sentiment among participants, making the experience feel timeless.

In the age of relentless social media trends, ACES Day stands out as a cherished reminiscence. Without the fleeting nature of online fads overshadowing it, generations were able to appreciate the simplicity of exercise and camaraderie, often discussing the significance of moments like this among fellow millennials.

So if ever you find yourself reminiscing about your childhood in Singapore, remember: “Flush, flush, poooooot!” It’s more than just a chant; it’s a cultural touchstone that once united an entire generation in joyful exercise.