Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty
Health

Joe Wicks eyes morning workouts for kids beyond the coronavirus lockdown

He’s stepped up to become the nation’s PE teacher, but when the schools return our cover star wants teachers to take up the mantle

Joe Wicks

Joe Wicks has stepped up to become the nation’s PE teacher at the time when parents needed him most – and he believes he has ushered in a revolution that will continue beyond lockdown.

The Body Coach has reeled in millions of kids and parents alike to join him in his energetic half-hour workouts on YouTube at 9am every weekday.

And while parents might be looking forward to the kids going back to school so youngsters don’t miss out on learning – and the adults get a breather too – Wicks wants what he has started to become something that teachers take on post-lockdown.

He even plans to create a library of content to help them get off the mark.

He tells The Big Issue in this week’s magazine: “That’s my aim. I think that teachers in schools who have been doing it, they’re gonna be like, ‘This was great. I miss that workout, I miss that energy we had, seeing kids with a smile on their face and being more focused afterwards.’

Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty
Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty

“Change can be implemented by the teachers themselves. It doesn’t need government legislation or big bills to be passed, what you really need is just one teacher in every school who champions it. They’ll see the benefit. And they’ll tell the school next door, ‘This is what we’re doing, it’s amazing, give it a go.’”

To read more from Wicks and to support Big Issue vendors while they are unable to sell the magazine on the streets, buy this week’s magazine, available now from The Big Issue Shop. Or to get the latest issue delivered straight to your door or device, head to bigissue.com/subscribe. And now The Big Issue is also available in shops for the first time, pick a copy up in Sainsbury’s, McColl’s or Co-op.

As ever, 50 per cent of the cover price will go to supporting Big Issue vendors.

Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty

HELP VENDORS KEEP WORKING THROUGH THE COLD

For £36.99, help a vendor stay warm, earn an extra £520, and build a better future.
Grant, vendor

Recommended for you

View all
Big Issue's 100 Changemakers of 2026: Health and disability
Changemakers 2026

Big Issue's 100 Changemakers of 2026: Health and disability

Doomscrolling 'steals our joy', a new study warns. Here's how to fight back
Technology

Doomscrolling 'steals our joy', a new study warns. Here's how to fight back

Are you breathing in mould? Soaring pneumonia cases linked to cold, damp houses
a horizontal view of the top floors on a row of terraced houses
pneumonia

Are you breathing in mould? Soaring pneumonia cases linked to cold, damp houses

A plan for equitable eye care was promised years ago. Why are we waiting?
Advertorial

A plan for equitable eye care was promised years ago. Why are we waiting?

Win 2 exclusive screen prints from the iconic film Trainspotting!

Celebrating the film’s 30th anniversary in Big Issue – enter your details for the chance to win.