Fit for Life

This week two former players met the DAFC Football Fans in Training group on week 10 of the 12 week course.

Bonar Mercer and Colin O'Brien meet the Fans in Training

Two former players met the DAFC Football Fans in Training group on week 10 of the 12 week course. Bonar Mercer and Colin O'Brien were the guests and were well received even though some had to find out who the pair were.  Pars players over 30 years ago, they played together in the same side as Hugh Whyte, Bobby Robertson, Mike Leonard and John Salton.

A full time pro for eight seasons, Colin confessed that within six months of becoming a part time professional had put on a stone in weight. The former Hereford United and Bristol City player was signed by Harry Melrose in 1979 at a weight of 11 stone but quickly that grew. Colin explained:-

"Instead of training five times a week  We were only training twice a week and I didn't actually realise that I was gaining weight. I saw a big difference in fitness when I became part time."

Bonar warned about the potential of pasta to be fattening. "It is good for slow release of energy if you are running a marathon or doing something energetic the next day. If you eat that in your regular diet it isn't really all that healthy. Pasta is normally served up to footballers at the end of games but eating white meat and fish with pasta reduces the amount of carbohydrates you take on. That gives you energy the next day."

The pace that the game is played at now is so much faster these days claimed Bonar. "The lifestyle is very much orientated towards being an athlete."

Bonar encouraged the group to try and join some sort of activity club or gym class when the course comes to an end:-

"Circuit training is as good as you want to be, and are. It is set to you personally so joining something that makes you go out every Tuesday or Thursday night. Lifestyle changes are important."

Members of the group admitted to have become obsessed with getting their step count up with daily targets now 4500 more than when they started the course. Some have already committed to regular boot camp and boxercise classes, others are meeting to play badminton.