Joe Wicks launches fun five-minute fitness videos to get kids moving this summer
New government-backed ‘Activate’ series brings animated Joe Wicks, upbeat tunes and five-minute workouts to help kids stay active this summer.
Joe Wicks MBE has been on a mission to get more people moving since he first exploded onto our screens during the pandemic. Now, he’s teaming up with the UK government to launch a new animated series designed to tackle inactivity in kids.
The Activate series consists of five-minute exercise videos led by an animated Joe which encourage kids to do short bursts of movement with upbeat music.
It’s backed by government funding as part of their ‘10 Year Health Plan’ which aims to give children the best start in life. It's co-produced by Studio AKA, the creators of Hey Duggee.
The series will be released weekly on Joe Wicks’ YouTube channel, The Body Coach, over the summer holidays. The first episode is available to watch now.
“Activate is designed to make movement fun and inclusive for every child, with short, high-energy workouts that fit into everyday life – these can be enjoyed in the living room, the garden, in the classroom, or anywhere else,” Joe says.
“As a dad, I know how important it is to make movement something kids enjoy, not something they have to do. That’s exactly what Activate is all about so I hope it can be a real support for busy families, this summer and beyond.”
Joe and animated friends pair easy-to-follow exercises with pop tunes
In the videos, an animated Joe and six new characters, called ‘The Activators’, lead children through easy-to-follow movements such as jogging, squats, and burpees.
The videos, at only five minutes long, can easily be integrated into kids’ summer holiday days — whether after coming home from childcare or by the pool on holiday.
Universal Music are providing the kid-appropriate tunes, which have been chosen to appeal to children. Featured artists include Becky Hill and Bastille.
The Activate videos aren’t just for summer — they will also be available to schools during term time so kids can maintain their new exercise habit.
“As a single mum of three and neonatal nurse, I don’t always have the time or energy to commit to structured activities with my kids, and the cost of clubs and classes can really add up,” Dayka Jama, 37, who is based in Sheffield, says.
“That’s why Activate is such a brilliant idea. It’s free, fun, and easy to access on YouTube, and the short episodes mean there’s no excuse not to get moving. I worry about my children spending too much time on screens, especially over the summer, so I love that this gets them off the sofa, burning energy and getting fitter, all in just five minutes.”
The series is part of a government initiative to help Britain get healthier
The Activate programme is part of the government’s 10 Year Health Plan. The aim of the plan is to shift how we think about our health, from tackling diseases and problems as they come up, to preventing them with healthy lifestyle habits. The government hopes that this will reduce rates of preventable chronic diseases, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
It particularly aims to reduce the growing rate of childhood obesity. A forthcoming report by the Chief Medical Officer will soon show that more than one in five children are living with obesity before they leave primary school — and this rises to one in three children who live in poorer areas.
Being physically active is essential for good health and preventing obesity. But less than half of the UK’s children get the average of at least 60 minutes of sport/physical activity every day that the Chief Medical Officer recommends, according to Sport England. This number is lower for Black and Asian children, and children from the least affluent families.
“Physical activity that builds strength and fitness is not just good for our bodies, but it’s one of the best things there is for our minds too. Starting active habits from childhood is really important, but I know how challenging it can be for parents with busy schedules to make time to incorporate regular exercise,” Dr Zoe Williams, an NHS GP and TV doctor, says.
“It's brilliant to see that the new Activate series with Joe Wicks is making exercise for kids not just fun, but accessible and easy to incorporate into every family’s daily routine.”