FIT FANS with Plymouth Argyle has given Michael the ability to be active with his children.

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Before attending the FIT PILGRIMS programme, Michael’s biggest motivator was his kids and being unable to engage in simple physical activities with them left him with feelings of anger and sadness.

However, the 12-week programme with Plymouth Argyle Community Trust has transformed Michael’s physical and mental health.

He explained: “Now, I am happier, I’m happy with my progress, happy with my mindset, happy with how I feel overall with my health and fitness because its improving.”

Average weight loss statistics for the FIT FANS programme are impressive and exceed those of many other programmes. On average women lose well over 3kg and men over 5.5kg by the end of the 12 weeks. We also have evidence that lifestyle change, and weight loss are sustained over the following 12 months. More than 90% of men and 85% of women lose weight during the programme with many losing a clinically significant amount. Our data shows FIT FANS helps people to increase physical activity, and reduce sedentary time, leading to weight loss, a significant reduction in reduction in blood pressure, and improvement in self-reported mental wellbeing measures.

Throughout the programme, Michael lost 13.5kg in weight, and has not only seen the benefit in his physical performance but has also learnt that nutrition is a key factor in living a healthy lifestyle.

He said: “I’m much  more active throughout the day, averaging 7 miles each day. I’m more conscious of what I am eating and looking for better options rather than the quick, cheapest option that tends to be the worst.”

With such great results, that have benefitted his children too, Michael has engaged with other programmes the Trust run to ensure he remains active, all whilst having fun.

To find out more about your nearest FIT FANS programme,  please contact your local Club using the list below.

    * Please Choose Club 1

    Your information will be sent to a member of staff from your chosen club who will call or email information about FIT FANS. You are not committing to joining FIT FANS just to receiving further information. Your data will not be used for any other information without you consent. Please see our Privacy Policy for more details on how we manage your data

    FIT FANS with Bolton Wanderers in the Community provides participants with incentive and guidance towards a healthier lifestyle.

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    Pete had joined the FIT TROTTERS programme after hearing of his brothers results on a previous cohort. The pandemic had brought about a change in circumstances that saw Pete take on some carer responsibilities to his partner’s stepbrother after they sadly lost both their mother and father through COVID-19. He then had his own personal health, and wellbeing worries but also Stephen’s.

    Transitioning out of the pandemic caused him to become aware of the weight had had put on as his daily activity had decreased due to homeworking.  Although, he knew change was needed, he was lost with no sense of direction on where or how to start.

    For most, change comes with an overriding emotion of fear and apprehension and that was very much the case for FIT TROTTTERS participants Darren, Stephen and Pete.

    However, the camaraderie of the group and the work of staff members, Jack and Tom, they were all soon made to feel part of a wider family, all trying to achieve the same goals.

    Pete said: “Jack, Tom and the participants there on day 1 really did break the ice and include us both. As I said with Stephen’s learning disabilities it was really daunting and scary but right from the first minute, we were both made to feel welcome and more importantly included.”

    The sense of belonging has continued long after the 12-week course had finished with all still being included in social groups via Facebook and WhatsApp to allow them to continue the friendships that had blossomed on the course, all whilst still encouraging each other to keep up their lifestyle changes.

    The FIT FANS programme aims to transform the lives of previously inactive people, helping them to change their eating and drinking habits, while losing weight and improving their health in a safe and sustainable way.

    Average weight loss statistics for the FIT FANS programme are impressive and exceed those of many other programmes. On average women lose well over 3kg and men over 5.5kg by the end of the 12 weeks. We also have evidence that lifestyle change, and weight loss are sustained over the following 12 months. More than 90% of men and 85% of women lose weight during the programme with many losing a clinically significant amount. Our data shows FIT FANS helps people to increase physical activity, and reduce sedentary time, leading to weight loss, a significant reduction in reduction in blood pressure, and improvement in self-reported mental wellbeing measures.

    Darren, much like Pete knew he needed to address his weight gain over the past year but never planned any actions to do so until his friend asked him to accompany him on the FIT TROTTERS course.

