Fitness superstar Joe Wicks calls Glasgow school 'magnificent'

The fitness coach and well-known author visited St Thomas' Primary School in the city's East End this morning as part of his 12-stop UK schools' tour.

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Kids at St Thomas', which was one of 24,000 applicants chosen for the special visit, were treated to a Joe Wicks led workout in the school's playground with teachers and parents, before asking the fitness guru questions in a special Q&A session.

On the tour, Joe hopes to inspire kids across the country to engage in exercise, and learn how local schools are utilising exercise for positive mental and physical health. 

Speaking to the Glasgow Times, Joe said: "I'm starting my school tour of the UK, where I'm visiting 12 schools over the next five days.

"I started in Glasgow here at St Thomas' School and this has been one of the most magnificent schools I've ever visited.

"They are in quite an urban area, yet they've got so many activities and the headteacher is incredible. She is really pushing and promoting exercise for young children's mental health because if the children aren't healthy and happy it's very hard to get them to sit in a classroom and learn.

"So, this is an example of a school that's putting on so many incredible initiatives to really engage the children and the parents in exercise.

"What I love is that today there were parents here to support and be part of it and that's what I'm passionate about, getting the parents and children exercising together.

"It's been an amazing morning here."

The children treated Joe to a live performance of the Lion King's The Circle of Life, which they will be performing in drama this week, as well as presenting him with a 'special' gift of gratitude.

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The school gave him an engraved chopping board, which a delighted Joe said he would use in his Lean in 15 online videos.

Speaking about the visit, headteacher Celine McGuire said: "The children, the staff and the parents have been so inspired by Joe's visit.

"I feel we have really showcased how great our children are in the East End of Glasgow and what Glasgow is doing to improve health and wellbeing in our schools. For us, it's at the forefront of everything we do.

"Joe is so humble, and such a nice and down-to-earth man that wants to learn about the kids and what you're doing in your school, and he wants to promote that physical activity.

"It's been a fantastic day."

To find out more about Joe Wicks, you can find his website HERE