Students from Gascoigne Primary School got their sweat on last Friday as ‘The Body Coach’ Joe Wicks came calling.
The TV and internet star visited the school as part of a project to see 10,000 children in schools across the country and go through a 20-minute workout with them.
Over the past couple of days Joe has embarked on a mammoth tour of the UK, to help schools to increase physical activity by incorporating bite-size bursts of activity as part of the school day. He believes that increasing activity levels will not only help young people become fitter but also help with their general wellbeing, making them happier and improving their mental health.
“We are aware that childhood obesity is a problem in Barking and Dagenham so opportunities like these are not ones to be missed.”
After his fitness session with the kids ‘The Body Coach’ commented on the increasing issue of childhood obesity: “It’s really important that not only the teachers in the school value the importance of exercise but parents are also there to inspire them because kids learn from what they see.
“So, if you’re parent who sits at home and watches TV or sits on your phone or iPad all day, that’s all your kids are going to learn. They’re going to model on you, so it’s really important to promote physical activity such as going for a walk down the park together or a little bike ride. It is little things like this that will make your child healthier and happier.”
Obesity is becoming a pressing issue in primary school pupils and Barking and Dagenham has one of the highest levels of childhood obesity within the UK. On this, Councillor Evelyn Carpenter, Cabinet Member for Educational Attainment and School Improvement said: “We are aware that childhood obesity is a problem in Barking and Dagenham so opportunities like these are not ones to be missed.”
“It is important that our young people keep as active as possible so that they can live healthier lifestyles. Keeping fit from a young age will put them in good stead for the future.”
Gascoigne Primary School was one of 17 schools from around the UK that took part and along with the other schools will feature on The Body Coach YouTube channel which has nearly 700,000 subscribers.