Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Aussie-FIT program?
Who can take part in the Aussie-FIT programs running in 2023-24?
What is a heart health check?
Do I need to have a heart health check before I sign up?
How do I sign up for Aussie-FIT?
Will I start the program now or in 6 months' time?
What will I get out of Aussie-FIT?
What happens at the enrolment session?
What is involved in a typical Aussie-FIT session?
Who will be running the Aussie-FIT sessions?
Do I need to be a footy or rugby fan to take part?
I want to join Aussie-FIT but I don’t meet the eligibility criteria. Can I still take part?
I haven’t done any exercise for years so feel very unfit. Will I be able to take part in Aussie-FIT?
I have a health condition/injury. Can I still participate in Aussie-FIT?
I won’t be able to make all of the Aussie-FIT 12 sessions. Is this a problem?
What do I need to bring or wear to an Aussie-FIT session?
Can I bring my mate along to an Aussie-FIT session?
I have more questions about Aussie-FIT – who can I contact?
- A free sport-themed men's health program that is run by coaches in Aussie Rules and Rugby club settings
- Involves 12 weekly 90-minute sessions, including an education component and physical activity tailored to your fitness level
- Supports participants to get more active, eat well and enjoy the process!
Who can take part in the Aussie-FIT programs running in 2023-24?
- Men aged 35-75 years that meet one of the following criteria can take part:
a) have a heart condition (e.g., a heart attack or heart failure) diagnosed by a doctor more than 3 months before starting the program*
b) have a body mass index (BMI) of 28 or higher. If you know your height and weight, check your BMI here
c) have been told that you are at 'high-risk' of having a heart attack or stroke after having a heart health check - You will need to be available to attend the majority of the 12 program sessions
- *If you have a heart condition, we will provide you with a letter to notify your General Practitioner and treating Cardiologist that you intend to participate in Aussie-FIT. You can access this letter here
What is a heart health check?
- A heart health check is a 20-minute check-up with your GP or nurse to assess your risk of having a heart attack or stroke
- Anyone 45 years and over, or 30 years and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, can get a regular Heart Health Check
- Heart Health Checks are covered by Medicare and are free at practices that bulk bill this service
- More information about Heart Health Checks are available on the Heart Foundation website
Do I need to have a heart health check before I sign up?
- Not necessarily. If you meet criteria (a) or (b) listed above, you do not need to have a heart health check before you sign up
- If you would like to participate but do not meet criteria (a) or (b), you can arrange a free heart health check at a bulk billed practice
- Your GP or nurse will be able to tell you if you are at 'high-risk' of having of having a heart attack or stroke
How do I sign up for Aussie-FIT?
- Click here to find out about upcoming programs and to register your interest
Will I start the program now or in 6 months' time?
- After attending an enrolment session, all men will be randomly divided by a computer into an Aussie-FIT group that either starts straight away or in 6 months' time
- This helps researchers compare the health of men who have completed Aussie-FIT with men that have not yet started the program
- Whether you start straight away or in 6 months' time is completely random. The clubs, Aussie-FIT coaches, and study researchers have no say
What will I get out of Aussie-FIT?
- Check out previous participants stories here! And watch previous participants experiences.
- Guys who have completed the program tell us 'I've loved the camaraderie of the program' and 'my fitness has improved immensely and my heart problems.'
- A previous participant told us 'Aussie-FIT is one of the best things I've ever done, there's takeaways that you can take to the rest of your life and use the rest of your life to improve your health improve your heart strength' and 'my fitness is a lot better my weight is where I want it to be I’ve had a heart check and I’m really healthy now!'
What happens at the enrolment session?
- If you register your interest and are eligible to take part in Aussie-FIT you will attend an enrolment session at your club
- At the enrolment session (which lasts up to 90 minutes) you will find out more about Aussie-FIT and be able to ask any questions
- If you are happy to continue, we will then undertake some physical measurements, a few screening questions for safety during physical activity, and you will be asked to complete a survey
- Physical measurements will include weight, height, waistline, blood pressure and a finger-prick blood cholesterol
- The survey will include questions about your health and wellbeing (e.g., diet and mental health)
What is involved in a typical Aussie-FIT session?
- Interactive education about healthy eating, physical activity and sustaining healthy lifestyle changes for the long-term
- Coach-led physical activity tailored to your current fitness level
- A bit of fun and banter with the Aussie-FIT coach and team
Who will be running the Aussie-FIT sessions?
- Your program will be run a trained Aussie-FIT coach at your local participating club alongside an accredited health professional
Do I need to be a footy or rugby fan to take part?
- Nope! The program is designed for men who are less physically active and open to all men that meet the criteria to participate who would like to make positive health changes. If you are unsure, get in touch with us
I want to join Aussie-FIT but I don’t meet the eligibility criteria. Can I still take part?
- At the moment Aussie-FIT is only available for men 35-75 who fit the eligibility criteria
- We hope to extend the program to other people in the future (e.g., different age groups, women). If you would like to take part in a similar program in the future, get in touch with us so we can contact you if there are plans to start a program that is suitable for you
I haven’t done any exercise for years so feel very unfit. Will I be able to take part in Aussie-FIT?
- Absolutely! Sessions are tailored to your current fitness level and ability. 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, we advice you 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 you will need to be available to attend most (e.g., 10 out of 12) of the scheduled sessions. However, of course we recognise that ‘life happens’ and it is sometimes necessary to miss a session
What do I need to bring or wear to an Aussie-FIT session?
- Bring a good attitude, enclosed trainers and an exercise towel. (You do not need footy boots)
- Always bring your medication and inhalers!
- Wear the provided Fitbit and Aussie-FIT shirt to every session
Can I bring my mate along to an Aussie-FIT session?
- If you have mates interested that meet the criteria, they will have to sign up themselves
- We can't guarantee that you will start in the same Aussie-FIT group as your mate(s) as everyone is randomly selected to start straightaway or in 6 months time
I have more questions about Aussie-FIT – who can I contact?
- If you have questions about the program or the research that have not been answered here, please visit the contact section of this website here and get in touch with an Aussie-FIT team member in your State / Territory
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