The government has partnered with celebrity parents in a bid to get families more active.
New research has revealed that 82 per cent of parents would like their family to be more active together. However, the same research also shows that parental confidence can be a significant barrier with 49 per cent of parents saying they are not naturally sporty and 61 per cent avoid activities because they don't think they'll be good at them.
68 per cent of parents also said it is harder to encourage their children to be active if they are not active themselves.
NHS guidelines state that children should aim for an average of at least 60 minutes of physical activity a day, but currently less than half of UK children are getting this recommended amount.
Benefits of moving together include more quality time together, happier children and less screen time.
The government has now launched the next phase of its Let’s Move! campaign with the ‘New Moves Club’ concept, where the focus is not on being ‘good’ at a sport or activity, but on joining in together.
For kids, the number one motivator to get active with their families is to have fun.
The campaign has released a new short film with EastEnders actress and mum of one, Charlie Brooks, who doesn’t see herself as traditionally sporty but enjoys being active with her family. Along with Joe Wicks, she met with parents across the country going side-by-side with their kids to take on activities they’ve never tried together before including basketball, cricket, yoga and hula hooping.
The campaign is part of the government's wider effort to build a healthier and more active nation. According to Sport England, building physical activity directly prevents 3.2 million cases of long-term health conditions per year.
Sports Minister Stephanie Peacock said: "Every child deserves the chance to enjoy the benefits of being active. We know that children who get at least an hour of physical activity a day are happier and healthier, but new research shows that many parents lack the confidence to try activities with their children.
"This year’s Let’s Move! campaign is celebrating having a go, and most importantly having fun. We’re encouraging families to try something new together - whether that’s a kickabout in the park, a quick family walk after school or a dance at home. When parents join in and give it a go, it helps children see that being active is fun, achievable and for everyone."
Charlie Brooks said: "Children don’t care whether you’re sporty or good at something; they just want you to join in with them. That’s something I’ve learned both as a working mum and an auntie. Looking back, some of the best moments with my daughter and my niece and nephew weren’t necessarily the activities that went perfectly; they’d often be the simple moments spent kicking a ball around in the park, dancing in the kitchen or trying something new at the weekend together - however silly we might look."
