Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Aussie-FIT program?​

• The original Aussie-FIT (AFL Fans in Training) program is a healthy lifestyle program designed specifically for men with excess weight, i.e., BMI 28kg/m2 and higher. We now also have a program to support men with cardiovascular disease to improve their physical activity and eating habits. (This program is open to all men with cardiovascular disease, regardless of their weight). 
• The 12-week program aims to support participants in making positive changes to improve their physical activity, healthy eating, and become a healthy weight.
• The 12-weekly, 90-minute sessions involve an education component and physical activity tailored to your current fitness level.
• The sessions are held at club facilities and run by community coaches.
• Aussie-FIT is currently delivered free of charge as part of research projects 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 – Men between 35-65 years old, with a BMI of 28kg/m2 or higher are eligible to join the program at this time.  To check your BMI, you can click here.
• Programs for men with cardiovascular disease – Any man (regardless of age or weight) who has had a cardiovascular disease diagnosis at least 6 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 improve your fitness and healthy eating habits, reduce your weight, and learn how to sustain your new lifestyle long term. 
• A unique behind-the-scenes experience with your footy club.
• A Fitbit, which is yours to keep at the end of the program. 
• A free 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.
• If you are selected to participate, you will be randomly assigned to start the program straight away, or about 3 months later.
• Participants will need to attend 3 ‘measurement sessions’ held at the club facilities prior to commencement, on completing the program and 3 months later.  Your measurements will be recorded (e.g., weight and height).  You will also be asked to answer some questions about yourself (e.g., questions about your diet and any physical activity that your do). 
• Measurement sessions will take approximately an hour.

How long is Aussie-FIT?

• Aussie-FIT is 12 weeks long.
• Participants need to 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 coaches who are passionate about footy, and who have completed the training required to be an Aussie-FIT coach.

I want to join Aussie-FIT but I don’t support an AFL team.  Can I still take part?

• Yes! You can still join the program, so long as you meet program eligibility criteria.

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 fitness 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: 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. Dr Eleanor Quested eleanor.quested@curtin.edu.au