A new free footy-themed fitness program aimed at cutting down on soaring heart-related hospital admissions in the NT – a figure twice as high as the national average – will launch next month as the Aussie Fans in Training (Aussie-FIT) program comes to town.

Aussie-FIT is a footy-themed, group-based health program that uses men’s passion for sport to get them active and having fun to improve their heart health.

New national statistics reveal that 75 per cent of Australian adults do not meet physical activity guidelines, 95 per cent are not getting the recommended daily intake of fruits and vegetables, and 67 per cent are living with obesity.

Professor James Smith, Deputy Dean of Rural and Remote Health NT at Flinders University, and Lead Investigator of Aussie-FIT is working with the Darwin Buffaloes, and their Premier League Head Coach Cameron Stokes to encourage men aged 35 to 75 to take control of their health and well-being in the fun, safe setting of local AFL clubs.

The Darwin Buffaloes Football Club is the first NTFL club to partner with Flinders University to host the program.

“Aussie-FIT will be a chance for our fans to re-connect with the club, recognise the important role that our club plays in the lives of so many men and their families,” Coach Stokes said.

The program will include 12 weekly, 90-minute sessions involving an education component and individually tailored physical activity that aims to set realistic and attainable goals for men to reduce weight and gain knowledge while meeting “like-minded guys in a supportive, easy-going and sport-focused atmosphere”.

Dr Bryce Brickley, College of Medicine and Public Health in Darwin Research Fellow, said the program is free and evidence-based.

“The cardiovascular benefits of being active and eating a healthy diet are well established and it’s vital that we work with the local community to deliver health programs that are appealing to men and will support them to live healthier and happier lives,” he said.

Researchers have been working with local stakeholders, including a community advisory group with a majority of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men to establish the program.

Local club coaches will deliver the program at the footy grounds and will be supported by an accredited exercise physiologist to ensure the safety of physical activities.

To sign-up and find out more, visit http://www.aussiefit.org/.