World champion gymnast Joe Fraser, para athletics legend Hannah Cockroft and Commonwealth medallist racewalker Tom Bosworth are among 22 elite English athletes taking part in #22for22, a video series that aims to encourage exercise at home as the country goes through another lockdown.
#22for22, set up by Birmingham 2022 and Team England, features recognisable faces from different Commonwealth sports. Each will demonstrate a simple exercise which can be done from home, including workouts that don’t require equipment or that use items found around the house.
From holding the plank position on the living room floor to using the sofa for glute strengthening, athletes were tasked with performing an exercise linked to their sport that a member of the public might be able replicate at home. Viewers can try the exercises and encouraged to film and upload their efforts to social media. The exercises are aimed to inspire members of the public to stay active at home during the latest lockdown since the gyms are closed.
Tom Bosworth, a race walker who won silver at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in 2018, sid: “We all know how important it is to keep our bodies and minds as healthy as we can right now but being stuck at home can be challenging. Even just a small dose of exercise every day will not only keep you fit, but it will leave you feeling energised and will do wonders for your mental health too.
Ian Reid, CEO of Birmingham 2022, said: “Stepping outside for our daily exercise is important, but it might not be possible. “Who better to get inspiration from than a Team England athlete? I’d encourage people from all ages and abilities to give these exercises a go. I’m certainly looking forward to trying them out.”
Paul Blanchard, Commonwealth Games England CEO, said: “We are so proud of the athletes taking part in the #22for22 campaign, encouraging their communities to join in and keep active during a time when it’s not easy to find motivation.” Nigel Huddleston, Minister for Sport, Tourism and Heritage, said: "Staying active is so important right now. It is fantastic that Birmingham 2022 and Team England are coming together to help keep us moving. Thank you to all the athletes involved and I hope they will inspire people across the country to get their daily exercise."
