Olympic silver medallist Gail Emms has helped launch a new campaign to encourage people to be physically active at home as part of Milton Keynes’ year as European City of Sport.
Milton Keynes Council has been working closely with sports and leisure partners to celebrate MK’s European City of Sport 2020 title, and the #MK20in20 campaign was launched in January to encourage physical activity among all age groups and abilities. A different sporting activity has also been celebrated as ‘Sport of the Month’ to promote local clubs and celebrate their success.
Now that most of our time is being spent at home because of the coronavirus outbreak, the #MK20in20 ‘at home’ campaign has been launched to encourage people to still be physically active, and share easy and innovative ways to incorporate activity into everyday routines. Some simple ideas include walking up and down the stairs, indoor Pilates, weight training with everyday items, or short sprint routines in garden.
Emms, who lives in Milton Keynes and won badminton silver at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, has jumped in to motivate others and share some of her own home workout routines.
“It’s so important that we all remain physically active, so I’m really pleased to have helped launch the #MK20in20 ‘at home’ campaign as part of our year as European City of Sport,” said Emms.
“Being active at home doesn’t have to be completed, and you don’t need any special equipment – lots of exercise can be incorporated into our normal everyday routines.”
Cllr Jenny Wilson-Marklew, MK Council’s Cabinet Member for Sport said: “Spending more time at home doesn’t mean we have to stop being physically active – and I’m really excited to see people’s innovative ideas for home workouts. Not only is being active good for our physical health, but it’s also really important for our mental wellbeing too.”
Follow Active MK on Facebook for some #MK20in20 ‘at home’ ideas, share your own efforts on social media using the #MK20in20 tag, and download our pledge tracker to stay motivated.
If you’d like to record your own home workouts to inspire others through the Active MK page, please email harry.wilmin@milton-keynes.gov.uk for details.