    He also echoed Pete’s thoughts on the support of the group: “Whilst it was by no means competitive being part of a group who all have the same aims helps to drive you along and to be there to support and drive forward your fellow participants. I have loved every minute of it.”

    Having successfully completed the course, all three lost over 11kgs each but the trio also credit the course for its educational elements that they have implemented to not only help their physical health but general wellbeing too.

    Darren explained: “I’m now more knowledgeable of the right type of foods to eat and portion control. It got me out walking regularly which helped bring down the weight and blood pressure and meeting new friends. I would recommend it to anyone from a general wellbeing point of view.”

    Pete said: “The new friends and people to talk to for Stephen is huge, his confidence has grown and his willingness to participate also. From choosing to sit on a reception desk for three days at his day care to doing sport, art and gardening, he would not have made that choice a year ago. I doubt many people will understand the impact that has had on the lad.”

    To find out more about your nearest FIT FANS programme,  please contact your local Club using the list below.

      * Please Choose Club 1

      Your information will be sent to a member of staff from your chosen club who will call or email information about FIT FANS. You are not committing to joining FIT FANS just to receiving further information. Your data will not be used for any other information without you consent. Please see our Privacy Policy for more details on how we manage your data

      Maureen: “Being a volunteer with Derby County has given me a huge confidence boost and increased my own wellbeing knowing that I am helping others to be both physically and socially active.”

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      Maureen Reece has become a vital part of Derby County Community Trust’s Extra Time Hub enabling retired and semi-retired people like herself to make the most of their free time.

      Maureen started her journey with Derby County as participant in the Community Trust’s Forever Active project, an exercise programme for the over 55’s, over five years ago.  However, Maureen enjoyed the sessions so much that she decided she wanted to give back to the Trust and help others. She became a DCCT volunteer in early 2019.

      She started off supporting the weekly Stability session for over 60s. However soon after she started volunteering, the Trust joined the EFL Trust’s Extra Time Hub Network and began planning the launch of their Hub.  Initially funded by the National Lottery and Sport England, Extra Time Hubs aim to make a positive difference to the lives of semi-retired and retired people. The Hubs are communities of likeminded people.  They include weekly gatherings, often at the football stadium, but also a varied combination of face to face and online groups and activities. Crucially at the hub all the activity that takes place is shaped by the members and they are supported to do the things that they want to do.

      Immediately, Maureen asked to be a part of this sessions and has played a pivotal role ever since, form setting up the session each fortnight to keeping everyone supplied with plenty of tea and coffee!  Maureen has helped others within the sessions she supports and helped people join the groups too. She is always happy about seeing people achieve their goals and progressing. She commits five hours per week to the Trust and is always the first to arrive and the last to leave.

      During lockdown, Maureen remained engaged in several group chats and is helped staff to set challenges and encourage people to be more interactive in the group. When asked about how the sessions supported her during the pandemic, she answered that they “had been a lifesaver, as someone living alone.”

      Maureen also became an integral part of the Rams Lunch Club project, which has provided meals to various groups and helped reconnect isolated members of society. Maureen added: “Being a volunteer has given me a huge confidence boost and increased my own wellbeing, knowing that I am helping others to be both physically and socially active.”

      Jon Fairbrother Physical Activity and Health Officer added: “Maureen always has a smile on her face and is willing to help anyone. Her enthusiasm encourages the group to continue to attend and has helped with social activities away from the group too, which has been so important.”

      To find out more about Extra Time Hubs click here.

       

      FIT FANS rewarded with a behind the scenes visit to West Bromwich Albion Training Ground

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      Participants from West Bromwich Albion’s Foundation, FIT BAGGIES programme recently paid a visit to the clubs training ground, as a reward for completing their 12-week health, fitness and lifestyle programme.

      The group were invited along to use the players’ gym and Albion training ground facilities for their first FIT BAGGIES session of the new year.

      The FIT FANS programme aims to transform the lives of previously inactive people, helping them to change their eating and drinking habits, while losing weight and improving their health in a safe and sustainable way.

