One of MAN v FAT’s newest clubs, MAN v FAT Brentwood has got off to a great start in its time with the programme so far.
As it starts its third season, the guys in the club have already lost in excess of 150kg with MAN v FAT and the club also benefits from funding from Brentwood Borough Council.
“I think the funded places have been a complete game changer,” MAN v FAT Brentwood Health & Wellbeing Coach Anita Griffiths said.
“For example, one of our members Amit came over as a funded player and after week 1 was diagnosed with High Blood Pressure, he was not allowed to play the whole of season 1, and he used to come in and weigh, to ensure his team got the points and the funding supported him to be able to stay involved with the programme.
“He had to have some laser treatment on his eye and was encouraged to improve his diet and lifestyle, but the dietary advice from the hospital was not very detailed!
“He actually started season 2 wearing protective goggles to protect his eye, he did his first Park Run recently and has signed up with his team mate Paul for Silverstone 10K in October!
“This makes me see the changes MAN v FAT provides to the players. I am certain without the MAN v FAT community Amit would never have completed his first Park Run with his teammate or signed up for his first 10K, so it really is lifechanging. I just need him to stay out of Nando’s, but this is work in progress!”
Anita brings a wealth of experience to the role and her support and guidance has proven crucial in many of the guys hitting notable landmarks in their time on the programme.
But what differences does she see when she’s working with MAN v FAT members compared to her usual clients?
She reflected :”My other clients generally come to me to improve one condition – this could be bone health, menopause, autoimmune disease etc. I would work with them looking at their overall lifestyles/stress and diet and sometimes look at testing.
“MAN v FAT I find is much more fast paced as I have less time to spend with each player as I would generally spend one hour getting to know a client and making notes.
“At MAN v FAT, I have to get snippets of information from them during their weigh ins and on the side of the pitch whilst they are waiting to play, but this is where they are very usually quite open to divulging what’s been going on at home/work and I just have to try and remember this all!
“I try to direct them into healthier food lifestyle options which doesn’t always go down well and is sometimes ignored, but I am thick skinned, and I keep trying every week as I know that people need to be ready to make those changes and at some point especially when they see their team mates achieving wins, it clicks and they want to be as successful.
“This is the difference within the community of MAN v FAT, they inspire each other and compete to achieve healthier goals and I really love this. MAN v FAT really is the best part of my working week. I am always talking about this to family and friends and anyone who will listen!”
The lads at MAN v FAT Brentwood continue to push and set new standards and Anita is keen to welcome new starters to the club as it goes from strength to strength.
She said: “If anyone is thinking of joining MAN v FAT, I would say it really is life changing – not just in a physical sense but the mental heath improvements from being part of a community of like minded men is immense.
“This positivity transpires back to home and work life I would encourage anyone that is thinking I am not fit enough or I won’t fit in, you will and we are so welcoming and friendly you are missing out if you don’t!”
Want to get involved?
You can sign up for MAN v FAT Brentwood today – we look forward to welcoming you along soon!