Stevenage FC Foundation has teamed up with Watford FC Community Sport and Education Trust to deliver a free 12-week weight management programme called Shape Up for men aged 18 to 65. Participants meet up weekly for an hour and a half session comprising of education and physical activity. These two segments are delivered with the aim of improving participants’ healthy lifestyle knowledge to ensure sustainable weight loss rather than the typical short-term benefit of a diet-based programme.
We spoke to Jon and Daniel, two participants in Stevenage, about their experiences and how they’re finding the sessions.
“Having people around me in the same position has helped me stay motivated on the course. Everyone’s in the same boat trying to achieve similar goals”
Jon wishes to take part in the London 2 Brighton Challenge. “I want to be in the best physical shape to make the challenge as easy as possible for myself, and the sessions are helping me work towards my goal”. He went on to say “I have lost 9 kilos and I am generally fitter. I enjoy the sessions because it’s good to get out and be incentivised to do something positive for my health”.
“I’ve never felt this good in ages… at the end of the course I will still be motivated to continue on my own”
Daniel says: “I have struggled with motivation when it comes to exercising before, but because of everyone else here doing it with you, you feel this peer pressure to carry on and push through and it has helped me. I know what to do to continue on my own, rather than fall back on my old bad habits. It’s more than just a 12-week programme, and I just want to say a big thank you”.
From Monday 25th April 2022, we will be launching the next batch of 12-week courses in Stevenage, Hitchin, Ware and Broxbourne. You can find more information about Shape Up on our website or by contacting our Health and Wellbeing Officer Nicky on 07510 380639 or via nicky.simbotin@stevenagefcf.com.