      Average weight loss statistics for the FIT FANS programme are impressive and exceed those of many other programmes. On average women lose well over 3kg and men over 5.5kg by the end of the 12 weeks. We also have evidence that lifestyle change, and weight loss are sustained over the following 12 months. More than 90% of men and 85% of women lose weight during the programme with many losing a clinically significant amount. Our data shows FIT FANS helps people to increase physical activity, and reduce sedentary time, leading to weight loss, a significant reduction in reduction in blood pressure, and improvement in self-reported mental wellbeing measures.

      Keith Whitehouse, a FIT BAGGIES member and lifelong Baggies fan, was delighted to visit the training ground and was keen to highlight the benefits FIT BAGGIES has had on his life, with Keith also now part of The Foundation’s walking football team.

      “It’s been a great opportunity, I’ve been a season-ticket holder for over 35 years and a supporter for over 50 years. I only live up the road from here, but this is the first opportunity I’ve had to visit and look at the fantastic facilities the club has.

      “Fit Baggies has helped my fitness get to a nice position and I’ve lost some weight too. I’ve been able to maintain that weight loss and it’s given me enthusiasm to keep on with the programme, watching what I’m eating, going on regular walks and keeping up my fitness.

      “I also attend walking football every week, and that’s a really good programme, it’s always friendly, fun and a great activity – it’s surprising how much energy you use in one hour of walking football. It’s a bit of a social event too, it’s really worthwhile and good for your mental health as well.”

      Each FIT BAGGIES session involves 45 minutes of lifestyle education in which participants are educated on how they can start to make changes to their lifestyles which will benefit their overall health and wellbeing, whether that be through diet improvements, or exercises that positively impact physical and mental health.

      Following on from their participation in the last round of FIT BAGGIES, several members have started to take part in various other sessions or events that The Albion Foundation has on offer to the Sandwell community as well as embarking on their own challenges too.

      For example, Racquel Parchment, who joined FIT BAGGIES in April 2022, took part in last year’s colour run, completed the million-step challenge for Diabetes UK and has also started to get her family involved with The Foundation, with her son Jude part of the Kicks programme.

      “Before joining FIT BAGGIES, I felt that I just wanted to make my body stronger and learn about healthy eating. Upon starting the programme, that’s what we straight into.

      “When I started, I had no idea I’d be taking part in a 5K Colour Run, but it was the most amazing opportunity that I was given. With the encouragement of the team, I took part. Not only did I take part, but my husband and my three children did as well.

      “My youngest son Jude has been involved with the foundation for several years, he’s been part of the Kicks programme which he loves thoroughly. For him he’s been blossoming from the day he started.

      “I recently completed the million-step challenge for Diabetes UK too, which I feel very proud of. The previous me wouldn’t have done anything like that before, but Fit Baggies gave me the confidence to do that and to know that you can really achieve anything you want to.”

      To find out more about your nearest FIT FANS programme,  please contact your local Club using the list below.

        * Please Choose Club 1

        Your information will be sent to a member of staff from your chosen club who will call or email information about FIT FANS. You are not committing to joining FIT FANS just to receiving further information. Your data will not be used for any other information without you consent. Please see our Privacy Policy for more details on how we manage your data

        FIT FANS with Preston North End helped repair a broken relationship with Stephen’s personal health.

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        Prior to Stephen’s journey on the FIT FANS programme at Preston North End Community and Education Trust, the world as he knew it was turned upside down. March 2020, the month that COVID-19 shook the whole of the United Kingdom, and many were advised to work from home and await further guidance. This was the start of a rapid decline for Stephen, and his health and wellbeing

        Sadly, Stephen’s father passed away in 2020 too, and it left him feeling “broken” as his health took a backseat. Very quickly, he went from having a routine and a small amount of daily exercise to almost nothing. He sat for long periods of time whether that be at his work desk or on the sofa of an evening. As a result, Stephen noticed a significant decline in both his physical and mental health and at just 40 years old he knew that something needed to be actioned to change this.

        One day, Stephen’s wife came home and told him that she had booked him in for his over 40’s health check, something he had been trying to avoid in the past but now owes her a lot of gratitude for doing so. All the tests and measurements that were taken, came back with some alarming results. He was diagnosed with Type II diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. Stephen was thrown into a world of appointments, medications and following a list of dos and don’ts that he had never experienced before.

