How Joe Wicks Transformed His Pain into a Love for Exercise

Joe Wicks, a household name during the pandemic thanks to his viral workout series “PE With Joe,” has opened up about the profound impact his childhood had on his journey. Through his trials with his father’s drug addiction and his mother’s mental health issues, Wicks found solace in movement, which ultimately became his life’s mission. The Body Coach, as he’s known, has captivated audiences and received an MBE for his contributions to fitness, but it was those early experiences that shaped his path.

In a candid conversation with Express Online, he reflected, “My childhood experiences with both of my parents… really pushed me to find my love of movement, which has completely changed my life into what it is now. Exercise is truly the best way to boost your mental health, and I would encourage anyone to start small – even 10 minutes of movement can make a difference to how you feel.” This message is a testament to his belief in the restorative power of physical activity.

Wicks also shared his thoughts on potential career pivots, pondering the idea of becoming a PE teacher. “Exercise has been such a big part of my life since I was a little boy, it’s hard to imagine doing anything else! I’ve always loved working with kids, especially since becoming a dad, so maybe a PE teacher. There’s something really rewarding about inspiring young minds and making learning fun,” he mused.

However, he didn’t shy away from addressing the darker side of technology. He expressed concerns about social media addiction, admitting, “I think it’s super addictive and it’s something I struggle with myself sometimes.” With an understanding of the challenges ahead for his children, he remains optimistic about the shifting conversations surrounding technology and its impact on daily life.

<pIn his latest venture, Joe is stepping into new territory with an animated series aimed at making fitness enjoyable for kids. These five-minute episodes are designed to energize children while featuring catchy tunes from UK artists as part of Universal Music UK's partnership. Wicks will appear as an animated version of himself alongside a cast of new characters dubbed ‘The Activators,’ adding an exciting dimension to his fitness brand.

This initiative aligns with Wicks’ mission to inspire a new generation to embrace physical activity. The episodes will be freely accessible on YouTube, ensuring families and schools can easily incorporate quick bursts of activity into their routines. It’s a fun and innovative approach to engage children while reinforcing the importance of staying active.