Are your kids ready to Train Like A Jedi this summer?
Calling all friends of the Resistance! Public Health England (PHE) and Disney UK have launched a new national Change4Life programme – Train Like A Jedi –to inspire children to get active.
Train Like A Jedi campaign
Shropshire Council’s public health team is encouraging families to take part in the programme, which uses the excitement of Star WarsTM and its characters – alongside Double Olympic Gold medalist, Jade Jones – to encourage children to ‘Train Like A Jedi’ and is designed to increase levels of physical activity amongst children in England.
Taking inspiration from the traits of iconic Jedi such as Luke Skywalker and Rey, Train Like A Jedi helps children master six key skills – technique, strength, stamina, speed, agility and mastery.
Children can get active as they learn to master the ways of the Jedi with a fun play along video featuring British Taekwondo athlete and double Olympic gold medalist Jade Jones. Jade alongside a special appearance from BB-8, leads kids through a series of Jedi inspired moves, which will prepare them to be ready for when the Resistance might need them!
The video is designed for children to play along anywhere – either in groups, with their friends, family, or by themselves – and will help children meet the daily recommended physical activity guidelines they need for healthy development and to maintain a healthy weight. The Train Like A Jedi activity can be done in 10 minute bursts throughout the day.
It is recommended that children do at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day[1], yet just 23% of boys and 20% of girls aged 5 to 15 years[2] currently meet this recommendation.
Professor Rod Thomson, Shropshire Council’s director of public health, said:
“Shropshire Council’s public health team is committed to supporting children and their families to lead healthier lives. There are many health benefits for being active, such as improving bone and heart health, building social skills and boosting self-confidence and mental well-being.
“The Change4Life’s ‘Train like a Jedi’ campaign is a great way to gradually increase children’s exercise through simple achievable activities. Encouraging children to do a few extra 10 minute bursts of activity every day can make a real difference to children’s health.”
Nick Bardsley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for children and young people, added:
“We know how difficult it can be to find ways to keep the family active and entertained during the summer holidays. The Train Like A Jedi campaign provides families with fun, free games and activities that children can do in just 10 minutes.
“It’s great to see such an innovative and exciting programme to help encourage children to be more active. Every 10-minute burst of activity that kids do through the Train Like A Jedi programme can help them get the 60 minutes they need each day. I’d really encourage families and children to take part in the campaign and some have fun.”
To help your children get active this summer by mastering the ways of the Jedi, click here: http://po.st/SWShrop or Search Change4Life online to access the Train Like A Jedi video.
Further information
[1] UK Chief Medical Officers’ Guidelines 2011 for children and young people (5-18 years) https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/541231/CYP_infographic.pdf
[2] Health Survey for England 2015, NHS Digital http://healthsurvey.hscic.gov.uk/support-guidance/public-health/health-survey-for-england-2015/physical-activity-in-children.aspx
