Joe Wicks inspires students at Sacred Heart RC Primary School with fitness workout

Renowned fitness coach Joe Wicks (aka The Body Coach) visited Sacred Heart RC Primary School in Battersea this week, leading students through an energetic 30-minute workout session.

The session included fun exercises such as star jumps, running on the spot, and burpees, encouraging children to get active and enjoy movement.

The students loved it

Following the workout, Joe hosted a Q&A session, where students were free to ask him questions about fitness, health, and his own journey. We heard from Thomas Roca, aged 9, who remembers staying active with Joe during lockdown; “I watched Joe Wicks in lockdown, and I did the workouts every day, so I loved seeing him in our playground. I liked doing the jumping jacks and the silly dances. It was a great experience and I loved it.”

Joe’s visit is part of his twice-a-year UK school tour, which aims to teach children about the physical and mental benefits of regular exercise. The school was thrilled to be part of this exciting initiative, which promotes healthy habits from a young age.

Speaking to Joe after the session, he said: “It’s important to get children to connect the dots at a very young age that you can use exercise to really change the way you feel. It’s really just about giving that kid the knowledge that if you’re having a tough day then you can change how you feel through exercise and that’s really where my passion comes from.”

Why exercise is so important

Wandsworth Council is committed to promoting health and wellbeing within our community, with a special focus on supporting young children to stay active. Councillor Kate Stock, Cabinet Member for Children, said: “We believe it is essential for children to learn from an early age about the many benefits of exercise, not just for their physical health but for their mental wellbeing too. By encouraging healthy habits now, we aim to foster a strong foundation for lifelong health and happiness.”

Nicola Byrne, Headteacher at Sacred Heart RC Primary School, expressed her gratitude to Joe for visiting and inspiring the pupils:

“Having Joe Wicks visit Sacred Heart has been fantastic. Our pupils have been inspired to take on an active lifestyle at school and at home. As a lot of our pupils live in flats, we wanted Joe to help show them they can exercise for health and their well-being even in a small space.

“It has been a really great way to lift our commitment to exercise here at Sacred Heart.”

Our Access for All scheme

Young people across the borough can keep fit for free through the council’s Access for All offer, including free swimming, junior gym, tennis and Padel sessions.