September brings the conclusion of the first season of MAN v FAT Soccer action for our leagues that launched in May this year.
Both individually and as leagues, the guys have made remarkable progress. Let’s speak to four more of our community to find out more.
Stephen Arbour, Elkins Park
As the end of the first season approaches, how would you sum up your MAN v FAT experience to date?
The experience has been awesome! Besides getting fitter, we’ve really bonded as teammates and competitors for sure but more importantly as friends!
We’ve been playing weekend pickup games in addition to the weekly matches, and that’s helped create lasting bonds.
What were your pre-season targets and have you managed to achieve those?
My preseason target was just to lose weight, and I’ve lost a few so my goal has been met. It’s going in the right direction so I count my blessings as far as that goes.
Losing we takes a lot of discipline, and I can tell the program is working even if my progress is slower than I would like.
What has been the biggest surprise to you, firstly when thinking about being a part of program, and secondly when it comes to your weight loss efforts?
The biggest surprise? Honestly, seeing how much work it takes to move the needle on weight loss.
I’m playing soccer twice a week and exercising on a bike or lifting weights most days, but creating and keeping a calorie deficit and getting enough sleep are just as important as exercise.
Michael Vayner, West Houston
As the end of the first season approaches, how would you sum up your MAN v FAT experience to date?
My experience has been nothing but exceptional. This season lost over 40lbs. Feeling better than ever. The community that we have built has brought us close and supportive for each other
What were your pre-season targets and have you managed to achieve those?
I wanted to be the biggest loser but was in second place behind Noe who hit 59lbs lost. But I’m very happy with how I did.
What has been the biggest surprise to you, firstly when thinking about being a part of program, and secondly when it comes to your weight loss efforts?
I was surprised how easy it was to get in a routine with small changes not big ones. I really honestly just took what made sense and made the small changes that suited me. Results happened because I listened to my coach.
Haadi Haasan, Katy
As the end of the first season approaches, how would you sum up your MAN v FAT experience to date?
MAN v FAT has been awesome, unfortunatley I ended the season with injury. The program has been great, community + soccer + weight loss is a great combo.
What were your pre-season targets and have you managed to achieve those?
I lost a total of 13lbs, which is awesome! my preseason target was 20lbs. 7 to go!.
What has been the biggest surprise to you, firstly when thinking about being a part of program, and secondly when it comes to your weight loss efforts?
Biggest surprise has been the community, I have made some cool friends because of the league. As for the weight loss, having a nutritional coach was a surprise. He was super helpful.
Brian Thorpe, West Houston
As the end of the first season approaches, how would you sum up your MAN v FAT experience to date?
I think the experience from my first season well exceeded all my expectations. I found an avenue to play football, which is the sport I most love to play.
I didn’t expect my weight loss to be as much as it was losing over 30 lbs over the course of the season and the team bonding throughout the season was one of the biggest surprises to me as we support one another on a daily basis and truly care about our teammates on the squad.
What were your pre-season targets and have you managed to achieve those?
My main two targets were to get more active and to do a better job of managing my food intake. With league games once a week and increasing my weekly exercise sessions, I feel that I have more energy and stamina to support my team both as keeper and in the field. My skill has increased and I feel that I am a valued member of the team.
With the food journaling aspect of the program, I am more aware of what I am actually consuming and the calorie and macro information of that food. I often look at my calorie count during the day and make decisions taking into account what calories I have remaining to make better choices.
What has been the biggest surprise to you, firstly when thinking about being a part of program, and secondly when it comes to your weight loss efforts?
Being part of the program felt more like be part of a brotherhood. We were all strangers at first but now regularly communicate with one another and offer support and recommendations to our teammates. I honestly felt that the program would help me lose weight initially but the surprise was keeping it off and continuing to lose more. Having had such a great time during the first season and managing to almost lose 10% of my body weight are the factors for me in returning for a second season.
Want to join the guys in action?
We’d love to welcome you along! Take a look at www.manvfatsoccer.com for your closest league!
