Quest Primary was buzzing with excitement as celebrity fitness trainer Joe Wicks paid a visit for an exclusive workout session. Known for his infectious enthusiasm for fitness, Joe led a whole-school 20-minute exercise routine that involved pupils, teachers and parents/carers under the sunny skies, injecting fun and energy into the school grounds. Joe’s visit was part of his Schools Tour 2024; Quest Primary was one of just 15 schools chosen from over 17,000 applications.

The event didn’t just focus on physical activity; Joe also kindly signed copies of his children’s books which pupils had enjoyed reading prior to his visit as part of the school’s Reading for Pleasure focus, and it also included a lively question and answer session where Joe shared his insights on fitness, mental health, diet and being an author. The trainer discussed everything from the best exercises for building strength to the importance of eating healthily to support both physical and mental wellbeing.

Some key takeaways from the Q&A session were:

  • Reflecting on his own experiences, Joe said that his interest in fitness began around the ages of 6 or 7 through football and PE school. He was an energetic pupil who found that he could channel his energy into PE and sports.
  • According to Joe, burpees and pull-ups are some of the most challenging exercises, although he likes them because they’re good for arm and back strength.
  • Joe spoke passionately about the motivational aspects of exercise, noting how it enhances energy levels and mental clarity. He stressed the significance of physical activity for emotional well-being and managing stress.
  • Joe shared his dietary habits, including a breakfast of eggs on toast or porridge topped with berries and nuts. He confessed to working out five to six days a week, but always leaving room for rest.
  • There were some lighter moments, such as a playful exchange about team sports where Joe was teased by the pupils about being a Chelsea fan!

To cap off the event, Joe made all the pupils promise to stay active during the summer, with everyone enthusiastically raising their hands in agreement. His parting message was clear: staying active is not just about physical health, but is crucial for mental well-being, especially in challenging times.

Quest Primary’s special day with Joe Wicks not only brought smiles (and a bit of sweat!) but also left a lasting impression about the joys and benefits of staying active.