Developed in partnership with Leeds Public Health, Leeds Rhinos Foundation’s Try Club Men’s Health management programme has helped over 64 men lose a combined weight loss of 34 stone in 2017. Rhinos fan Martin Hicks joined the programme with the goal of rehabilitating some long-term injuries and to get himself fitter completing the course in 2017.
Alongside eight other members Martin started his journey on a Try Club programme in October based at Emerald Headingley Stadium which he saw advertised through the club he has supported his whole life.
Speaking about his experience he said:
“I struggled with weight through injuries that have gathered up over the years and needed to do something and saw this advertised and thought I’ll give it a try.
“The programme is comfortable and I think the people who are running it in Laura and Adam are approachable and they try and put a bit of fun in there.”
Through 12 weeks of 90 minute sessions involving classroom learning around diet and health combined with 45 minutes of weekly exercise, Martin rebuilt his confidence around physical activity along with learning some important messages around food labelling, alcohol and salt and sugar – just some of the topics discussed in the weekly sessions.
“I don’t want to be stuck not being able to do things as I get older, I think that’s my goal, trying to get myself healthier and fitter, like I was 10 years ago and then hopefully in 10 years’ time this will have just been a blip in the middle,” he said.
“I used to be a chef years ago and I love cooking and I have learnt so much, there is things I didn’t realise and it’s given me ideas to go away and formulate what I’m going to do going forwards.
Ran by Leeds Rhinos Foundation, the course also includes support from the Leeds Rhinos which help to reinforce the messages delivered during the programme and inspire members who get to meet their heroes first hand.
Meeting first team stars Jack Ormondroyd and Harry Newman was a highlight for Martin putting the cap on a life changing 12 weeks on the programme:
“I loved hearing the players story as to why they stick to it, but it’s all about having an end goal. Their end goal is going to be different to mine it’s going to be different to someone else’s but they have got an end goal to keep them on track so that was very helpful.
The free programme will be running at three venues in January 2018 to help more people like Martin realise their health goals.
Having started his journey to a healthier lifestyle in 2017, the South Stand regular urges anyone interested to sign up and get involved:
“It’s easy when you have got a few pounds around your waist to be scared and ashamed and laugh and joke it off, but at Try Club we are all the same, we’ve all got a few pounds and you’ve got a room full of people doing the same thing, so don’t be afraid, just jump in there and do it.”
Three new Try Club programmes will be starting in January at the following venues:
– Oulton Raiders ARLFC (LS26 8EL), Mondays (from 15th Jan), 1 – 2.30pm
– John Smeaton Leisure centre (LS15 8TA), Tuesdays (from 16th Jan), 6 – 7.30pm
– Emerald Headingley Stadium (LS6 3BR), Wednesday (from 17th Jan), 6 – 7.30pm
The programme is free and open to all men (Rhinos fan or not) who want to get fitter, healthier and in control of their weight. Register on the programme by visiting http://www.leedsrhinosfoundation.org/health/29089.php
For more information get in touch with laura.buckle@leedsrhinosfoundation.org
Take a look at Martin's Try Club story here