BEING FIT IS FAN-TASTIC
13-week programme is transforming people’s lives
Getting fit and staying active is the name of the game as a new lifechanging course gets ready to kick off.
The latest Football Fans in Training (FFIT) course run by the St Mirren Community and SPFL Trusts is looking for volunteers determined to lose weight and get active.
Organisers say the 13-week course, which is free, has already helped dozens of people on the path to a more healthy lifestyle.
There is space for 30 men and 30 women on the course which is run by qualified coaches from the St Mirren women’s team.
Gayle Brannigan, from the St Mirren Community Trust, said the course can transform lives.
She said: “Football Fans in Training has a had a huge impact on the lives of the people who have taken part.
“The course is about helping people to develop healthier lifestyles. Our fully- qualified coaches focus on getting people active and educating the participants about how to look after themselves physically.
“Although the 13-week course takes place at the Simple Digital Arena, you don’t need to be a supporter of St Mirren to take part in the course and, more importantly, you will make friends and have great fun.”
David Ramsay, who was on this summer’s course, urged anyone thinking of signing up to take the plunge.
He said: “I heard about the FFIT programme through an article in the Paisley Daily Express and thought it’d be ideal in helping me to adopt a healthier lifestyle.
“Throughout the 13 weeks the coaches at FFIT were always very supportive and helped everyone to meet their individual targets.
“As well as losing 10kg, I am more active and would encourage anyone to consider taking part.”
Another participant managed to lose a stone in weight on the course.
Dot Finlay added: “I was nervous about going but the staff, coaches and other participants were fantastic.
“I managed to lose over a stone but I have now got the incentive to keep going. So, a huge thanks to the SPFL Trust, St Mirren and FFIT. If anyone is considering getting fit, this is the way to do it.”
Chris Buckham was also full of praise for the course and the dramatic changes it has helped him make to his waistline.
He said: “My lifestyle has changed and I now build my day around my walking and swimming instead of trying to fit these things in between watching Eastenders and Coronation Street.
“My meals always have a salad or fresh vegetable content in them and my takeaways are now looked upon as a treat once per month.
“I lost over 18lbs in weight and four inches from my waist – totally life-changing and this is only the start for me.
“The coaches were superb to me and the days when I had a wobble, they were there to put an arm round me to help and other times I had to be told to get my finger out.”
If you are a man or woman aged between 35 and 65 with a waist size of 38 inches or more, register your details for free at communitytrust@ stmirren. com or call Gayle Brannigan on 0141 889 2558 ext 6124 before our closing date of Friday.