In 2026, the University of Bayreuth will launch an innovative pilot project called "Männersache am Heilort" in cooperation with the Siebenquell GesundZeitResort and the Bad Weißenstadt am See health resort development. The study will examine the feasibility, acceptance and transferability of a health and fitness programme developed specifically for men aged 50 and over – embedded in a health resort setting for the first time.
The collaboration will last a total of nine weeks: an intensive compact week at the health resort (26 July to 1 August and 20 September to 26 September) will be supplemented by eight weeks of digitally supported follow-up care at home. Every day, participants can expect a men-specific exercise session, combined with health offerings specific to the health resort, such as thermal water treatments, Kneipp elements, health-oriented hikes or forest bathing. In addition, a cultural programme, such as a guided tour of the town, will be integrated.
"With Männersache am Heilort, we are creating a programme in which men can experience health behaviour in a new way – practical, relevant to everyday life and scientifically supported," says Tizian Schuck, research associate in the Social and Health Sciences of Sport research group at the University of Bayreuth and project coordinator. "It's not just about exercise, but about a holistic understanding of health."
The project is led by Prof. Dr. Susanne Tittlbach, Chair of Social and Health Sciences of Sport. She also emphasises the model character of the study: "We want to find out how a programme specifically designed for men interacts with the special resources of a health resort – and whether the positive effects can be transferred to the everyday lives of the participants in the long term. Our goal is to create a sustainable programme that can also be used in other health resorts in the future."
Participation is open to men aged between 45 and 65 who are currently physically inactive, i.e. who engage in less than 150 minutes of moderate physical activity or less than 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity per week. Participants must also be free of any medical conditions requiring treatment. A medical certificate confirming fitness for sport is also required for participation. There is a fee for this programme. Further information and registration details can be found on the website: https://www.weissenstadt.de/weissenstadt-am-see/gesundheit/maennersache/
