{"id":140360,"date":"2025-09-07T23:08:16","date_gmt":"2025-09-07T23:08:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/140360\/"},"modified":"2025-09-07T23:08:16","modified_gmt":"2025-09-07T23:08:16","slug":"hollywood-icon-has-used-the-same-12-minute-workout-routine-since-the-1960s","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/140360\/","title":{"rendered":"Hollywood icon has used the same 12-minute workout routine since the 1960s"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Helen Mirren, 80, remains a glowing testament to the power of consistency \u2014 and not just in her acting.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The celebrated Oscar-winning actress recently revealed that she still engages in a 12\u2011minute daily military workout that she claims to have followed faithfully for over 60 years.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Developed in the late 1950s by Dr. Bill Orban for the Royal Canadian Air Force, the XBX (Ten Basic Exercises) plan was originally created to help female air force personnel boost their <a href=\"https:\/\/www.foxnews.com\/category\/health\/nutrition-and-fitness\/fitness\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:overall fitness;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">overall fitness<\/a> without gyms or fancy equipment.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.foxnews.com\/health\/tiktok-viral-walking-routine-burns-fat-without-grueling-workouts\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Tiktok&#039;s Viral &#039;6-6-6&#039; Walking Routine Burns Fat Without Grueling Workouts;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Tiktok&#8217;s Viral &#8216;6-6-6&#8217; Walking Routine Burns Fat Without Grueling Workouts<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Mirren recently told Women\u2019s Health she is a &#8220;big believer&#8221; in the system and praised its accessibility.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The XBX regimen consists of four progressive charts, each containing 10 exercises, according to multiple health experts.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><a href=\"https:\/\/foxnews.onelink.me\/xLDS\/mvaj7wvj\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Read On The Fox News App;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Read On The Fox News App<\/a><\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"Helen Mirren's simple XBX workout routine from the Royal Canadian Air Force demonstrates how a vintage 12-minute plan remains effective decades later.\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"540\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/03e18db467dbeb0de18de46047cc36f4.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Helen Mirren revealed that she still engages in a 12\u2011minute daily military workout she claims to have followed faithfully for over 60 years.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Users advance through 48 levels in total (12 levels per chart). While the time it takes to complete each exercise stays the same as you move upward, the number of repetitions increases.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The original RCAF pamphlet includes a foreword praising the method and roots it firmly in the public health goals of that era.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">It emphasizes that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.foxnews.com\/category\/health\/nutrition-and-fitness\/fitness\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:physical fitness;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">physical fitness<\/a> is less about bulging muscles and more about vitality, agility, strength and mental resilience.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Below is a breakdown of how the workout plan is structured.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.foxnews.com\/newsletters?cmpid=fnfirstnl\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Click Here To Sign Up For Our Health Newsletter;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Click Here To Sign Up For Our Health Newsletter<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Exercises 1-4 serve as a warmup, improving flexibility and mobility (2 minutes total)<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Exercise 5 targets the abs and thighs (2 minutes)<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Exercise 6 focuses on the back, glutes and hamstrings (1 minute)<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Exercise 7 works the side thighs (1 minute)<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Exercise 8 strengthens the arms, chest and shoulders (2 minutes)<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Exercise 9 builds waist flexibility and hip\/side strength (1 minute)<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Exercise 10 is a cardio finisher (run\/jump for 3 minutes)<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"The no-equipment military routine developed for female air force personnel has kept the celebrated actress fit for decades\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"540\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/01db2308c09c691abd874c1e1a5ff2a8.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>The XBX routine was developed in the late 1950s for use in Royal Canadian Air Force training.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Mirren, who admits she typically stays within the first two charts and has &#8220;never gotten past the second level,&#8221; appreciates that users can begin gently and gradually adjust the plan to meet <a href=\"https:\/\/www.foxnews.com\/category\/health\/wellness\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:their needs;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">their needs<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Los Angeles-based celebrity personal trainer Kollins Ezekh said the key benefits of the XBX program are its simplicity and practicality.<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"The no-equipment military routine developed for female air force personnel has kept the celebrated actress fit for decades\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"540\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/c02f836a08a74d97cbb1acfcc8e510a8.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>The strict 12-minute framework could appeal to those with busy schedules looking for a quick workout.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;You don\u2019t need a gym, equipment or even much time \u2014 it\u2019s just 12 minutes a day,&#8221; he told Fox News Digital. &#8220;That makes it realistic for busy people who struggle to stay <a href=\"https:\/\/www.foxnews.com\/category\/fitness-and-wellbeing\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:consistent with workouts;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">consistent with workouts<\/a>.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;The routine covers strength, flexibility and endurance, so you\u2019re getting a well-rounded session even though it\u2019s short,&#8221; he added.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">For those trying it for the first time, Ezekh said it&#8217;s important to pace themselves.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;People tend to want results fast, but if you skip ahead too quickly, you increase the risk of injury or burnout,&#8221; he warned. &#8220;I\u2019d recommend treating it like a marathon, not a sprint \u2014 take the time to build a strong foundation.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.foxnews.com\/health\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:For more Health articles, visit\u00a0;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">For more Health articles, visit\u00a0<\/a><a href=\"http:\/\/www.foxnews.com\/health\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:www.foxnews.com\/health;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">www.foxnews.com\/health<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">For older adults or people dealing with any <a href=\"https:\/\/www.foxnews.com\/health\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:health concerns;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">health concerns<\/a>, he recommends getting clearance from a doctor before getting started.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;Overall, I think it\u2019s a great reminder that fitness doesn\u2019t always have to be complicated,&#8221; Ezekh said. &#8220;A little consistency every day goes a long way.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Original article source: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.foxnews.com\/health\/hollywood-icon-has-used-same-12-minute-workout-routine-since-1960s\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Hollywood icon has used the same 12-minute workout routine since the 1960s;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Hollywood icon has used the same 12-minute workout routine since the 1960s<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Helen Mirren, 80, remains a glowing testament to the power of consistency \u2014 and not just in her&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":140361,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[62],"tags":[337,97,12668,16685,87385,6543,87386],"class_list":{"0":"post-140360","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-fitness","8":"tag-fitness","9":"tag-health","10":"tag-helen-mirren","11":"tag-physical-fitness","12":"tag-royal-canadian-air-force","13":"tag-workout","14":"tag-xbx"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/140360","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=140360"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/140360\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/140361"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=140360"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=140360"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=140360"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}