We all like watching a winning team, but it turns out there is too much watching and not enough doing.
So, the University of Otago has joined the Highlanders rugby franchise in launching a campaign to get those fans out of their seats and into some form of exercise.
The rugby fans in training programme aims to improve the health of male supporters. Dr Elaine Hargreaves, a senior lecturer in exercise and sport psychology at the School of Physical Education, is overseeing the programme.
‘‘Men are notoriously hard to engage in programmes designed to change the health behaviours that contribute to poor health and weight issues,'' she said.
A healthy lifestyle programme in Scotland which connected men with their football team was successful last year and Dr Hargreaves wants to try a similar programme here.
With the support of Highlanders staff, she is keen to get rugby fans involved.
‘‘What sets this apart from other men's initiatives is the link to rugby and its aim to foster a supportive team environment between participants through their love of rugby and their team, the Highlanders.''
The programme does not involve scrum practice or a set of down and ups.
It is much simpler than the breakdown rule.
The 12-week programme will require participants to attend one two-hour session a week.
One hour will be spent discussing aspects of creating a healthy lifestyle and the other hour will be a structured fitness programme.
The fitness programme will be led by former Highlanders back Buxton Popoali'i, a qualified personal trainer.
Some Highlanders support staff will also lend a helping hand.
To be eligible for the programme, men have to be aged between 25 and 65, consider themselves overweight and feel their lifestyle needs changing.
An open evening will be held at 7pm tomorrow at the School of Physical Education in Union St for those keen to join the scheme.
Alternatively, to register interest in participating, contact rufit@otago.ac.nz.
