Former Bath and England prop Duncan Bell is working with Bath Rugby Foundation, Premiership Rugby and the Movember Foundation to launch a brand new scheme which will see Bath men get fitter – physically and mentally.
From April, ‘Move Like A Pro’ will offer rugby fans the opportunity to take part in a free 12-week physical activity programme in sessions run by Bath Rugby Foundation training staff. Move like a Pro will focus on weight management, and give participants a framework to improve their health and well-being on a long-term basis.
Duncan Bell forged a successful rugby career as a front row forward, playing for Bath for nine years and gaining five caps for England. In 2012, as he approached retirement from the game, he made the bold decision to speak up for the first time to his team mates and the rugby community at large about the depression and anxiety that had tainted his life for over a decade.
Duncan Bell, ex England and Bath Rugby prop said:
“Since speaking out about my illness in 2012, I’ve made it my mission to raise awareness of mental health in Rugby and the wider sporting community. You can’t see depression or anxiety – but it affects many of us, and never really goes away. I found rugby to be a great release, so I look forward to seeing Bath men get moving, but also having a space to talk, and take action on their mental and physical health.”
The 12-week course will kick off with a visit from Duncan and a kick around to get the men moving, as well as thinking about their wellbeing. They will then look at topics designed to improve their health such as sugar content in food, portion sizes and exercise programmes that you can do anywhere, including the comfort of your own home.
Wayne Morris, Premiership Rugby’s community and corporate social responsibility director, said:
“Depression and obesity are prevalent in the UK – but men are notoriously bad at talking about their health and how they feel. We believe that Move Like A Pro will be a really powerful first step to getting fans more active, as well as helping them to live healthier, happier lives.”
Sarah Coghlan, County Director UK at Movember Foundation, says:
“Premiership Rugby and Movember have a longstanding history; players and fans alike are as passionate about Movember and its causes as they are about rugby and have raised lots of funds and awareness for men’s health over the years. Together we want to get rugby fans moving and affect positive change on the health and wellbeing of rugby fans to inspire a legacy of long-term change across the rugby fan community.”
To ensure everyone can get involved, the Move Like A Pro website will be open to all Bath Rugby fans to sign up and follow the weekly exercise plans and find tasty recipes developed by Premiership Rugby clubs at www.MoveLikeAPro.co.uk.
To sign up, visit www.movelikeapro.co.uk
For further information or photographs please contact Fiona.Spencer@bathrugby.com.
