With thousands of guys participating in MAN v FAT week to week, there are some remarkable people involved in our community.
Men of all ages, backgrounds and histories come together to create fantastic club environments and to support each other as they look to improve their health.
The blokes that participate in MAN v FAT Cardiff have certainly made Ieuan Ellis’ experience a positive one and he has gone on to lose over 7 stone so far with the Welsh club.
We caught up with him to find out why the programme has been such a boost to his health.
What is it about MAN v FAT that has worked for you in your weight loss and wellbeing efforts?
I think the main thing for me has been accountability. Turning up each week and proving my tracking to Coach Stan gives me the motivation to keep going throughout each week, but the real motivation for me is being a part of a team and not letting the team down.
It’s easy to put on weight each week and let yourself down, however when you’ve got a team who are all relying on each other to lose weight keeps it competitive gives me something to work towards. There’s no way I personally would have been able to stay motivated enough to lose as much as I have without MAN v FAT.
What do you like best about the MAN v FAT Cardiff community?
I think the people are what’s really special about MAN v FAT. From the coaches to every individual player. Coach Stan makes a real effort to keep things fresh with new tracking challenges every week, turning up each week and offering continuous support whenever needed. Assistant Coaches James and Oli are always around for any questions, and even run additional 7-a-side and futsal games throughout the week for extra fitness for anyone who wants to get involved.
But each and every person in every team are all there for the same reason. Having the support of the whole league, regardless of if they’re on a different team, is such a boost mentally. There’s constant banter in the group chats and at every session and I’ve made some quality friends throughout the last few years here. I’m also really enjoying the new Player Portal, being able to monitor and keep track of my progress and having everything in one place is great!
What would you say to any guy in the area thinking of joining the programme?
I would say to give it a shot, you’ve got nothing to lose (except for hopefully some weight!). I understand it can be nerve racking showing up to your first session with a full league of lads who you don’t know, but as soon as you walk through the door, everyone is so welcoming.
I remember feeling anxious about joining and not knowing anyone, but was added to my new teams WhatsApp chat before my first session, and the boys were able to answer any questions and by the time the first session came around I already felt part of the team. MAN v FAT has changed my life and hopefully it can change yours too!
What are your longer term health and wellbeing goals?
I’ve lost over 7 stone so far, and am a little over stone away from being in a healthy BMI range. I suppose a long term goal would be to achieve that and remain within that healthy range. The other big thing for me is to keep turning up, playing football and keeping fit in and outside of MAN v FAT. I want to keep motivating myself and others at Man v Fat so we can all achieve our goals, whatever they may be.
Want to follow Ieuan’s lead?
If you’re in the Cardiff area and want to get started, then you can visit the MAN v FAT Cardiff club homepage to get registered today!