        He explained: “Back in June 2021, my weight was 152kg (when I started Fit Fans, I weighed a bit less – 141.6kg), my BMI in June 2021 was 52. In terms of diabetes (Type II), I was at 61.”
        Stephen spotted an advertisement at his local GP for our FIT FANS programme at Preston North End Community and Education Trust. He thought that the programme was something that suited him, and he described himself as “the perfect candidate” and that he “ticked every box”.

        The Trust contacted Stephen in the Summer of 2021, but with no avail. In December 2021, there was a breakthrough and Stephen enquired once more and was enrolled onto the programme.

        On the 17th January 2022, Stephen had his initial consultation at Week 0. Stephen weighed in at 141.6kg (22.3 stone), with a waist measurement of 144cm, a blood pressure reading of 176/104. Stephen was “devastated” at the numbers the FTI FANS programme has uncovered.

        Average weight loss statistics for the FIT FANS programme are impressive and exceed those of many other programmes. On average women lose well over 3kg and men over 5.5kg by the end of the 12 weeks. We also have evidence that lifestyle change, and weight loss are sustained over the following 12 months. More than 90% of men and 85% of women lose weight during the programme with many losing a clinically significant amount. Our data shows FIT FANS helps people to increase physical activity, and reduce sedentary time, leading to weight loss, a significant reduction in reduction in blood pressure, and improvement in self-reported mental wellbeing measures.

        Stephen engaged in the programme immediately with motivation to change evident. He completed at least 30 minutes of exercise every day and slowly noticed the pain he once felt when exercising was no longer there, and his enjoyment for moving his body grew and grew.

        Not only did FIT FANS help Stephen with increasing his physical activity again but also provided him with the education about food, portions, drink, and exercise.

        He said: “My most recent checks have all been fantastic (according to my diabetic nurse), my weight is 120kg currently, my BMI is 41 (she described this as phenomenal) and my Type II diabetes is 41, which is actually considered as pre-diabetic (this is the result that I wanted most), the target for me was to have this less than 48 and she says this is a fabulous achievement.”

        FIT FANS has had such a dramatic affect on Stephen, his confidence, and his physical and mental health that he now attends other provisions that the Trust offers as well as visiting new cohorts of FIT FANS to share his own experience. A story that both Stephen and everyone involved at PNECET can be proud of.

        Stephen expresses: “I’d just like to say once again how grateful I am to the whole Team at PNECET, I couldn’t have done this without your help, encouragement and support.”

        To find out more about your nearest FIT FANS programme,  please contact your local Club using the list below.

          * Please Choose Club 1

          Your information will be sent to a member of staff from your chosen club who will call or email information about FIT FANS. You are not committing to joining FIT FANS just to receiving further information. Your data will not be used for any other information without you consent. Please see our Privacy Policy for more details on how we manage your data

          Lee’s Story: “I honestly don’t know where I’d be without FIT FANS. It’s made me have a much more positive outlook and feel more in control of my life’”

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          After losing his parents Lee spiralled into a depression that affected his confidence and self-motivation.

          For 6 years Lee retreated into himself, he did very little activity and his mental health was declining, to the point he sought professional help. Daily takeaways and a craving for sugary drinks, coupled with the lack of activity meant Lee’s was unfit, unhappy and overweight.  That was 2 years ago, today a, lighter, healthier, happier Lee has set up a Sunday League Football team and competes in track and field athletics.

          It was seeing an advert for Sunderland AFC’s FIT BLACK CATS programme that changed things for Lee. A very anxious and despondent Lee made the brave step to join the programme run by the Club’s Foundation of Light charity. The free 12-week programme is part of the EFL Trust’s FIT FANS initiative, which is run at over 40 EFL clubs and provides those aged 35-65 with an opportunity to make a life-style changes, to help lose weight, get fitter, and lead a more active life.

          The fact that the 12 week programme was at Stadium of Light was a big motivation for football fan Lee, he comments, “Training and learning inside of the Stadium of Light was a fantastic experience and so inspiring,”

          Thanks to FIT FANS Lee ditched the daily fast-food and learnt how to manage his cravings for his favourite Dr Pepper drink and began changing his eating habits; all of this progress led to him achieving the biggest weight-loss of over 6kg – a feat he never thought he’d reach.

