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Fitness & Health

05th Jan 2021

The Body Coach Joe Wicks is back to help people get fit during lockdown

Alex Roberts

Joe Wicks

Joe Wicks is back.

The Body Coach Joe Wicks has returned to help people to get fit during lockdown.

Wicks’ early morning workouts were a regular fixture of the first lockdown implemented in the UK back in March 2020, but people from far and wide participated in his workouts, including many in Ireland.

Every morning, Wicks’ social media pages would live stream a fitness session for those looking for an early sweat fest. As gyms reopened, the workouts became less frequent – but recent political measures in the UK have led The Body Coach to resume his live workouts.

On Monday, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson plunged England back into another full national lockdown – the third since the coronavirus initially hit.

As with the initial lockdown, schools have been closed for most students, all but essential journeys are banned and takeaway pints are off the table.

The Body Coach is also now back on the agenda.

Wicks’ workouts will return on Monday, 11 January, as confirmed on The Body Coach’s official Instagram account.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CJoJxfKF8DJ/

Wicks wrote: “PE with Joe is back. Starting Monday the 11th January at 9am on my YouTube channel.

“I am committing to 3 live sessions per week: Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 9am (UK time) They will be 20 minutes long and designed for children.

“Please please share this with as many families as you can and let your schools know so they can notify the parents ASAP and we can get as many young children taking part. This is so important for our children’s emotional and mental health. Lots of love, Joe.”

JOE spoke to Joe Wicks during the first lockdown, ahead of the launch of his BBC podcast.

Having originally gained popularity through his Lean In 15 series of books, Wicks doesn’t think there’s a one-size-fits-all nutrition plan for everyone.

Asked for his thoughts on fad diets such as Paleo and Keto, Wicks said:

“Fad diets can work for some people. People that turn to Paleo and Keto might feel fantastic, but we shouldn’t judge them. They might feel awesome.

“The problem is when everyone is trying to convince you that ‘this is the right way’.”

For Wicks, the worst kind of diet isn’t so much about the food, more the amount of it.

“The main issue I’ve got is with really low calorie deprivation diets, ones with tiny portions completely cutting out fat and carbohydrates. They’re very restrictive – it’s not enjoyable or sustainable.”

Nutrition is particularly important pre and post-workout, although Wicks’ personal approach may surprise you.

“I actually love to train fasted,” he said.

“But it’s personal preference – you can eat a breakfast and still get lean. By training on an empty stomach, I feel like I’ve got the energy from the night before and I train harder.”

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