Did you know Townsville has its very own superhero in our midsts? Clad in orange, blue and white, Captain Active has been sighted everywhere from local schools and parks to sporting events; single-handedly waging the war on his arch nemesis — unhealthy and unhappy families.

“It’s about creating a healthy role model who’s fun and who kids want to be like. They eat healthier foods and get active because they want to be like Captain Active” – Luke Wilson

An assuming corporate health consultant, father of two and Under-6 rugby league coach by day; Luke Wilson transforms into the heroic and hilarious Captain Active whenever the call of duty sounds. His mission includes everything from visiting primary schools to teach children about “active” and “lazy” foods and introduce them to new games, to enlisting families in his 12-week programs tailored around fun, and simply cheering participants over the line at local sporting events.

Admitting that he takes on a different persona when he suits up in the blue and orange, Luke reveals he is just a big kid at heart. “I do like to jump around and act like a bit of an idiot,” he says with a grin. “One of the kids at a local school Captain Active was visiting the other day said, ‘I think Captain Active is a little bit crazy…’ (laughs); but it’s all for a good cause!”.

Kids are certainly loving Captain Active’s superhero antics and his important messages are hitting home. “One kid the other day asked their Mum for a carrot as a snack, because ‘that’s what Captain Active eats’,” Luke explains, who came up with the Captain Active concept after observing how much his own children watched and mimicked the behaviour of superheros. “It’s about creating a healthy role model who’s fun and who kids want to be like. They eat healthier foods and get active because they want to be like Captain Active.”

Part of Captain Active’s success is also in the way that he pitches activity to children — it’s not about “exercising”, it’s about “playing”, and eating the right foods to help kids play longer. This is also the focus of the recently-launched 12-week programs that target the whole family unit.

Comprising five different videos a week featuring the very entertaining Captain Active up to all sorts of active antics in Townsville (feats that have seen Luke laughed at by many a backpacker and even culminate in a hospital visit); the program provides 24 new games and 24 different recipes that families can easily implement into their lives.

“The whole concept of Captain Active is getting mums, dads, brothers and sisters involved for a good laugh,” says Luke. “It makes it easy for busy parents who are time poor — all the activities are set out for them and they can do them where ever and whenever they like. It’s about getting out there in the world and doing it.”

Luke, or more fittingly — Captain Active — has been inspired by the feedback he’s receive so far; eventually planning to take the concept all over Australia; and maybe even conquer the world.

“At the end of the day, most kids don’t care about exercising; they just want to have fun. If we can teach them that activity is playing and active fun lets them play longer, then when they are older they will naturally choose healthier food options and the ‘play’ will translate to playing sport, riding their bikes, and going to the gym.

“You know yourself how much better you feel after activity, but kids need good role models to show them that.”

Find out when Captain Active’s next 12-Week Family Program starts at: http://www.captainactive.com.au/