A elite badminton star from Carlisle is encouraging the public to exercise at home during lockdown.

Carlisle-born badminton ace Lauren Smith is one of 22 elite English athletes taking part in a Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games virtual workout series.

The series of workout videos titled 22for22 has launched in partnership with Team England and features familiar faces from a variety of Commonwealth sports.

Elite athletes demonstrate a simple exercise in each video that can be done from home so that the public can stay fit and healthy whilst following lockdown rules.

22for22 also features champion gymnast Joe Fraser.

In her video, Smith, a Commonwealth bronze and silver medalist, was tasked with demonstrating an exercise related to her sport that people could practice at home.

She decided to task her audience with throwing a ball against a wall whilst holding a lunge position.

22for22 videos are featured on Birmingham 2022 and Team England’s social media channels. The team hopes that the series will inspire people to stay fit during the third lockdown, a period where many are feeling de-motivated with gyms closed and grassroots sport postponed.

Smith debuted with Team England at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, she won silver in the Gold Coast 2018 women’s doubles and mixed doubles, as well as a bronze in the mixed team.

Speaking of her efforts to keep the public active in lockdown, Smith 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.

She said: “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.”

Paul Blanchard, Commonwealth Games CEO said: “We are so proud of the athletes taking part in the #22for22 campaign, encouraging their communities to join in and keep active during a time when it’s not easy to find motivation.”

He said:”We’ve seen from events like London 2012 how the power of sport can bring the nation together and hope that Birmingham 2022 can have that impact as we build to what we’re sure will be an incredible home Games.

"We hope these exercises inspire you to get your kit on and try them out!