Carlisle-born badminton player Lauren Smith is one of 22 elite English athletes taking part in a video series encouraging people to exercise at home as the country goes through its third 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 the comfort of home, including workouts that don’t require equipment or that use items found around the house.
Lauren, a Commonwealth bronze and silver medallist was tasked with performing an exercise linked to her sport that a member of the public might be able to replicate at home.
In her video, she demonstrates throwing a ball against the wall whilst holding a lunge position.
Shown over 22 consecutive days on Birmingham 2022 and Team England’s social media channels, viewers can get involved by trying the exercises and are even encouraged to film and upload their efforts to social media.
The fitness-themed content, featuring other athletes such as world champion gymnast Joe Fraser and Commonwealth medallist racewalker Tom Bosworth, aims to inspire members of the public to stay active at home as the country experiences its third national lockdown.
It comes at a time when gyms are closed, grassroots sport postponed, and outdoor exercise limited to once per day – rules that are set to last until at least February 15.
Lauren first represented Team England at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games where she won mixed team silver and women’s doubles bronze medals. At the Gold Coast
2018, Lauren won silver in the women’s doubles and the mixed doubles and a bronze medal in the mixed team.
She is a double National Champion and has won medals at European Championships as well as representing Team GB at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
Commenting on her involvement in #22for22, Lauren said: “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.
“I hope that people see our #22for22 videos and feel inspired to move their bodies. Workouts don’t need to be complicated, it’s often the simplest exercises that are the best for us.”
For more information about #22for22 and to watch the athletes’ videos, visit: www.birmingham2022.com/22for22
