COACHES have launched an Isolation Challenge on social media to encourage families to exercise in their own homes.

The council’s Active Schools programme, which provides physical activities in schools and after hours, is leading the way with videos of different ways people can keep fit while activities are shut down.

Led by Dunbar and Tranent Active Schools, the coaches came up with the idea and are urging children to post up their own ideas and videos.

Gareth Hill, Active Schools co-ordinator for Dunbar, said: “With all the Active Schools sessions being postponed, the Dunbar Active Schools team discussed ways to keep everyone active while our sessions are finished, and realised social media could be the answer.

“A quick email around local PE staff, community coaches and local sports clubs and we already had people interested.”

A few PE teachers are sending videos in, including Mr Sutherland, principal teacher of health and wellbeing at Dunbar Grammar School.

Adam Martin, Active Schools co-ordinator in Tranent, added: “The great news is we already have a number of videos sent through from the community such as gymnastics coaches teaching stretching techniques, dance teachers creating new routines and crossfit coaches teaching some cardio workouts.

“Hopefully this gives everyone something to smile about in these difficult times.”

A similar scheme is being developed by the council’s Ageing Well co-ordinator for older residents.

The BBC has been  streaming videos of Diana Moran, who was part of an ’80s trend to feature aerobics segments on breakfast television, demonstrating exercises for over-70s to carry out at home, every morning.

To get involved in the Isolation Challenge, search Facebook or Twitter for ‘Dunbar Active Schools’ or ‘Tranent Active Schools’, watch the videos and play along.

The teams are keen to bring more videos forward so submissions of children taking part – or designing their own routine – are welcome too.