Encouraging Family Activity Through New Moves Club
A recent survey has highlighted that 82% of parents express a desire for their families to engage in more physical activities together. However, a substantial number of parents, 61%, lack confidence in their sporting abilities, which often leads to them avoiding physical activities altogether. This disconnect has prompted EastEnders actress Charlie Brooks and renowned fitness coach Joe Wicks to collaborate on the ‘New Moves Club’, aimed at inspiring families across the UK to participate in new activities together.
This initiative is part of the Government’s broader ‘Let’s Move!’ campaign, designed to encourage families to incorporate short bursts of activity into their daily routines. By starting with just 10 minutes of movement, families can work towards achieving the recommended 60 minutes of daily activity for children, as advised by NHS guidelines. Alarmingly, current statistics indicate that less than half of children in the UK meet this target.
The Benefits of Family Activity
Engaging in physical activity as a family offers numerous benefits beyond physical health. Research indicates that families who move together enjoy increased quality time (53%), happier children (47%), and reduced screen time (45%). Additionally, 68% of parents acknowledge that they find it more challenging to encourage their children to be active if they themselves are not engaged in physical activities.
The ‘New Moves Club’ aims to dispel the notion that one must be ‘good’ at sports to participate. Instead, it emphasises the importance of simply joining in and having fun together. Interestingly, children themselves cite fun as the primary motivation for getting active with their families, with 60% of young respondents expressing this sentiment.
A Call to Join In
The campaign was launched with a short film featuring Charlie Brooks, who, despite not considering herself traditionally sporty, enjoys engaging in physical activities with her family. Alongside Joe Wicks, she visited families across the nation, encouraging them to try a variety of activities they may not have attempted before, such as basketball, cricket, yoga, and hula hooping.
Sports Minister Stephanie Peacock remarked, “Every child deserves the chance to enjoy the benefits of being active.” She noted the importance of parental involvement, stating that when parents participate, it helps children see physical activity as enjoyable and accessible. The focus of this year’s ‘Let’s Move!’ campaign is on enjoyment and participation rather than perfection.
Overcoming Barriers to Activity
Despite the good intentions of parents, many cite time constraints as a significant barrier to engaging in physical activities alongside their children. A notable 40% of parents mentioned that their busy schedules prevent them from participating in exercise. The ‘Let’s Move!’ campaign seeks to address this issue by promoting short, manageable bursts of activity throughout the day.
Charlie Brooks emphasised the simplicity of incorporating movement into daily routines, stating that even 10 minutes of activity can have a significant impact on family well-being. Joe Wicks echoed this sentiment, affirming that getting children active doesn’t require expensive equipment or extensive time commitments. He encourages families to enjoy the process of moving together, regardless of how it looks.
A Government Initiative for a Healthier Nation
The ‘New Moves Club’ is part of the Government’s larger strategy to foster a healthier and more active population, which includes a £400 million investment in grassroots sports facilities. This initiative aims to provide communities with better spaces for physical activity and play. According to Sport England, fostering early habits of physical activity can lead to better health outcomes in the long run, preventing millions of cases of chronic health conditions each year.
This campaign not only aims to inspire families to move together but also highlights the joy and connection that comes from shared experiences. By joining in, parents can help their children build confidence and a positive association with physical activity, creating a foundation for a healthier lifestyle.