          “I honestly don’t know where I’d be without the programme. It’s made me have a much more positive outlook and feel more in control of my life’”

          However, the 12-week programme was only the start of the process. FIT FANS is all about making small sustainable lifestyle changes that can be carried forward. As can be seen with Lee’s journey; two year later he has lost another 6kg of weight, is living a totally different life and doing thing he never thought possible.

          Lee explained. “It started with running. I hadn’t done any running in almost 12 years, but I was doing three 5-mile runs a week when the course finished. It was the running that sustained me through lockdown. Then when things opened up again, I felt confident and fit enough to play a few casual games of football and I really enjoyed it. There, were quite a few of us that weren’t part of a team and were just playing the odd game here and there. I recognised some of the guys could really benefit from playing more regularly. So, I set up a new Sunday league team. It’s hard work doing all the admin, but I can see the benefit that the guys get from playing and I know from my own journey what a difference it can make – so it’s well worth it”

          Not content with one new sport, Lee has also taken up track and field athletics. He explained, “I really enjoyed Athletics in my younger days but really thought I was too old for it now and those day had gone. However, I felt in such good shape, that I thought why not give it a go again? So I did, I was a bit rusty at first but stuck with it and after a few months I was able to be competitive in the sprints and throwing events and so I’ve kept going.”

          Lee has also kept up with the healthier eating lessons he learned during FIT FANS.

          He says “I’m not dieting and depriving myself of food, but just eating sensibly and balanced. I’ve not totally cut out all the things that you might consider unhealthy, I have them when I feel like it – they are only unhealthy in excess anyway.

          Most of all my Mental health is good now. The dark days seem a long way, away. My life is totally different now and It all started with see a Facebook ad for FIT BLACK CATS. So I’d really urge anyone feels like they are in bad place to give it a go because it really can change your life”

          To register your interest in your local FIT FANS please complete the form below, selecting your chosen club from the drop down menu

            * Please Choose Club 1

            Your information will be sent to a member of staff from your chosen club who will call or email information about FIT FANS. You are not committing to joining FIT FANS just to receiving further information. Your data will not be used for any other information without you consent. Please see our Privacy Policy for more details on how we manage your data

            FIT U’s success inspires Saj, Terry and Chris to continue their more active lifestyles.

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            Three men determined to shed the pounds and live a healthier lifestyle have set up Oxford’s newest walking club after enrolling on a free health programme for men and women.

            Saj Rana, Terry Winter and Chris Jones meet at Risinghurst Cricket Club every Thursday from 6.30pm as part of a shared ambition to be more active, get fitter and lead a better-connected life.

            The trio met via Oxford United in the Community’s FIT U’S programme. The free 12-week course was launched this summer and combines theory behind living a healthy and active lifestyle with fun and engaging activities.

            Average weight loss statistics for the FIT FANS programme are impressive and exceed those of many other programmes. On average women lose well over 3kg and men over 5.5kg by the end of the 12 weeks. We also have evidence that lifestyle change, and weight loss are sustained over the following 12 months. More than 90% of men and 85% of women lose weight during the programme with many losing a clinically significant amount.  Our data shows FIT FANS helps people to increase physical activity, and reduce sedentary time, leading to weight loss, a significant reduction in reduction in blood pressure, and improvement in self-reported mental wellbeing measures.

            Saj Rana has been busy shifting the pounds and making new connections with FIT U’S with a very personal reason for doing so.

            He explains: “I feel much healthier for joining FIT U’S. I have two beautiful grandchildren and want to see them grow up and spend as much time with them as possible.

            “It does cross my mind occasionally how many years do I have left, and how can I improve my lifestyle to ensure I live for as long as possible.

            Banbury-based exercise and nutrition expert Rebekah Stapley leads the programme, which aims to tackle cardiovascular disease (CVD) rates locally.

            It comes after figures revealed CVD causes a quarter of all deaths in the UK and is the leading cause of premature deaths in people experiencing homelessness, mental health issues and those living in deprived areas.

