Our FIT BLACKPOOL programme has recently been completed and we have seen some amazing results from both our female and male participants. During the 13-week weight management programme, held at Bloomfield Road, the participants took part in health and nutrition workshops, as well as physical activity sessions, which increased in length and intensity weekly. These circuit sessions have taken place pitch side and in our Education and Community Centre.
At the halfway stage, the female participants lost a combined weight of 50kg, with the male participants losing 81.9kg. The females had a total reduction of 111.5cm from around their waist and the male’s lost a total of 160.3cm.
At week 8 the programme had to be postponed due to COVID-19, however this did not stop the participants from continuing to work and achieve their goals. The FIT Blackpool sessions continued to be delivered weekly through live workshops on zoom. The participants were also given weekly workout videos and challenges which included increasing their step counts, setting SMART goals, and completing food and physical activity diaries. It has been a pleasure and amazing to see how the group have continued to support and encourage each other through our WhatsApp groups, overcoming the setback they all faced together.
Kerry Greenwood said: ‘I just want to say how fantastic the Team from Fit Fans have been. From starting the course, they have been supportive and took on board people’s abilities. They soon had the online support up and running and then when we hit the lock down, they stepped up and put together online sessions and post regular exercise routines step by step for us to follow. I would like to say how grateful I am for their continued support and encouragement. Thank you!’
James Priestley said: ‘The finishing line was just starting to come into focus – then like a bolt out of the sky we all got affected by the coronavirus situation. Fear not! Nathan & Lee and the Trust to the rescue. The WhatsApp group became more active with the guys posting easy to follow at home workouts. Then they came up with the brilliant idea of holding a truncated version of the usual weekly session via conference calling. These ideas are really helping in maintaining our focus on the end game. In addition, they have always made themselves available for help, advice, and motivation. Through all these initiatives we know we are not alone and forgotten about. It is and continues to play a vital role in these troubled times.’
Karen Woodman said:‘I have thoroughly enjoyed my time on the Fit Fans programme delivered by Nathan, Lucy and Lee and have found the programme both beneficial and rewarding – in weight loss, inches lost and making new friends. I was worried that due to the coronavirus the programme would not be available for us to complete, but these guys have gone over and above to provide information and ongoing support from the online classroom sessions via Zoom and the exercise classes through our What’s App group. These past few weeks have been very trying for all of us in different ways, some of us working from home for the foreseeable, home schooling “little treasures” and some having to self-isolate. I really look forward to our Tuesday evening session where we can all get together, cover the coursework, and provide support and guidance to each other during these difficult times, keeping our motivation up and spirits high.’
The EFL and EFL Trust have now launched an online FIT FANS campaign to provide a safe way for fans to get active in the safety of their homes. Over the next 12 weeks sessions will be released each week on Wednesday at 5pm and Saturday at 11am on the EFL and EFL Trust YouTube channels, and will be available for fans to watch at their own leisure within the safety of their own homes.
If you would like any further information or would like to register your interest for the next FIT FANS programme please email Nathan.davies@bfcct.co.uk.
For more information on Blackpool FC Community Trust: Visit, www.BFCCT.co.ukor follow BFCCT on social media
Stay safe and stay active where possible.
