Having been a long term member of the MAN v FAT Chelmsford club, Mark Lyons hit a very special landmark recently – clocking up his 25% weight loss since joining the programme.
Mark is a dedicated goalkeeper in the Thursday night sessions in Chelmsford and has now shifted 43kg as he progresses towards his 30% achievement.
We caught up with him to find out the secrets of his success.
Why did you take the leap to join MAN v FAT? Was there a single ‘lightbulb’ moment or build up of circumstances?
After I hung up my boots, the weight slowly crept up and I found myself close to 26 stone. I really missed playing football and knew I needed to make a change. Then I saw an advert for MAN v FAT and it just felt like the perfect opportunity – a chance to get back on the pitch doing something I love while also starting to lose weight and improve my health.
What do you most enjoy about MAN v FAT Football? And would you recommend it to others, if so why?
I’ve enjoyed getting back on the pitch and playing the game I love again while also improving my health. It’s also the people – I’ve made some really good friends through it and I honestly couldn’t ask for a better bunch of lads.
I’d definitely recommend it to others. It’s a great way to lose weight, get fitter and be part of a supportive group where everyone is pushing each other to do better.
Why do you think that MAN v FAT has worked for you compared to other ways of losing weight?
It combines football with weight loss, which kept me motivated. Having the weekly games and weigh-ins gave me something to focus on and helped keep me accountable.
When I first joined, I didn’t really know anyone in Essex as I’d moved up from Epsom after meeting my fiancée, Leanne. Through MAN v FAT I’ve made some great friends and honestly couldn’t ask for a better bunch of lads. It’s helped me build a real social circle – we go for meals, have weekends away, and it’s been great for me both physically and mentally.
What are your future plans for your health and wellbeing?
To keep building on the progress I’ve made. I want to continue losing weight, stay active, and keep playing football as it’s something I really enjoy. Being part of MAN v FAT has helped me change my lifestyle, so the goal now is to keep those healthy habits going.
I also want to keep improving my overall wellbeing – both physically and mentally – and continue being part of the great group of lads I’ve met along the way.
Want to join Mark in action?
If you want to get involved in Chelmsford, then you can sign up today! It’s one of a host of MAN v FAT clubs in the area, so we look forward to seeing you soon.