            Saj added: “Eating the right foods and drinking responsibly while being active by getting the body moving is the best solution, and FIT U’S has given me the motivation needed to make those changes.

            “I found it very reassuring that every person can set their own individual goal and there is no pressure or expectations at our sessions. Turning up is an achievement in itself and the social benefits are equally important.

            “I’d encourage anyone considering making simple but effective changes to their lifestyle to sign-up now and get involved – you’ve got nothing to lose.”

            Saj Rana in full flow at FIT U’s!

            Saj, 58, hopes to welcome more members to the club this winter while the charity recruits’ people to enroll onto its next FIT U’S programmes, which start on November 15.

            “It started off as just a one-off walk, but now we meet every week and the health benefits are fantastic,” said Saj. “Although we had never met before starting FIT U’S, Terry, Chris and myself share a lot in common and combining talking and walking really accelerates the time.

            “We’ll be 6,000 steps into our walk, equivalent to burning 300 calories, and barely noticed we had started. It makes a huge difference exercising in the company of likeminded people but finding something to facilitate this isn’t always easy if you’re overweight or not comfortable going to the gym.

            “Typically, we’ll walk for 45 minutes but there are no set rules or commitments. It would be fantastic to welcome more people, especially through winter when sitting at home watching TV is a far easier decision to make.”

            To find out more about your nearest FIT FANS programme,  please contact your local Club using the list below.

              * Please Choose Club 1

              Your information will be sent to a member of staff from your chosen club who will call or email information about FIT FANS. You are not committing to joining FIT FANS just to receiving further information. Your data will not be used for any other information without you consent. Please see our Privacy Policy for more details on how we manage your data

              EFL Trust supports Lifebuoy’s mission to help youngsters on Global Handwashing Day

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              Each year on 15th October, 200 million people worldwide celebrate Global Handwashing Day.

              We’d urge you to join Lifebuoy’s mission to educate five million children on the importance of hand hygiene by 2025!

              Teaching our children why handwashing matters is vital.

              Lifebuoy, Official Hygiene Partner of the EFL, set up a kids hand hygiene programme called ‘Soaper Heroes’ which has been put in place to improve kids hand washing behaviours.

              The aim of the programme is to help kids, and those around them stay healthy. If we can keep them away from having sick days from nasty germs, we can have them out playing sport and there is where you can help! Lots of clubs and kids are already taking part in the programme, utilising the engaging and educational football activities in their everyday training sessions.

              Good hand hygiene doesn’t need to be difficult!

              By downloading the Lifebuoy Soaper Heroes programme, you will also receive the following:

              • A welcome letter from EFL’s Soaper Heroes Ambassadors
              • An overview of Lifebuoy’s Soaper Heroes Programme
              • Soaper Heroes warm up activity
              • Soaper Heroes clean up activity
              • Educational Hygiene Posters for your club
              • Soaper Heroes certificates

              Search Soaper Heroes to find out more or visit https://www.lifebuoy.co.uk/soaper-heroes-for-schools.html

              Download your Soaper Heroes pack by clicking here.

              Mandatory Credit: Photo by Paul Greenwood/Shutterstock (13026137ba)
              Bela Shah visits children in St Oswalds Primary school to join in a Lifebuoys Soaperheros session in Wigan

              FIT HATTERS helps Kate return to the pitch with Luton Town Ladies FC

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              Adult Obesity is a growing problem across the country. As people age their lifestyles change and they tend to become less active. FIT FANS is a FREE health programme for men and women, aged 35-65 that looks to address this by helping people lose weight, get fitter and lead a healthier life.

              Taking place at the Stadium, using the unique affinity people have for their team and the special emotion that fans feel for their home ground to add a bit of stardust to the activity. Funded by Sport England. FIT FANS is down in no small part, to the social aspect of the sessions. Since 2019 1,000s of Fans have lost over 18 tonnes of weight and improved their lifestyle with FIT FANS.

              Luton Town are one of over 40 EFL Clubs that run FIT FANS. Each Club run the programme under their own brand – in Luton’s case FIT HATTERS.

