Hat Trick program teams up with Victoria Grizzlies

Men’s healthy living program looking for a few more recruits

A healthy living program established by researchers at UBC’s Okanagan campus is being expanded to include Victoria residents.

Hat Trick, which was named for the three goals represented in the program—physical activity, healthy eating and teamwork—has run for about three years in Kelowna.

Associate Professor Cristina Caperchione, who teaches in UBC Okanagan’s School of Health and Exercise Sciences, says it’s an innovative healthy lifestyle program to help men increase physical activity, improve nutritional habits, and enhance their social connectedness. Part of the attraction says Caperchione is the partnership with a local hockey team; in this case, the Junior A Victoria Grizzlies club.

“This particular program is unique because it allows participants to use the facilities and resources available to the players, coaches and trainers to relay a message of positive living and a healthy lifestyle,” says Caperchione.

The free program started September 10 in Victoria, but there is still room for local men to sign up. It’s a 12-week program, and each session will include some form of physical exercise, tips for healthy eating and active living and be instructed by local health experts including members from the Grizzlies hockey team.

While it takes place at the home of the Grizzlies, the Q Centre, participants do not need to know how to skate or play hockey; in fact, no athletic ability is required. Hat Trick is designed for men who fit all of the following criteria:

• Living in Victoria
• 35 years or older
• Accumulate less than 150 minutes of physical activity per week
• Have a pant size greater than 38 inches
• Have a Body Mass Index over 25 kg/m²

To learn more or to sign up, contact Taylor Kirby at [email protected] or 250-807-9907 or visit: hattrick.ok.ubc.ca.

This UBC program is funded by the Canadian Cancer Society and is made up of a collaborative research team from UBC Okanagan, Athabasca University and the University of Stirling, the Canadian Mental Health Association and the Canadian Men’s Health Foundation.

About UBC's Okanagan campus

UBC’s Okanagan campus is an innovative hub for research and learning in the heart of British Columbia’s stunning Okanagan Valley. Ranked among the top 20 public universities in the world, UBC is home to bold thinking and discoveries that make a difference. Established in 2005, the Okanagan campus combines a globally recognized UBC education with a tight-knit and entrepreneurial community that welcomes students and faculty from around the world. For more visit ok.ubc.ca.