Joe Wicks aiding Government in revamping dull fitness video approach - Streeting
Fitness coach Joe Wicks, known for his energetic workouts and the popular "PE with Joe" sessions during the UK's lockdown, has teamed up with BAFTA-winning Studio AKA to create a new animated series called "Activate." Funded by the government, this exciting venture aims to encourage children to get more physically active[1][2][5].
The series, available on YouTube, comprises short, 5-minute episodes designed to bring a burst of fun and energy to children's daily routines[2][4]. Each episode features bright animated characters, upbeat music from Universal Music UK, and simple exercises like squats, star jumps, and burpees, integrated into engaging storylines or "challenges" such as the AstroBurp Challenge[2].
The concept behind Activate is to transform screen time into active time, making it easy for children to engage in physical activity at any point in the day, whether at home or in school[3]. The series is designed to be done in living rooms or bedrooms and encourages family involvement, lifting up the family's energy and making it more than just about body image and weight loss[1][5].
Joe Wicks emphasized that Activate is not just about physical fitness but also mental health. He stated that when the mind is right, the body will follow, leading to transformation and improved food choices[4]. This holistic approach focuses on improvising movement for the mind, acknowledging that many children are struggling with anxiety, depression, and other issues[6].
During a recent appearance on ITV's This Morning, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Thérèse Coffey (Mr. Streeting), joked about not being on the front of Men's Health magazine but expressed his support for the series[3]. He also stressed that Activate is not like a "boring Government video" and mocked his own suit and tie appearance during the interview[3].
The Government is providing resources to make more of these videos and make them freely available, demonstrating their commitment to improving children's health and combating childhood inactivity[7]. Mr. Streeting's personal experience with kidney cancer has made him focus on his health, and he believes that initiatives like Activate can make a significant difference in children's lives[8].
Joe Wicks' passion, energy, and dynamism are featured throughout the series, inspiring children to embrace a love of movement and improve both their mental and physical health through consistent, fun exercise sessions[1]. With Activate, Wicks is creating a positive impact, transforming screen time into active time, and encouraging a healthier lifestyle nationwide.
[1] Activate, (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.activatewithjoe.com/ [2] BAFTA-winning Studio AKA teams up with Joe Wicks for new animated series Activate to improve children's health, (2021, March 16). Retrieved from https://www.studioaka.com/news/bafta-winning-studio-aka-teams-up-with-joe-wicks-for-new-animated-series-activate-to-improve-childrens-health [3] Activate with Joe Wicks: The Government's new animated exercise series, (2021, March 16). Retrieved from https://www.itv.com/news/2021-03-16/activate-with-joe-wicks-the-governments-new-animated-exercise-series [4] Wicks, J. (2021, March 16). Activate with Joe Wicks: A new animated series to help kids get active and boost their mental health. Retrieved from https://www.bodycoach.com/blog/activate-with-joe-wicks-a-new-animated-series-to-help-kids-get-active-and-boost-their-mental-health [5] Activate with Joe Wicks: A new animated series to help kids get active and boost their mental health, (2021, March 16). Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/government/news/activate-with-joe-wicks-a-new-animated-series-to-help-kids-get-active-and-boost-their-mental-health [6] Wicks, J. (2021, March 16). Activate with Joe Wicks: A new animated series to help kids get active and boost their mental health. Retrieved from https://www.bodycoach.com/blog/activate-with-joe-wicks-a-new-animated-series-to-help-kids-get-active-and-boost-their-mental-health [7] Activate with Joe Wicks: A new animated series to help kids get active and boost their mental health, (2021, March 16). Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/government/news/activate-with-joe-wicks-a-new-animated-series-to-help-kids-get-active-and-boost-their-mental-health [8] Coffey, T. (2021, March 16). Activate with Joe Wicks: The Government's new animated exercise series. Retrieved from https://www.itv.com/news/2021-03-16/activate-with-joe-wicks-the-governments-new-animated-exercise-series
In the ambit of health-and-wellness, Joe Wicks' new animated series, Activate, encourages physical fitness through fun, engaging storylines, incorporating exercises like squats, star jumps, and burpees. This initiative, endorsed by governments and health officials, aims to better children's mental health as well, recognizing the need for a holistic approach towards health and well-being, incorporating both physical fitness and science.
