Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Aussie-FIT program?​

• Aussie-FIT (Aussie Fans in Training) program is a footy-themed men's health program delivered in sports settings
• We currently have two versions of the program running; one designed specifically for men with cardiovascular disease in Perth and another program adapted to run in local footy settings in regional towns   
• The 12-week programs aim to support participants in making positive changes to improve their physical activity, healthy eating, and lose some weight
• The weekly 90-minute sessions involve an education component and physical activity tailored to your current fitness level
• The sessions are held at club facilities or local footy settings and run by community coaches
• Aussie-FIT is delivered free of charge, with current programs funded by the Heart Foundation and the Department of Health

Who can participate in the Aussie-FIT programs that are going to be running in 2021?

• Programs in Albany, Bunbury and Northam are for men aged 35-65 years that have a BMI of 28kg/m2 or higher. To check your BMI, you can click here
• Programs for men with cardiovascular disease aged 18+ years that have a BMI of 25kg/m2 or higher, who have had a cardiovascular disease diagnosis at least 3 months prior to starting the program. These programs will be delivered in the Perth metro area.
• You will need to be available to attend 12 sessions (90 minutes) held once a week for the duration of the 12-week program. 

What will I get out of Aussie-FIT?

• You will have the opportunity to participate in a program that has been shown to help men get active, improve their eating habits and lose some weight, and learn how to sustain these positive changes long-term
• Meet like-minded guys, in a supportive, easy-going setting 
• A unique footy focused health and fitness opportunity 
• A Fitbit, which is yours to keep at the end of the program 
• A free Aussie-FIT team t-shirt

How do I sign up for Aussie-FIT?

• Click here to register your interest in the programs we are running in 2021, or to register interest in future programs

What does participation in the Aussie-FIT research involve?

• The Aussie-FIT program is delivered as part of research projects funded by the Heart Foundation and by the Department of Health
• In the regional program, researchers will ask you to attend a measurement session at a local venue before and after you take part in the program 
• In the Cardiovascular program in Perth, you will be randomly assigned to start the program straight away, or about 3 months later. Participants in this program will attend 3 ‘measurement sessions’ held at the club facilities before commencing, on completing the program and 3 months later. 
• Measurement sessions on either program will take around 45-60 minutes. Some physical measurements (e.g., weight and height) will be undertaken, and you will also be asked to answer some questions about yourself (e.g., questions about your diet and physical activity) 

How long is Aussie-FIT?

• Aussie-FIT is 12 weeks long.
• Participants will attend one 90-minute session once a week.

What is involved in a typical Aussie-FIT session?

• Education about healthy eating, physical activity and sustaining healthy lifestyle changes during and beyond the 12-week program 
• Coach-led physical activity tailored to participants' current fitness level
• A bit of fun and banter with Aussie-FIT coach and team

Who will be running the Aussie-FIT sessions?

• Your program will be run by friendly local coaches who are passionate about footy, and who have completed the training required to be an Aussie-FIT coach

Do I need to be a footy fan to take part?

• Not necessarily. The program is open to all men that meet criteria to participate who would like to make positive health changes. If you are unsure, just get in touch with us. 

I want to join Aussie-FIT but I don’t meet the eligibility criteria for either of the programs available. Can I still take part?

• We hope to extend the program to other people in the future (e.g., different age groups, female fans); however, there are no specific plans right now.  If you would like to express your interest in participating in a similar program in the future, you can provide your details here.

I haven’t done any exercise for years so feel very unfit. Will I be able to take part in Aussie-FIT?

• Absolutely!  Sessions will be realistically tailored to your current fitness level.  You will learn how to challenge yourself by setting attainable goals

I have a health condition/injury. Can I still participate in Aussie-FIT?

• Having a health condition or injury will not necessarily mean you cannot participate.  However, if you do have any condition/injury that may prevent you from increasing your physical activity, you may need to consult your doctor before joining the program

I won’t be able to make all of the Aussie-FIT 12 sessions. Is this a problem?

• To get the maximum benefit from the Aussie-FIT program you will need to be available to attend all of the scheduled sessions. We recognise that ‘life happens’ and it is sometimes necessary to miss a session. Ideally, you would be able to attend at least 80% of the sessions. Spaces in the Aussie-FIT are limited and in high demand; so your availability to attend the sessions will be considered through the selection process

I have more questions about Aussie-FIT – who can I contact?

• For any questions about participating in Aussie-FIT, please contact Brendan: Tel: 08 9266 2144 Email: aussiefit@curtin.edu.au
• For questions about our research or if you are interested in partnering with Aussie-FIT, please contact. Associate Professor Eleanor Quested eleanor.quested@curtin.edu.au