              Kate Walsh, a lifelong Luton Town fan who also plays for the Ladies’ team is a great example of how the programme works. Kate had to take an extended break from playing the game due to ill health which in turn affected her mental health and self-esteem.
              Kate Commented.: “Whilst I have been overweight for many years it hadn’t really bothered me when I was active and playing football, but when I wasn’t able to play I started to feel fat and useless.”

              As a season ticket holder at Luton Town, Kate was no stranger to the FIT HATTERS adverts but never considered it because of her own football career. When she knew something needed to change and she felt that this was the perfect opportunity for her.
              Kate explained: “The team at Luton Town running FIT HATTERS have been amazing and because it’s my club I feel at home and very attached to the programme. I also feel very well supported.”

              Having followed the programmes educational, physical, and nutritional advice, Kate is “feeling better than ever.” Kate has Type 2 diabetes which had recently deteriorated, and she was advised to begin medication but she is determined to improve her own blood glucose levels with the methods she had learnt on the FIT HATTERS programme.

              FIT HATTERS has also helped Kate’s anxiety by giving her a positive focus each week, even when her life gets stressful. It isn’t just Kate who has seen the benefits but also the coaches at the Women’s Team who have been impressed with her improvements and she has been signed for the upcoming season and is enjoying playing football again.

              Kate is not alone in seeing life changing results. On average women 90% of men and 85% of women lose weight during the programme with many losing a clinically significant amount (Women over 3kg and men over 5.5kg by the end of the 12 weeks). More importantly the evidence also shows that lifestyle change, and weight loss are sustained over the following 12 months.

              To find out more about your nearest FIT FANS programme,  please contact your local Club using the list below.

                * Please Choose Club 1

                Your information will be sent to a member of staff from your chosen club who will call or email information about FIT FANS. You are not committing to joining FIT FANS just to receiving further information. Your data will not be used for any other information without you consent. Please see our Privacy Policy for more details on how we manage your data

                FIT HATTERS has given Dave the kickstart to sustain his healthier lifestyle.

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                When Dave enrolled on the FIT HATTERS Programme, he was his heaviest ever weight and consequently, his mental-wellbeing suffered as much as his physical health.

                He often felt very low and lacked the motivation to do anything let alone consider jumping straight into exercise.  However, as he arrived at FIT HATTERS although initially apprehensive, he said: “the feeling soon passed, I was made to feel very welcome, by the staff and the other participants.”

                The journey which started with FIT HATTERs has seen him lose 7.5kg so far and more importantly feel happier physically and mentally.

                Dave was aware of the bad habits that had led him to this point, with evening snacking being the biggest problem for him. In the first week of the programme, he looked at increasing his step count by a small manageable margin but did not lose any weight and became disappointed.

                This gave him more motivation to create better lifestyle habits as the weeks passed, increasing his step count further once more and even significantly reducing his evening snacks.

                Dave joined other initiatives run by Luton Town in the Community including FIT HATTERS maintenance sessions and walking football.

                As a result, Dave lost 3kg by the end of the course but states the benefits as so much more than physical. He explains: “Going through the FIT HATTERS programme has given me the motivation, knowledge and support to start my journey, it has improved my life both physically and mentally.”

                Average weight loss statistics for the FIT FANS programme are impressive and exceed those of many other programmes. On average women lose well over 3kg and men over 5.5kg by the end of the 12 weeks. We also have evidence that lifestyle change, and weight loss are sustained over the following 12 months. More than 90% of men and 85% of women lose weight during the programme with many losing a clinically significant amount.  Our data shows FIT FANS helps people to increase physical activity, and reduce sedentary time, leading to weight loss, a significant reduction in reduction in blood pressure, and improvement in self-reported mental wellbeing measures.

                Since completing the 12 weeks, Dave has lost a further 4.5kg and continues to exercise at least 4 times a week whilst ensuring he eats a healthy, balanced diet.

                To find out more about your nearest FIT FANS programme,  please contact your local Club using the list below.

                  * Please Choose Club 1

                  Your information will be sent to a member of staff from your chosen club who will call or email information about FIT FANS. You are not committing to joining FIT FANS just to receiving further information. Your data will not be used for any other information without you consent. Please see our Privacy Policy for more details on how we manage your data