Helen Mirren Reveals 60-Year Fitness Secret: Military Workout Routine

Dame Helen Mirren, the acclaimed actress known for her roles in Hollywood blockbusters and stage performances, has revealed her secret to staying fit over the past six decades: a 12-minute military workout routine. The 79-year-old actress, who turns 80 in July, shared her fitness regimen in an interview with Women's Weekly, emphasizing her belief in the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) women’s exercise program, known as XBX (ten basic exercises).

Developed in the late 1950s by Dr. Bill Orban, the XBX program was initially designed to improve the fitness of female Air Force recruits. Over 600 women participated in its creation, and it has since gained popularity for its simplicity and effectiveness. The program consists of four charts, each containing ten exercises arranged in progressive difficulty levels. Each chart has 12 levels, totaling 48 levels, with the number of repetitions increasing as one advances.

Mirren, who has followed the routine for 60 years, explained that the program starts with easy exercises and gradually becomes more challenging. ‘It is an exercise regime that starts from very low and easy, then if you follow it through, it can become quite difficult,’ she said. ‘I’ve never gotten past the second level, but it’s a nice little exercise programme.’

The XBX routine includes a variety of exercises such as toe touching, knee raises, lateral bending, arm circling, sit-ups, chest and leg raises, side leg-raises, push-ups from a kneeling position, leg lifts, and a combination of running and hopping. Each exercise is performed within a strict 12-minute timeframe, with participants advised not to advance to the next level until they can complete their current level without excessive strain or fatigue.

Despite her disciplined fitness routine, Mirren admitted to occasionally indulging in less healthy habits, such as enjoying fish and chips. She also emphasized the importance of diet in overall well-being, stating, ‘What you’re putting inside your body does influence how you feel about yourself, so start there.’

Mirren’s revelation highlights the enduring appeal of the XBX program, which remains a practical and accessible fitness option for those seeking to maintain their health without the need for expensive gym memberships.