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Elizabeth McMenemy, attended the Rangers Charity Foundation’s Football Fans In Training (FFIT) programme and she credits the programme with her weight loss success.

Elizabeth lost over a stone on the 12-week programme which became a key component of her weight loss journey.

The free FFIT programme works with individuals aged between 35 and 65 years old who are overweight and provides a great opportunity for Rangers supporters to improve their fitness, lose weight and train with fellow supporters at Ibrox.

Each session is split between classroom health education and physical activity sessions and covers issues such as weight management, exercise, diet and healthy eating, alcohol awareness, motivation and well-being.

Elizabeth described how she found out about the course.

She said: “I saw a post on the Rangers Charity Foundation Facebook page which I had probably seen before and scrolled past but this time it resonated with me, and I took the first steps to join. I sent back the information requested and explained I was on holiday when the first session was due to start but I was reassured this wasn’t a problem and my weight and measurements could be taken when I came to my first session.”

The appeal of the dedicated weight loss programme was a driving factor for Elizabeth joining.

She explained what made her want to join: “I wanted to get healthier, fitter and stronger.  I work better when I have structure so knew I would benefit from having some consistency each week.

“I was also losing motivation exercising on my own and wanted to be part of something with likeminded people who were there to achieve the same goals.”

“If you go to a gym or a class you’re just there for the exercise. Nobody’s telling you whether you’re using the machines or doing a particular exercise right and there’s no classroom environment beforehand teaching you about portions, what a varied diet looks like and what changes you should be incorporating into your lifestyle. I knew there would be support and guidance from the coaches to teach and push you to make sure you’re getting the most out of the sessions.”

With the 12-week block now behind her, Elizabeth went on to say how much of an impact the FFIT programme has had.

She said: “It’s had a really positive impact and changed my whole outlook. I’ve become more knowledgeable about food, I look forward to coming to sessions and I’m surprising myself with what I can do.

“The only person stopping me before was me because I had an ‘I can’t’ attitude as opposed to the ‘I can’ attitude I have now.”

“I’m now fitter, stronger, motivated and more confident! I took myself out of my comfort zone to put myself in a room full of other strangers, but I knew other people would be feeling exactly the same way and having done it, wouldn’t hesitate to do it again.”

Looking ahead at her next steps Elizabeth said: “I’ve still got a way to go on my journey, but I’ve built the foundations. I know what I need to do, and I know what I’m doing is working. It’s mind over matter and that’s what I always remind myself.”

“When your group starts together you become part of a community. The programme is proven to work so you’ve nothing to lose by joining, but so much to gain and you might even make some new friends along the way!”

If you are interested in taking part in our Football Fans in Training programme, contact us on 0141 580 8775 or e-mail rangerscharity@rangers.co.uk.

Please note that to qualify, you must be aged 35 – 65 and have one of the following:

• BMI 27 or over
• Belly size 100 cm or over
• Trouser size 37 inches or over

When you have completed the 12-week FFIT programme you will automatically be eligible to participate in the FFIT for Life programme which continues to support attendees on their weight loss journey.

We are grateful to the SPFL Trust for their funding support for this programme.