Throughout our MAN v FAT group, we’re continually impressed by the wonderful coaches that help our golf equipment and the boys who’re taking steps to enhance their well being and wellbeing.
Whether or not it’s our Soccer, Rugby or Soccer programmes, we’ve a massively proficient cohort of coaches who’re making an enormous distinction to their membership.
Lisa Di’Iulio has been in control of our MAN v FAT Rugby membership in Swansea because it launched in Could 2025 and has supported the blokes to lose 250KG. Right here’s what she needed to say about her experiences thus far!
Speak to us about your background in well being and wellbeing and why teaching at MAN v FAT attracted you to get entangled?
I’ve labored in healthcare for over 10 years and am a Registered Nurse with frontline expertise. Over time I’ve developed a powerful curiosity in public well being promotion, significantly round prevention and long run wellbeing of males. Engaged on the frontline has proven me that the present mannequin isn’t working in addition to it ought to. We have already got loads of training round well being, we all know what we ought to be doing however we nonetheless don’t take motion. If it’s so straightforward then why aren’t we doing it?
On a private degree I’ve additionally misplaced just a few male mates to suicide, medication, alcohol over time. which have had a profound impression on me. It’s a stark reminder that wellbeing isn’t nearly weight or health however about group, objective and feeling seen.
I strongly consider the main focus must shift in direction of significant behaviour change quite than merely offering extra data.
Teaching at MAN v FAT actually appealed to me as a result of it instantly addresses this hole. The classes provide a supportive, group led strategy that builds motivation, accountability and consistency serving to individuals flip data into sustainable habits. This aligns carefully with my skilled background and my perception that efficient well being promotion have to be sensible, partaking and rooted in actual life, sustainable behaviour change.
Add to that the truth that rugby is deeply rooted in Welsh tradition and inside my household, MAN v FAT felt like a pure and highly effective technique to have interaction males who need to make modifications however wrestle with the boldness and help to do it.
After a number of months now teaching the blokes in Swansea, how would you sum up the group and their efforts to enhance their well being and wellbeing?
Inspirational.
I persistently see the blokes carry authenticity, honesty, mutual encouragement and resilience each week it doesn’t matter what life has thrown at them. They’ve completely smashed and mastered the artwork of exhibiting up which has been a key ability to nail earlier than the rest.
Confidence has grown week on week. The dedication they show to make the membership a hit with a purpose to enhance themselves and others is admirable.
What do you get pleasure from essentially the most about main this group?
I actually get pleasure from main this group as a result of these guys are high notch position fashions not only for everybody round them however for me too.
The blokes present up, take possession and are trustworthy about each progress and challenges. That mixture creates actual belief and momentum and it makes main the group genuinely rewarding as a result of the expansion we see is actual and shared.
How do you strategy your wellbeing training with these guys in comparison with a few of your different purchasers?
I take a way more stripped again, no frills sensible strategy than I’d with another purchasers. Time is valuable for us all so I maintain it easy, so every part we do has to really feel instantly related and usable, not theoretical or fluffy.
An enormous a part of the work is creating an area the place the lads can inform me or their group mates something, with out judgement or consequence. That belief is crucial. If they don’t really feel secure to be trustworthy, the work doesn’t land.
I lean closely on the concept questions are the steering wheel of the thoughts. As a substitute of lengthy explanations, I exploit the appropriate questions to assist them mirror, reframe and arrive at their very own insights rapidly. That retains engagement excessive and possession sturdy.
Repetition is essential. We don’t chase novelty for novelty’s sake. We reinforce a small variety of core rules repeatedly, in numerous contexts, till they change into second nature. That’s what turns wellbeing training from one thing they “know” into one thing they really reside.
2025 noticed the Males’s Well being Technique for England launched by the federal government. What could be your three major priorities for males’s well being going ahead and why?
- Psychological Wellbeing: Have fun, help one another, keep social.
- Well being & Health: Get stronger, fitter, more healthy – your tempo, your means.
- Problem Norms: Ditch macho stereotypes, ask for assist, again one another up.
These guys are position fashions of their communities. By specializing in their psychological and bodily well being and making optimistic modifications, they set a very good instance, serving to to create stronger males, households and communities.
Sum up MAN v FAT and its group in three phrases
Togetherness. Transformative. Resilient.
Need to be a part of Lisa and the lads?
You possibly can join MAN v FAT Rugby in Swansea at our MAN v FAT Rugby web site – have a look, we’d like to have you ever alongside!
