Using a grant from Movember, researchers from Western University will use hockey to try to inspire overweight men to get fit.
Dr. Robert Petrella and his colleagues from Western’s Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry and the Faculty of Health Sciences are beginning a pilot project called Hockey Fit.
“Our goal is to create momentum and excitement around men’s health and associate it with club-based sports,” said Dr. Petrella. “We know that hockey is the bread and butter of the male psyche in Canada, so we are looking forward to partnering with Ontario Hockey League teams here in southwestern Ontario.”
Hockey Fit has already attracted attention and interest from both the London Knights and Sarnia Sting. In the program, men will have the chance for 90 minutes per week over a 12-week period to train with Hockey Fit coaches who will provide them with ways to improve their lifestyles. They're receive advice on creating personalized health and nutrition plans and experts will lead them through sports-based training exercises.
In Canada, 40 per cent of men are overweight, one of the highest risk factors for chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes. Western reports that of those men, sports fans are more likely than non-sports fans to have poor health.
The Hockey Fit program was one of 15 projects across Canada to have been awarded funding from Movember.
The Big Show's Botten and Blair (with help from Mo-sista Brandt) are raising funds and sprouting moustaches for Movember. For more information click HERE.