A LOCAL group of farmers are swapping the work boots for sneakers and hitting the gym as part of a program to get workers up on their feet.
A new partnership between grassroots health initiative Fat Farmers and The Hospital Research Foundation Group is aiming to boost the physical and mental health of rural communities.
Founded 12 years ago in the Yorke Peninsula, Fat Farmers was first created when three 40-something farmers joked they were getting ‘fat’ once their footy careers ended.
Since then, the fitness venture has grown to be in 18 towns across South Australia, including an office headed by Will Holmes in the Barossa.
Mr Holmes is a grape grower in the Barossa who has been working hard to bring the name of Fat Farmers throughout the region.
Mr Holmes said his group focuses on getting anyone involved in the farm or agriculture industry of any age, to get off the land and focus on their physical and mental health.
“Our group goes for walks every Sunday – people can get out and about, get some outdoors and sunshine and socialise in a group,” he said.
“Once you get to a certain age in rural areas, you tend to drop off from sports and fitness in general.
“A lot of people focus on work too much which I think everyone is guilty of.”
Across the country, Fat Farmers accept all people regardless of whether they are ‘fat’, thin, or just needing additional motivation to get active.
The Hospital Research Foundation Group has recently come on board as Fat Farmers’ Major Health Partner, to help the program expand into more regional towns.
Mr Holmes said his group hopes to address the taboo surrounding health in the farming industry and regional towns.
“We want to build awareness that it’s ok to feel overwhelmed by work and get some help for yourself and your physical wellbeing too,” he said.
“People don’t often realise how intertwined physical and mental health is, it really goes hand in hand.
“There are so many success stories in the group, too many to name actually.
“We’ve seen a lot of people completely turn their wellbeing around.”
Co-founder Ben Wundersitz said Fat Farmers had received exceptional feedback from participants since it started, with many new joiners saying it completely turned their lives around.
“We are a group that was established by farmers, for farmers, and it’s been surprising to see how much exercise benefits your mental health as well,” he said.
“We’re a bit quirky, we have fun and don’t take ourselves too seriously. It’s all about community, connection and living a better lifestyle, particularly for blokes but we accept everyone.
“The Hospital Research Foundation Group is passionate about improving health and wellbeing and they have recognised the potential of our group, which is quite humbling to be honest considering our modest beginnings.
“If anyone is interested in starting a Fat Farmers group in their town, please reach out to us and we can help you.”
Paul Flynn, CEO of The Hospital Research Foundation Group, said the two-year partnership was all about improving health in country areas.
“It’s no secret that regional communities have poorer health outcomes due to reduced access to GPs, services and delays in care,” Paul said.
“If we can get in at the prevention stage, helping people to live a healthier lifestyle and be active, then we’re one step closer to improving the overall health of regional communities.
“Fat Farmers is a great vehicle to improve not only physical health, but mental health and wellbeing. Men don’t always have to catch up at the pub, we can flip that idea on its head and set a great example for the next generation.”
If you’re interested in starting a Fat Farmers group in your town, learn more at www.fatfarmers.com or call 0436 281 875.