Let’s get physical: Global fitness sensation Joe Wicks running virtual PE classes for kids
The Spider-Man lunge is just one of many exercises global fitness sensation Joe Wicks is teaching millions of kids in his virtual PE classes. Here’s how your child can get involved.
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Children across Australia and the world are tuning in to an isolation fitness craze that uses bunny hops, kangaroo jumps and Spider-Man lunges to keep them fit.
Britain’s Joe Wicks has become a global sensation from his own loungeroom as he gives free Physical Education fitness advice to millions of school-aged children and parents with his PE with Joe videos.
“Exercise and fitness should be daily, it’s so important for a child’s fitness and development,” he said.
“A child who exercises is going to be more confident and feel better, it’s going to set them up for a lifetime.”
Wicks, 33, who lives in Richmond in London’s southwest, has turned his living room into a kid friendly exercise studio for the daily workouts at 6pm (AEST).
The couch gets jammed in the hallway of the home he shares with his wife Rosie, daughter Indie, 19 months, and son Marley, 3 months.
With his brother Nikki behind the camera, he has been doing a spot-the-difference by moving the pictures and nick-nacks in the background.
Schools across the world have assigned his classes as homework during the lockdown.
“But even if 1000 people a day were watching, I’d be doing it. It’s not about the volume, it’s a passion for me, this is my purpose,” said Wicks, who is also known as The Body Coach.
Many parents have been joining the classes with their children, which still get the heart rate up even though they are modified from Wicks’ adult classes.
One of his secrets, though, is that he gets as puffed as his students, making people feel like they are all in it together.
Wicks, who is a former teacher and successful author, has been running a crazy schedule.
Breaking a bone in his hand just before the lockdown didn’t help, and he has had to do one arm push ups while it heals.
Wicks, like most other families, has been trying to find a new way through the restrictions.
His daughter Indie found it tough, having a “meltdown” and he says it can be tough, not even having an hour to go out and have a break at a coffee shop.
“I’ve got two babies screaming their nuts off,” he said.
But he’s keeping positive, and keeping fit.
His YouTube Channel The Body Coach now has 1.98 million subscribers, with a combined social media presence of 9 million.
He said he would donate any money he makes on advertising from the PE sessions to Britain’s frontline health worker “heroes”, who are risking their lives in the COVID-19 battle.
Click here for PE sessions with Joe.
Originally published as Let’s get physical: Global fitness sensation Joe Wicks running virtual PE classes for kids
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