Leisure operator Places for People is to harness the ubiquitous popularity of Peppa Pig in a bid to banish inactivity among children under five.

Entertainment One – creator of the all-conquering IP – has teamed up with activity programme design startup Tumuv to produce the new Move with Peppa programme, which will roll out across Places for People Leisure centres in January 2015.

Designed to build motivation, physical confidence, coordination and balance two to four year olds, the six-week programme will include a range of activities, a ‘Peppa Steppa’ exercise routine and an awards scheme.

“Despite the rising level of inactivity in under-fives there is a surprisingly limited amount of physical activity provision for this age group,” said founder of Tumuv Holly Woodford.

“We wanted to create a programme that would excite and inspire young children as they experience physical exercise for the first time. Children across the country have fallen in love with Peppa Pig through their TV screens so how better to inspire younger generations to be active than through Peppa themed exercises.”

Utilising popular children’s characters to get youngsters into fitness from an early age is becoming an increasing trend, with Disney recently teaming up with Change4Life to develop a schools-based activity initiative.

Finer details of the Move with Peppa programme are currently being finalised, however the 45-minute sessions will be designed to “inspire and engage both parent and child.” Places for People will be the exclusive launch partner for the scheme, which bids to encourage young children to “not only enjoy physical activity at a young age but adopt it as a lifelong hobby.”