Joining MAN v FAT not only gave Connor Hancock a new lease of life, it has inspired him to take up a wide range of additional exercise outside of his weekly sessions with the Barnsley club.
Connor joined MAN v FAT in the summer of 2024 after regular heart palpitations made him realise that he needed to make a change to his health.
And his time with the Yorkshire club has seen a huge change in the 30 year old’s life – shifting over 40kg to date and hitting his 30% weight loss landmark in the autumn of 2026.
Reflecting on what triggered him to get started on his health and wellbeing efforts, Connor said: “For me, it was a build-up of circumstances that eventually reached a point where I knew something had to change. My fitness had become so poor that I was getting out of breath just walking up the stairs. I was struggling with depression.
“The real wake-up call came when I went for a walk with my partner and had to turn back because I was so out of breath and experiencing heart palpitations. That was the moment I realised I couldn’t carry on like that.
“My issue was, I would often go the entire day not eating but I would be getting my calories in without realising via sugary pop drinks. I would drink multiple 2-litre bottles of full sugar coke or Pepsi throughout the day, as well as cans of energy drinks.
“By the time I got home I was starving and due to working long hours I normally couldn’t be bothered with cooking so I’d order a takeaway.”
Having had that realisation that things need to change, a recommendation from a friend about the nearby Barnsley club gave him the inspiration he needed to get started.
The community spirit has played a big part in getting Connor to a much healthier position and he only had positive things to say about his time with the lads.
He added: “I’d seen MAN v FAT before but didn’t realise there was a club near me until a friend told me he’d joined the Barnsley club. As soon as I found out there was one in my area, I signed up—and it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”
“The best thing about MAN v FAT is that everyone is there for the same reason. Nobody’s judging you, everyone’s trying to improve themselves, and you can have a laugh while doing it. It’s amazing how much easier exercise becomes when you’re chasing a football instead of forcing yourself onto a treadmill.
“The support from everyone has been incredible. Whether you’ve had a great week or a terrible one, there’s always someone there to encourage you or remind you why you started
“I’d recommend MAN v FAT to anyone who’s thinking about losing weight but doesn’t know where to begin. It gives you structure, accountability and a brilliant group of people who want to see you succeed. Plus, if you enjoy football, you get to tell yourself you’re “training” instead of “exercising”—which somehow makes it feel much better! I’ve built some great friendships with an amazing group of people, and those relationships have been a huge part of my journey.
“MAN v FAT also inspired me to take up other forms of exercise. I started mountain biking and running to improve my fitness for football, and it’s completely changed what I’m capable of. I’ve gone from struggling to walk without getting out of breath to mountain biking in the Peak District and regularly running. Looking back, I never imagined I’d be able to do those things.”
That healthy exercise has been backed up by some really positive choices regarding food and nutrition. And, having shifted that weight, Connor is also feeling the benefit with his mental wellbeing too.
“These days I actually eat more often but nutritional meals and smaller portions usually a porridge or cereal for breakfast (with added protein) if I can then for lunch it’s usually something light salad/soup,” he explained.
“Most people would usually cringe at salad, but I guarantee people that don’t like salad have never had a good salad, and then usually a normal home cooked evening meal sausage and mash, spaghetti bolognese nothing weird, I think the important thing is knowing how many calories are in things and adjusting portion sizes to match.
“The biggest change, though, has been my mental health. Before joining, I was struggling with depression. Today, I’m in the best place mentally that I’ve ever been. Losing over 30% of my body weight has transformed my physical health, but the confidence, happiness and sense of purpose I’ve gained have been even more valuable. Joining MAN v FAT hasn’t just helped me lose weight — it has genuinely changed my life.”
Want to follow in Connor’s footsteps?
We have spaces to get started in our MAN v FAT Barnsley club today! To sign up, visit the club homepage for more information.
