RISE, which launches in February, will use bespoke training programmes created by Whyte to connect with the UK’s 11.3 million inactive population via an online platform, donated by virtual exercise hosting specialist, Venueserve Fitness.

RISE consists of three six-week programmes offering gentle and targeted progression throughout each stage. Block one is chair based exercise. Block two is very low intensity interval activity, and stage three is low intensity interval activity.  It also has a yoga-based programme, focussing on agility, and a mindfulness programme.

 “Having previously worked closely on the ‘couch to 5k’ initiative, I realised even this programmes assumes a level of confidence and physical literacy to take the steps to exercise. RISE is different. Our approach is ‘couch to the front door’. RISE doesn’t assume its users have any pre-conditioning, any self-confidence or even self-esteem related to exercise. It really is taking a step back in order to move forward,” says Whyte.

“We plan to promote RISE through the use of celebrity endorsements and promotions, which will help inspire the inactive population to give it a go. We are hopeful one million people will complete the 18-week programme, which will ultimately funnel participants in to more mainstream physical activity.”

Lee Booth, founder and CEO of Venueserve Fitness, which offers a white-labelled virtual exercise platform to health club operators, says: “We are passionate about physical activity being used for social good, and were inspired by the RISE initiative to design, build and film the bespoke training programme on our white-label online platform.”